HILLSBORO – In a rematch of the 2010 3A title game, Rainier (Lewis & Clark League) defeated Santiam Christian (Pac West), 20-14, in the second of four games in the inaugural Pure Focus Kickoff Classic at Hillsboro Stadium on a warm Saturday afternoon. The last game either team played was last December 4, on the same artificial turf – albeit with air temperatures 50 degrees colder. Nine months ago, Rainier powered its way to a 40-24 championship victory, setting up this early September endowment game rematch. While the Columbians proved they are defending champs until knocked off, the Eagles from Adair Village showed they can go toe-to-toe with the big, physical team from Columbia County.

In large part, this game was one of contrasts, ranging from style of play even to uniforms. Rainier came out decked in all black with green helmets, while SC wore its road white tops. The Columbians’ offense is as subtle as a 2 x 4 across the head. Rainier lines up the biggest offensive line in small class football and direct snaps to a stable of fast, shifty runners who disappear behind a massive black wall until it’s too late. Santiam Christian plays a hurry-up spread offense that was surprisingly effective against Rainier. The result of this clash in style and talent was an entertaining first half but a scoreless second half.

Both teams lost key players to graduation last season. Rainier said goodbye to 2010 3A defensive POY Nick Huelter, as well as speedy running back Carson Skeans, who torched the Eagles for 200 yards rushing and five TD’s in last year’s title game. Santiam Christian graduated all-state 1st team running back Brycen Stultzman and 2nd team QB Brian Kessi. But both Rainier and Santiam Christian return enough players from 2010 to compete for the 2011 title.

Rainier got on the scoreboard first at 7:41 in the opening period when senior Matthew Cathcart scored from 2 yards out. Cathcart is no stranger to SC as the returning 1st team all state RB rushed for 176 yards and a score in the 2010 title game. Cathcart’s short plunge was set up by a key 4th down pass completion from Brad Tripp to Marshall Dean, who made a great acrobatic catch, falling to the ground holding the ball in one hand. However, the conversion failed, leaving Rainier with an early 6-0 lead.

The Columbians struck again four minutes later when Ethan McGlone scored from 45 yard out. The play was typical of what happens when defenders lose track of Rainier’s ball carriers behind that massive line. By the time McGlone reached the edge and turned the corner, it was a foot race down the sideline untouched for a score. Again, the conversion failed with Rainier holding a 12-0 lead.

(L) Rainier's Marshall Dean hauls in key pass in 1st qtr; (R) Columbians' Kevin Brower (47) secures TD pass in end zone. 

Photos by Bruce McCain

But Santiam Christian immediately responded with its own scoring drive on the next possession. The Eagles drove to the Columbians’ 24 yard line but faced a 4th down and 10 yards to go. SC junior quarterback Grant Schroeder led his Eagles up to the line of scrimmage in a spread formation. But rather than throw downfield, Schoeder dumped off a screen pass to his favorite target, senior Jeff Hendrix, who scored while being horse-collar tackled at the goal line. Hendrix converted the PAT and thanks to the 15-yard penalty, booted the kickoff for a touchback. SC was back in the game, trailing 12-7.

Rainier answered at 6:29 in the second period. Facing a first and goal from the 15 yard line, Tripp hit a streaking Kevin Brower over the middle in the end zone. Brower gathered in the pass, then finished with a nifty baseball slide on the turf. This time the Columbians converted the 2-point conversion, despite starting from the 8-yard line following a penalty. The defending champs now held a 20-7 lead, but Santiam Christian wasn’t finished scoring in the first half.

The Eagles responded with an impressive drive of their own, capped by a 9-yard touchdown run by senior Reese Schaffner. Hendrix’ PAT closed the gap to 20-14 as both teams headed to the locker room after giving the Hillsboro Stadium crowd a thoroughly entertaining first half.

Given the 20-14 first half score, this game was on pace to match last year 40-24 finale. But neither team could score in the second half as the game turned into a bruising defensive struggle. Santiam Christian had a chance to take the lead and possibly win the game early in the 4th quarter. With 11:55 left, Rainer QB Tripp made his worst decision of the afternoon, throwing into tight coverage from his own goal line. Defending on the play was Hendrix, a 2010 1st team all state receiver, who knows how to go up for a pass, regardless of who throws it. Hendrix out jumped Dean, coming down with the pick at the Rainier 24-yard line. Santiam Christian was at the door and knocking. But Rainier stuffed the next three plays, setting up the play of the game.

(L) SC's Alex Hovelsrud (2) beats double coverage; (R) Eagles' Jeff Hendrix (14) makes key interception in 4th qtr. 

Photos by Bruce McCain

With 10:34 to play and facing 4th down on Rainier’s 27-yard line, Schroeder bought enough time to allow receiver Joe Pelley to get behind his defender. Schroeder lofted a perfect fade pass to the end zone to a wide-open Pelley who unfortunately dropped a sure touchdown pass without a Columbian within five yards. Rainier took over on downs. Santiam Christian did not give up, however, stopping Rainier on downs on the 41-yard line with 2:44 t o play. However, a bigger concern for the Eagles was seeing their 1st team all state defensive lineman Tyler Ropp helped off the field, favoring his left leg or ankle.

Following the final whistle, each team lined up for the traditional handshake to an appreciative Hillsboro Stadium audience, as small school fans got a first-hand look at the teams to beat in 2011. Conspicuous in the stands to the end were players and fans from 3A Dayton, which hopes to challenge these two finalists once again in 2011. Also noticeable in the stands was 2A Scio, which scheduled Rainier for a nonleague match-up between 2010 3A and 2A champions on September 30. If the undersized 2A Loggers thought Dayton was a load to handle, wait until Rainier gets off the bus.

Complete game photos at Rainer vs SC 090311