Nighthawks end season in emotional battle

With hearts heavy following the death of captain Zach Smith, the football squad of Tekoa/Oakesdale/ Rosalia ended its season with a 34-26 loss to league foe Pomeroy Friday night at Oakesdale.

Smith, a wide receiver, died in a car accident Nov. 3, and was honored during Friday’s pre-game senior night ceremonies. The game was played with his jersey number 12 painted on the field. He was one of 10 seniors on the team.

Coach Ken Lindgren said his team had to fight through emotional highs and lows throughout the night.

“I really admire the heart and the dedication those kids showed out there,” said Lindgen. “I really hope nobody ever has to go through that.”

The TOR season ended in electric fashion, as the Nighthawks put together a hair raising push to close the game in the final frame.

Down 34-12 with just minutes to go, the ‘hawks closed the gap on a seven-yard scamper by tailback Zach St. John.

Lindgren then called an on-side kick, which Lance Lindgren recovered. QB John Kuhn then dropped back and fired a deep ball to Jared Hereford on a hook ‘n ladder play. Hereford, though, was hit by a Pirate defender just as he made the move to flip the ball to a teammate, and Pomeroy recovered.

The ‘hawks defense stalled the Pirates, and St. John toted in his second touchdown of the game, this one from 15-yards out, to put the game at 34-26, Pirates.

Pomeroy recovered the ensuing onside kick, and ran out the clock to end the game and the Nighthawks’ season.

Kuhn cracked open the scoring for TOR with a two-yard keeper in the first quarter. Earl Gaines added a 16-yard TD catch in the second to account for the other TOR score.

Pomeroy quarterback Trevor Koberstein tallied two touchdowns, one on the ground and one through the air, to lead the Pirate charge.

The ‘hawks finished the season with a 2-4 league record, 3-6 overall.

“This was a fun year. I really enjoyed this season,” said Lindgren. “We had a great group of kids and a great staff of coaches. Unfortunately, these kids were dealt one of the worst blows you can take in the final few days.”