In football, a win is considered a treasure. That’s especially true for the R.A. Long Lumberjacks who won their second straight game on Friday Night.

The Lumberjacks narrowly defeated their 2A GSHL opponent, the Hudson’s Bay Eagles 22-21.

“Pirate energy, baby!” RAL coach Jon Barker exclaimed. “That’s the mantra in every decision we make. We look at each other and are on the same page. “

The Lumberjack faithful could tell that the coaching staff and players were on the same page all night long. From the first kickoff, they were looking to get some strip fumbles. They wanted the ball. The Jacks were willing to do whatever it took to come out with the win.

“The biggest difference is our kids are overcoming adversity,” Barker continued. “Our coaching staff is working more collaboratively and there’s trust amongst us all.”

The Eagles did have a chance to win the game. With less than a minute remaining, a 42-yard field goal attempt fell just short.

In the fourth quarter, the Jacks defense stepped up. They had the Eagles pinned on their end of the field. Though, a costly penalty gave Hudson’s Bay some help with 4th and 1.

Michael Miller then threw a 34-yard pass to Saith Elguea-Zarate. The Eagles failed to convert on a two-point attempt giving them a 21-14 lead with under 9 minutes to play.

The Jacks used a balanced attack with some big plays from Kolby Knudsen, Jaxson Rivenes and TraMayne Jenkins. With under 4 minutes to go, a penalty forced the Jacks back where they would face 4th and Goal from the 15-yard line. That’s when Rivenes found Jenkins for the touchdown. The Jacks then faced a tough decision, do you go for two and hope for the win? Or do you kick the PAT and tie it up?

A penalty against the Eagles might’ve helped that decision. The ball was moved half the distance to the goal. The Jacks decided to go for two and it paid off as Rivenes completed a pass to Devon Harris to put the Jacks up 22-21 with 3:49 to play.

“I knew that I had to be the playmaker for my team,” Jenkins stated.

For most of the game, the Eagles had established a solid run game. They had both the power and the speed.

The Lumberjacks improve to 2-1 on the season. It’s the first time since 2021 that R.A. Long has two wins in a season. They’ll face Hockinson at home next week.

BOX SCORE

At KIGGINS BOWL

LUMBERJACKS 22, EAGLES 21

R.A. Long 6 8 0 8— 22

Hudson’s Bay 7 8 0 7 — 21

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