WE KICKED THEIR BUTTS!!!
It was a glorious evening of Bomber football, my friends, and fulfilled every hope and dream I’ve had for my team in my 27 years of being PROUD to be a Bomber.
The Bombers played brilliant, inspired, flawless football — seriously, there wasn’t a single mistake made.
You can imagine my euphoria. Before I give you all the pictures you so richly deserve for your patience, though, let me first give you the official game recap.
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Bombers snap streak, 34-18
By SONNY ELLIOTT – Bulletin Sports Editor
Mountain Home’s Evan VanDolah took his team’s first offensive snap and raced 59 yards for a touchdown and history turned on a dime Friday evening at Bomber Stadium.
In front of a packed house, the Bombers dominated the ground rolling up 417 yards rushing on 49 attempts en route to a dominating 34-18 victory over the Harrison Golden Goblins.
The victory ended 19 years of frustration for the Bombers and their fans. Mountain Home’s last victory came in 1985 on the banks of Crooked Creek at Goblin Stadium.
Fullback Tommy Epps finished with a monster night, running 25 times for 240 yards and three touchdowns. VanDolah was no slouch, toting the ball eight times for 162 yards.
The feeling of euphoria encompassed the players, fans and coaches.
“It’s awesome,” said second-year head coach Shane Patrick. “I asked the kids if this was as sweet as I told them, and they replied it was 10 times better and words can’t describe it. I have to say the same thing.”
After forcing a punt by Harrison to start the game, VanDolah ripped off his scoring jaunt and Mountain Home had set the tone for the contest.
“It was huge,” said Patrick of the score. “They knew they would have to keep him inside and not let him get loose. When he got loose, they had to concentrate more on stopping him, and that let Tommy get open on the inside.”
After Harrison’s second punt of the night, Mountain Home went up 14-0 with a 71-yard scoring drive. VanDolah fueled the march with runs of 20, 3, 9, 10, 20 and 1 yards, the latter for the score. Sophomore Jake Young’s PAT kick set the score at 14-0.
Harrison fought back to put a pair of scores on the board, but Mountain Home was able to maintain the lead with a blocked extra point by Kyle Byrd and a foiled 2-point conversion.
Mountain Home was able to regain control of the game when Epps erupted for a 57-yard gain to the Harrison 23 and then rambled the distance on the ensuing snap. The PAT failed.
The Bombers would lead 27-12 at the half, thanks to a 17-yard run by Epps that capped a 51-yard scoring march.
Harrison would pull within nine at 27-18 midway through the third quarter, but the Bombers had the answer with an 80-yard scoring drive. Epps ran in for the score from 4 yards out, and Young’s PAT set the finale at 34-18.
The Goblins drove deep into Bomber territory late, but Shawn Roberts’ interception of a Guy Brown pass turned back Harrison.
Mountain Home followed with a steady diet of Epps up the gut to run out the clock.
“I take my hat off to Coach (Tom) Tice, he’s got a great football, and to beat them is a great honor for us,” said Patrick. “Our young men played their tails off, and I’m really excited for them.”
The running of Epps and VanDolah was due to the dominance of the Harrison defensive line by the Bombers and the determination of the Bomber backs.
“We felt like it was working, and I would’ve felt terrible if I quit doing what we were doing and somehow we lost the game,” said Patrick about the offense. “We did it until they made us stop, but fortunately we just kept moving the ball down the field and scoring points.”
Patrick also feels the win could propel them for the season.
“This gives us confidence. It allows us to take the next step,” he said. ” Winning last week was a great thing for us, but beating Harrison and the importance in Mountain Home of beating Harrison is special. Now, we have to get back on the ground after we enjoy this win and get ready for Van Buren.”
The community was credited for its part in the win.
“It’s been so long since we’ve beaten Harrison, and to come out and play as well as we did, it’s got to be a boost to the community,” said Patrick. “I have to give the community credit, they’re a part of this whole thing, and we can’t be successful without them.
“Several people told me that they’ve been here for 20 years, and they don’t know if they’ve seen this many people at Bomber Stadium,” he added. “I have to thank the community for supporting this football program.”