Prep football preview: Columbia River at R.A. Long
COLUMBIA RIVER (9-3) vs. R.A. LONG (6-4)
When, where: 7 p.m., Thursday; Longview Memorial Stadium, R.A. Long HS, Longview
Internet radio: kbamcountry.com
Last meeting: Columbia River won 32-0 in 2014
Players to watch: Two players who had their junior seasons cut short by injury are back for both teams: Columbia River RB Travon Santiago and R.A. Long QB Owen Bertram
Game notes: River is replacing a large number of starters this season. But as is the case almost every year, the players moving into the starting lineup this season have a good amount of varsity experience. Coach John O’Rourke is good at getting new starters ready to play. … O’Rourke is going for career win No. 149. … Columbia River has won its last five season openers …. R.A. Long started 4-1 last season – the lone loss to River – before Bertram got hurt. He’s back, and the Lumberjacks got RB/LB Gunnar Blix, a transfer from Wahkiakum.
The Prep Proletariat says: “Anyone who picks against Columbia River in Week 1 because they have a lot of new starters doesn’t know River well, especially when facing a 2A foe. COLUMBIA RIVER 34, R.A. LONG 12”
