Royal edges Cashmere in overtime, 21-15, in top-ranked 1A clash

ROYAL CITY — The Cashmere Bulldogs came within a single play of ending Royal’s state-leading winning streak Friday night, falling 21-15 in overtime in a matchup of the state’s top two Class 1A football teams at David Nielsen Stadium.

Royal, the defending state champion and winner of eight of the last nine state titles, extended its streak to 40 games. Cashmere, ranked No. 2 in the state, dropped to 4-1 overall.

After a scoreless first quarter, Cashmere struck first early in the second. Lining up in a heavy formation, junior Braylon Rubio took snaps at quarterback and handed off to sophomore Jacoby Tait, who scored from a yard out. Rubio then added the two-point conversion to give the Bulldogs an 8-0 lead, which they carried into halftime as their defense held Royal scoreless.

Royal finally broke through late in the third quarter when quarterback Grant Wardenaar pushed across the goal line on a 1-yard sneak. Wardenaar then connected with Dax Jenks for a two-point conversion, tying the game at 8-8 and ending Cashmere’s streak of 18 consecutive scoreless quarters on defense.

Cashmere answered immediately, marching 80 yards downfield before senior quarterback Rylan Hatmaker found senior receiver Isaac Zavala for a 25-yard touchdown. Kicker Edgar Sayid Reyna converted the extra point, giving Cashmere a 15-8 lead with 9:37 remaining.

Royal responded on the next series, as Wardenaar connected with Anderson Brown for a 9-yard touchdown pass. The extra point tied the game 15-15 with 6:49 left to play. Neither team could score again in regulation.

Cashmere had the first possession in overtime but came up empty after a 40-yard field goal attempt missed. Royal capitalized on its turn, with Wardenaar finding Jenks for a 13-yard touchdown pass to secure the win. The Knights missed the extra point, but Cashmere was unable to reach the end zone on its ensuing possession.

Despite the loss, Cashmere’s defense held Royal to just 77 rushing yards and limited all-state receiver Shea Stevenson to two catches for 52 yards, one week after he had four touchdowns against Zillah. Junior defensive end Grey Jacobson led the Bulldogs with four tackles for loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery. Prin Fox, Tait, and Joseph Acton anchored the interior and helped control the run game.

On offense, Hatmaker completed 20 of 30 passes for 216 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Zavala caught seven passes for 59 yards and a score. Senior Tom McDevitt added four receptions for 95 yards, while Logan Spies (five catches, 32 yards) and David Odenrider (three catches, 28 yards) also contributed. Cashmere outgained Royal 91-77 on the ground, led by Tait’s 33 yards on 13 carries and Hatmaker’s 35 yards on seven runs.

Cashmere will host Zillah (4-1) on Friday for Homecoming in a South Central Athletic Conference matchup with playoff implications.