Bulldogs rally to victory

CASHMERE - It was a night of incredible twists and turns as the Cashmere Bulldogs orchestrated an unforgettable comeback in their 2023 homecoming game, defeating the Omak Pioneers in a thrilling contest. Overcoming a 14-point deficit in the first quarter, the Bulldogs clinched a remarkable victory with a final score of 28-21, further cementing their undefeated season and securing the top spot in the Caribou Trail League.

The Omak Pioneers burst onto the field with a fiery start, ignited by their senior quarterback, Beau Sackman. Sackman delivered two exceptional touchdown runs in the first quarter, covering an astonishing 40 yards and an impressive 80 yards, giving the Pioneers an early lead. However, Cashmere responded later in the quarter with two touchdowns of their own.

Senior running back Tyler Peterson exhibited his exceptional skills with a 33-yard touchdown run, followed by a sensational 6-yard touchdown catch by sophomore Isaac Zavala from Rylan Hatmaker, leveling the score at 14-14. The Bulldogs surged ahead early in the second quarter when Hatmaker connected with senior tight end Dalan Smart on a 20-yard touchdown reception, granting them their first lead of the game at 21-14.

Not to be outdone, the Pioneers answered when Sackman found Taegen Mullin on a 68-yard deep crossing route for a touchdown, making it 21-21 going into halftime.

The second half of the game was a display of dominance by the Bulldog defense. Cashmere's defensive unit contained Sackman and exhibited exceptional teamwork as they kept the Pioneers at bay. Peterson added to his accolades with a 12-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter, giving the Bulldogs a 28-21 lead.

With just eight minutes remaining, Cashmere's defense forced Omak into a turnover-on-downs situation. The Bulldogs then relied on their ground game to eat up precious clock time. Although they faced a brief hiccup with a lost fumble under two minutes, senior Trae Smith secured his second interception of the night from Sackman, sealing the victory for the Bulldogs.

Peterson showcased his skills by rushing for 85 yards on 23 carries, notching two touchdowns. Zavala contributed with 83 yards on 13 carries. The Cashmere offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage in the second half. Hatmaker completed 13 of 20 passes for 156 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception. Sophomore Logan Spies caught six passes for 58 yards, while Smart and Zavala each hauled in four receptions for 57 and 26 yards, respectively.

Sackman, the 2022 CTL Offensive Player of the Year, was contained after Omak's first two drives. He finished the night 10-for-33 for 176 yards with one touchdown and rushed for 113 yards on 11 carries. Mullin emerged as a receiving threat, securing four passes for 115 yards for Omak.