HS Football: Wahkiakum Outscores Pomeroy to Advance to the 1B Semi Finals in High Paced Shoot Out

11/23/25

Wahkiakum Mules 66, Pomeroy Pirates 34

In what was a high-scoring and quick-moving game, the Mules dominated on offense to run away with the victory against the #6 seed Pomeroy. Both teams got off to hot starts, but Wahkiakum started to slowly creep away with the lead as the game went on. Both teams had similar records coming into the game, with Pomeroy being 9-1 and Wakiakum being 10-0. In what was an intense battle between the offenses, it was the defense that prevailed for the Mules.

First Half

It only took 49 seconds for the Pirates to score on their opening drive with a 2-yard touchdown run from Kyzer Herres. The Mules then responded with a slower but equally effective drive as Joseph Merz burst through the gap for a 38-yard touchdown run to tie the game. The defense for Wakiakum started to catch a rhythm as they forced a turnover on downs and got the ball back in their offense’s hands. Jayden Stoddard found Gage Robinson for a 43-yard reception that set up a 5-yard touchdown run from Cooper Carlson. The Pirates would respond quickly with a 59-yard touchdown run from Kyzer Herres for his second of the day. Both teams remained tied after the first quarter.

The second quarter is where Wahkiakum caught fire on both sides of the ball. Another big 25-yard run from Carlson led to a 6-yard touchdown catch by Gage Robinson from Jayden Stoddard. Pomeroy would move quickly down the field, but would have a costly fumble that was recovered by Wahkiakum. In just one play, Jayden Stoddard ran away for an 88-yard touchdown that would open the floodgates. Everything started going right for the Mules as they would go for an onside kick and recover successfully. Cooper Carlson had another bog run before Gage Robinson again got into the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown catch. Pomeroy threw an interception a few plays into their next drive to Gage Robinson to give the Mules back the possession. Again, Wahkiakum would score quickly on a 24-yard run from Cooper Carlson. Wakiakum led 40-14 at halftime.

Second Half

Wahkiakum got the ball to start the half but threw an interception to Kyzer Herres who ran it back for the touchdown. The Mules were not fazed however and marched down the field on quick fashion. They capped off the drive with a 38-yard catch and run from Cooper Carlson for the score. Again, Pomeroy put together a nice drive on their next possession but would fumble in the red zone recovered by Cooper Carlson. The Mules went right back to work swiftly and ended the drive with a 30 yard touchown run from Jayden Stoddard. The Mules went into the fourth quarter leading 54-22.

Pomeroy would start with a good field position to start the fourth quarter before Kyzer Herres broke free for a 57-yard touchdown run. The Mules began to chew the clock and wind the time down. They put together a long and methodical drive that ended with a 13-yard touchdown from Parker Leitz. Wahkiakum forced a turnover on downs and scored quickly on a 34-yard touchdown run from Preston West. With time expiring, Pomeroy put up one last drive and marched down the field before Vincent Vecchio found the end zone for the 5-yard touchdown. Time would run out, and Wakiakum would win 66-34 and advance to play Liberty Christian (Richland) on Saturday, November 29th, in the 1B semi-finals.

MVP and Stats

Our Thorbecks MVP of the game went to Cooper Carlson, who had three touchdowns on the day and a fumble recovery. He tallied 8 carries for 115 yards and two rushing scores. He also had three catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. Gage Robinson had 2 receiving touchdowns and an interception on the day, with six catches for 74 yards. Jayden Stoddard went 16/31 passing with 227 yards and four touchdowns. He also had 11 carries for 187 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Preston West had 11 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown. Parker Leitz had 6 catches for 93 yards and a touchdown as well.

Pomeroy had a great game and put up big yardage. Kyzer Herres had 23 carries for 237 yards and two rushing touchdowns as well as a pick-six. Vincent Vecchio had 6 carries for 27 yards and a touchdown. Rory McKeirnan had 5 carries for 51 yards. A hard-fought battle, but the Pirates came up short. Nonetheless, an amazing season filled with memorable moments. Best of luck to all the seniors who played their final high school football game of their career.

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