Blackhawks still winless

CHENEY – If there's one thing that is at the forefront of Cheney High School football's now 0-3 start in 2023 it's a single word that transcends virtually every part of what has happened on the field so far.

Failing to finish is what head coach Bobby Byrd said best describes things.

"It really came down to not being able to sustain drives and limit big plays on defense," Byrd wrote in an email. "The word that best describes what we need to do is finish."

With Central Valley's Danner Smith rushing for 224 yards and scoring the games first three touchdowns, the Bears sent the Blackhawks home from Sig Hansen Field Sept. 15 with a 28-7 defeat.

Central Valley, and Smith, broke the game open with 14 second quarter points. They increased the lead to 21-0 on Smith's third score before Camden Collins scheduled on a 6-yard pass from Sam Coffin in the fourth quarter.

There were some bright spots at CV as James Guske and Andrew Hounonougbo each had an interception while special the defense added a blocked field goal attempt. Guske blocked the try and Wayne Richmond recovered.

Central Valley outgunned Cheney 451 to 269 with a huge 193-46 advantage in rushing yards.

Kordell Later led the Blackhawks in receiving with nine catches for 91 yards. Collins caught seven balls for 84 yards.

While the stats and record might not indicate, Byrd insisted, "Our team is getting better, but now it is time to finish the game.

That next opportunity comes at University High on Sept. 22 where two 0-3 teams collide for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

"U-Hi presents a great challenge in they have a strong run game and a physical defense," Byrd said.