Clayton Frank was stopped just inches from the goal on a two-point conversion try with 13 seconds to go as W.F. West held on for a non-league home win.
The Bearcats got a long pass play for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to take an 18-3 lead.
But Frank connected with Nathan Hawthorne for a touchdown pass play to draw River with 18-10.
After forcing the Bearcats to punt, River drove downfield for the potential tying scoring.
Frank ran the ball in for a touchdown with 13 seconds to go. On the conversion, Frank rolled out to pass, then tried to run for the end zone when he was stopped short.
“We dug ourselves a hole,” Columbia River coach John O’Rourke said. “And we had a touchdown called back by a penalty in the third quarter which would have made things easier. … But we fought back really well. Hopefully, we’re able to eliminate a few more mistakes and show some improvement as we continue into league play.
W.F. WEST 18, COLUMBIA RIVER 16
Columbia River 3 0 0 13–16
W.F. West 12 0 0 6–18
First quarter
WF — Touchdown
CR — Zach Perron 30 FG
WF — 75 kickoff return
Fourth quarter
WF — 55 yard pass play
CR — Nathan Hawthorne pass from Clayton Frank (kick good)
CR — Frank 6 run (run failed)
