Hudson’s Bay rallies for first win since 2011

Since it last won a football game, Hudson’s Bay has been battered, bruised and dejected.

That’s why the Eagles’ victory celebration Friday, their first since late in the 2011 season, felt so sweet.

Hudson’s Bay scored two touchdowns in the final two minutes to beat Ridgefield 29-25 at Kiggins Bowl. It snapped the longest losing streak in Clark County at 12 games.

Ayrrius Presley had four touchdown catches, including a 46-yarder with 35 seconds left. The senior is a fitting symbol for a battered Eagles team looking to rise from the ashes.

The last time Presley left Kiggins Bowl, it was on a stretcher after suffering whiplash two weeks ago against Mark Morris.

Friday, Presley was the star at Kiggins Bowl with touchdown catches of 50, 23, 34 and 46 yards. He finished with 237 yards on eight catches.

“I did think I was going to have a big night because so many people have been doubting us,” Presley said. “I figured I would be the one to make something happen.”

More than the injury two weeks ago, Presley was bummed that medics had to cut through his No. 84 jersey. After missing last week’s game, he was back in No. 83.

“I told them ‘just don’t cut it,'” Presley said. “I was devastated. I loved that jersey, but I guess 83 is going to be my new number.”

Trailing 25-6 with 8 minutes remaining, Hudson’s Bay (1-3) looked to be headed toward another loss. Facing fourth-and-20 from the 23 yard line, quarterback Jeremy Matheny avoided a sack before finding Presley in the end zone.

“When plays break down (Presley) gets open,” said Matheny, who finished with 359 yards passing. “He’s someone who finds space.”

Down 25-14 with 2 minutes remaining, Hudson’s Bay still needed a miracle. But Presley got behind Ridgefield’s defense for a 34-yard touchdown catch, bringing the Eagles within 25-22 after a two-point conversion.

The Eagles tried an onside kick, which failed. But after holding Ridgefield, Hudson’s Bay returned a punt to the Spudders 46 with 44 seconds left.

On the next play, Presley again streaked down the middle of the field and hauled in a deep pass with his outstretched arms.

Bedlam on the Eagles sideline ensued. After an interception sealed the victory, second-year coach Sylvester Green was doused with ice water.

“We showed that we never quit,” Green said. “We had a lot of guys banged up and not playing. But the younger guys stepped up.”

Among the Eagles players out Friday was leading rusher Devon Casey, who suffered a concussion last week. Hudson’s Bay starts Class 3A Greater St. Helens play next week.

“This win shows that we’re going to turn this team around,” Matheny said. “It was awesome to see our student body run out and actually get to sing the fight song after the game.”

Tyler Adams had two touchdowns for Ridgefield (0-4), which begins Class 2A play next week.

HUDSON’S BAY 29 RIDGEFIELD 25

Ridgefield — 6 0 19 0 — 25

Hudson’s Bay — 6 0 0 23 — 29

First quarter

HB – Ayrrius Presley 50 pass from Jeremy Matheny (kick blocked)

R – Tyler Adams 38 run (kick blocked)

Third quarter

R – Josh Mason 13 run (run failed)

R – Nathan Eggleston 12 run (Michael Martin kick)

R – Adams 18 pass from Nick Martin (kick blocked)

Fourth quarter

HB – Presley 23 pass from Matheny (Matheny run)

HB – Presley 34 pass from Matheny (Matheny run)

HB – Presley 46 pass from Matheny (Kick good)

Individual statistics

RUSHING — Ridgefield: Mason 14-93, Nathan Eggleston 10-55, Martin 3-minus 5, Tyler Adams 5-62. Hudson’s Bay: Bryan Hopster 11-17, Ane Sipaia 3-minus 1, Matheny 2-12, Ryder Waite 1-minus 4, Stone Sabourin 1-4.

PASSING – Ridgefield: Martin 9-17-132. Hudson’s Bay: Matheny 16-34-359.

RECEIVING — Ridgefield – Mason 2-12, Eggleston 2-6, Adams 2-41, Silas Griffith 4-73. Hudson’s Bay: Presley 8-237, Aaron Henderson 1-12, Erik Ivanov 4-49, Dewayne Whitley 3-61.