Abrams leaves imprint on Ridgefield football

TACOMA — As the clock ran persistently, the remnants of a 42-0 first half by the Steilacoom Sentinels, Ridgefield’s football team showed why this Spudders’ program is on the rise. Under first-year coach Scott Rice, and backed by a flock of relentless supporters, the Spudders fought. Against the Sentinels’ second string unit, Ridgefield rattled off 21 unanswered points before eventually succumbing 42-21 to second-ranked Steilacoom in the 2A State Tournament. 

“I’m proud of my boys,” senior running back Hunter Abrams said. “We never gave up this year, and that’s one thing I’ll take with us. … This is just the start for Ridgefield football” 

Abrams had a 65-yard fumble return to set up a 9-yard Luke Price touchdown, before running for scores of 70 and 14 yards himself. The Ridgefield senior running back continued to model what Rice hopes his program becomes. Abrams finished with 12 carries for 93 yards and a pair of catches for 31 yards in his final game as a Spudder. 

“He’s just a workhorse, and he’s been a workhorse for probably longer than he needs to be,” said Rice, who added that Abrams has likely been playing with a broken wrist. “He’s just a good kid, who has his morals in the right place, his character in the right direction. He’s a kid you can’t help but cheer for.” 

This season was one of great pride for Abrams, who was there for the Spudders’ struggles his first three years when the Spudders went 8-19. This year, Ridgefield finished 6-5 and made its first state tournament appearance since 2005. 

“You remember the good parts,” Abrams said. “I love my guys, especially the hogs. They killed it this year. They made me who I was. I love those guys and I’ll never forget this team.” 

Abrams also paved the way for a bright Ridgefield future. Price, a Seton Catholic transfer, is eager to take the reins from Abrams for his senior season. The two formed a close bond throughout the summer leading up to Price’s eligibility hearing just days before the season started. Price’s medical hardship waiver was granted by the WIAA and the two went to work. 

“Hunter is just an animal. He’s not scared of anyone; he doesn’t back down from anyone,” Price said. “He’ll outwork anyone. Having someone like that to chase all the time was huge for me. … It’s stuff like that that helps change a program, and he’s a prime example.” 

On Friday, things came to a screeching halt against Steilacoom (9-2). The Sentinels boast one of the nation’s top-ranked recruits in five-star Emeka Egbuka, who didn’t disappoint. The junior caught six passes for 107 yards, and had a 71-yard punt return touchdown, a 10-yard receiving touchdown and nine-yard rushing touchdown. De’Andre Napier started the game with a 90-yard kickoff return score, and Chance McDonald and Rasun Williams each had rushing scores for Steilacoom in a 42-0 first half to trigger a second-half running clock. 

But the band kept playing, the cheerleaders kept cheering and the Spudders kept fighting. Matthew Vance had an interception, Trey Knight had a sack and forced fumble and Ridgefield set the stage for continued growth. 

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else; I think there’s something special in this town,” Rice said. “I was excited in June when we talked, and I’m more excited now.” 

STEILACOOM 42, RIDGEFIELD 21

Ridgefield;0;0;7;14;21

Steilacoom;28;14;0;0;42

First quarter

S — De’Andre Napier 90 kickoff return (Graig Padgett kick)

S — Emeka Egbuka 10 pass from Chance McDonald (Padgett kick)

S — Rasun Williams 15 run (Padgett kick)

S — Egbuka 71 punt return (Padgett kick)

Second quarter

S — Egbuka 9 run (Padgett kick)

S — McDonald 11 run (Padgett kick)

Third quarter

R — Luke Price 9 run (Parker Bondegard kick)

Fourth quarter

R — Hunter Abrams 70 run (Bondegard kick)

R — Abrams 14 run (Bondegard kick)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing — R: Luke Price 4-(-9), Hunter Abrams 12-93, Trey Knight 4-59; S: Emeka Egbuka 2-11, De’Andre Napier 6-41, Logan Brady 1-4, Jonathan Tyrell-Smith 9-46, Demari Ross 1-2, CHance McDonald 6-54, Rasun Williams 4-33, Cole Miller 1-(-1), Amir Jumper 1-9, AJ Dela Crus 1-2.

Passing — R: Luke Price 8-22-2-81; S: Chance McDonald 11-12-0-168, Cole Miller 0-1-1-0. 

Receiving — R: Tyler Lehnertz 1-6, Clay Madsen 1-6, Hunter Abrams 2-31, Spenser Harmon 1-9, Ryan Jenkins 1-7, Matthew Torres 2-22; S: Emeka Egbuka 6-107, Tre Horner 2-36, Logan Brady 3-25.