Columbia River turned up the defense in the second half, and the Chieftains offense tacked on three fourth-quarter touchdowns to pull away from the visitors from Oregon.
Remick Kawawaki rushed for 110 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown, and Clayton Frank had 79 yards rushed and three TDs.
River coach John O’Rourke said with more game time, his players are gaining the experience that is leading to big plays.
“Our offensive line blocked a lot better than the last couple of weeks,” River coach John O’Rourke said. “Our running back and quarterback and getting more comfortable.”
River had problems in the first half and was forced to punt on several occasions.
The second half turned around as the Chieftains recovered three Rainier fumbles including one by Dylan Derhalli, who returned it 20 yards for a touchdown.
Next up: Columbia River (2-2) at Hudson’s Bay
Rainier, Ore. 6 6 0 0—12
Columbia River 8 6 0 21—35
First quarter
CR — Clayton Frank 11 run (Frank run)
R — Brad Tripp 7 run (run failed)
Second quarter
CR — Frank 10 run (kick failed)
R — Ethan McGlone 89 run (run failed)
Fourth quarter
CR — Dylan Derhalli 20 fumble return (Ben Craft kick)
CR — Frank 22 run (Craft kick)
CR — Remick Kawawaki 10 run (Craft kick)
Leaders
Rushing — Columbia River — Kawawaki 19-110; Frank 12-79.
Passing — Columbia River — Frank 10-13-1-57.
Receiving — Columbia River — Kevin Cotter 6-51; Cameron Jay 1-1; Dennis Henderson 1-2; Ian Christenson 2-3.
