Pear Bowl 2022: Kodiaks give it their all

After securing the Pear Bowl trophy last year, the Kodiaks endured a tough loss in this year’s annual rivalry game against Cashmere.

Cashmere took an early first quarter lead with the first touchdown of the game and a 2-point conversion. The Kodiaks returned the favor moments later when senior duo Kaston Dillon and Kai Lewman scored a touchdown and a 2-point conversion, Dillon with the touchdown and Lewman with the conversion, ending the first quarter in a tie of 8-8.

Both teams came out strong into the second quarter battling for the lead. Cashmere added another touchdown and the Kodiaks followed right on their tail when senior and Captain Kai Lewman gained them another 6 points with a running touchdown to bring the score to 14-15 by half time.

By the third quarter nerves began to rise as the teams butted heads to gain the lead. Cashmere took advantage of their lead and snagged two touchdowns to finish the third quarter, leaving the Kodiaks in a tough spot.

Going into the fourth quarter, Cashmere came out eager to play, scoring a touchdown and field goal to bring them up to 35 points. The Kodiaks refused to give in when Senior Jones Duncan got a passing touchdown, bringing the Kodiaks up to 20 points. Cashmere was able to hold off the Kodiaks to win the game 35-20.

You win some, you lose some. When asked what the team could take away from this game, Head coach Dominique Coffin proudly said, “It is always good to get tested and challenged in a game. I think we were able to learn a lot from this game on the areas that we need to work on and grow in.” This game was a steppingstone for the Kodiaks as they continue with their season.

This year’s Pear Bowl was an exciting game where both schools never gave up, playing with great willpower and school pride.