This week in area sports –

This Week in Area Sports

Tuesday, Sept. 3 Boys soccer Pendleton at Lewiston (Idaho), 4 p.m. Girls soccer Pendleton at Hood River Valley, 7 p.m. Prep volleyball Ione/Arlington at Pilot Rock, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 Prep football Powder Valley at Pilot Rock, 7 p.m. Girls soccer Pendleton at Riverside, 4 p.m. Prep volleyball Pilot Rock at Heppner, 4 p.m. Bickleton at Nixyaawii, 5 p.m.…

Volleyball

PILOT ROCK DROPS 2 The Rockets had a tough day at the Central Christian Tournament, dropping matches to St. Paul and Central Christian. “We played two solid teams that performed well last season,” Pilot Rock coach Jen Porter said. St. Paul was sixth overall in 1A.” In their first match against the Buckaroos, the Rockets fell behind early in the…

Pendleton’s Marcellus Scott laughs as coach Patrick Udofia gives his helmet a congratulatory pat after a good play on the field against Scappoose on Aug. 30, 2024, at Pendleton High School. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

Bucks falls short against Scappoose in season opener

By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor Primus connects with Strong for four touchdowns PENDLETON — For 3 1/2 quarters, Pendleton/Nixyáawii gave second-ranked Scappoose all it could handle, but two costly turnovers by the Bucks in the fourth quarter helped the Indians to a 49-35 victory Friday, Aug. 30, at Pendleton High School. “Honestly, walking in, I had no idea how…

Nixyáawii’s Brianah Matamoros and Aiyana Thompson-Redelk attempt to block a hit by Maya Payne, of Heppner, on Aug. 29, 2024, during the Umatilla/Morrow Volleyball Jamboree at Pendleton High School. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

Area Sports Roundup

By ANNIE FOWLER | Photos by KATHY ANEY | CUJ Special Contributors Pilot Rock splits matches at volleyball jamboree PENDLETON — Nine volleyball teams from Umatilla and Morrow counties came together Thursday, Aug. 29, for a jamboree at Pendleton High School, giving teams a chance to work out the bugs before the season gets under way.  “We really enjoyed the…

Nixyaawii’s Noah Pierson and head coach Wyekin Bill run during cross-country practice on Aug. 23, 2024. KATHY ANEY | CUJ FILE PHOTO

Schimmel setting the pace for Golden Eagles

NCS FALL CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor Nixyaawii’s girls program is starting to take flight MISSION — Weyekin Wildbill is building the Nixyaawii Community School cross country with a little deception, but he will do whatever it takes to get the kids out on the road. “A majority of the cross country team does play basketball,”…

Pendleton cross-country runners tackle a hill during practice on Aug. 22, 2024. KATHY ANEY | CUJ FILE PHOTO

Pendleton boys bucking for a return trip to state

PENDLETON CROSS COUNTRY FALL PREVIEW By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor Two-time state qualifier Jack Reynolds leads the way for the Bucks PENDLETON — Maddy Naughton is excited to get the season started. The Pendleton cross country coach has a plethora of talent returning on the boys team, and the girls team, which was one point shy of qualifying for…

Pendleton’s Josie Jeness sets the ball during practice on August 22, 2024. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

Bucks looking to make another run at GOL title

PENDLETON FALL VOLLEY BALL PREVIEW By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor Primus takes over program after Speer resigns PENDLETON — It’s never easy being the new kid on the block. It’s even tougher when you are the coach. Pendleton volleyball coach Jodi Primus, who took over the program just a few weeks ago when Chelsie Speer abruptly resigned, finds herself…

Weston-McEwen quarterback Easton Berry hands off to Maddox King during football practice on Aug. 26, 2024. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

Weston-McEwen Fall Sports Preview

CROSS COUNTRY – FOOTBALL – VOLLEY BALL By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor TigerScots have a small but mighty program Dobos takes over Weston-McEwen team ATHENA — The great thing about cross country is there are so many fabulous places to run. Weston-McEwen coach Bill Dobos, who took over the program from his son Jeremy this season, likes to load…

The Pilot Rock cross-country team warms up with a run around the track during practice on Aug. 27, 2024. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

Pilot Rock Fall Sports Previews

CROSS COUNTRY – FOOTBALL – VOLLEY BALL CROSS COUNTY: Rockets ready for a change  By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor Pilot Rock hasn’t sent a runner to state for 23 years PILOT ROCK — It has been ages since Pilot Rock sent a cross country runner to the state championships. That is something Rockets coach Tyler Zyph would like to change.…

Pendleton’s Jared Pace reaches for the ball during soccer practice on Aug. 23, 2024. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

Defense to carry Pendleton until offense kicks in

FALL SOCCER PREVIEW Bucks graduated their entire offense from last year By ANNIE FOWLER, CUJ Special Contributor PENDLETON — Former Alabama football coach Bear Bryant once said, “Offense sells tickets. Defense wins championships.” Pendleton boys soccer coach Evan Brandhagen is going to have to depend on his team’s defense this season as the Bucks’ entire offense graduated, including Greater Oregon League…