ROSEBURG – The Roseburg football team started the 2017 season by taking a two score lead over the visiting Gresham Gophers, but the Indians were held scoreless in the second half and suffered a 21-14 loss on Friday night at Finlay Field.
Roseburg started the scoring with a 50-yard drive that ended on a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Collin Warmouth with 5:35 left to play in the first quarter. The Tribe held Gresham out of the end zone in the first quarter to lead 7-0 after the first 12 minutes.
The Roseburg defense played tough early on, forcing two Gresham punts in the opening period and got a takeaway on an interception by Warmouth.
The Indians added to their lead early on in the second quarter. Warmouth tossed his first touchdown pass of the year, finding senior Garrett Russell on a 23-yard toss. Roseburg converted the extra point on the foot of junior Steven Lake and led 14-0 with 9:45 left before the halftime break.
That would be the last time Roseburg would find the end zone, although the Indians had numerous chances.
Meanwhile, Gresham found some offensive momentum before the half came to an end. The Gophers scored on a 27-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jake Biesterfeld to running back Charles Ndayizeye. The Gresham drive was aided by a personal foul on a third down play by Roseburg and a fumble on a punt that was recovered by the Gophers in Roseburg territory.
The Gophers nearly tied the game before the break. Ndayizeye broke free for a 14-yard TD run with just two minutes before the half, but the ensuing PAT was blocked and the Indians led 14-13 going to the second half.
Gresham trailed by one going to the fourth quarter, but took its first lead shortly after starting the fourth period. The Gophers marched 62 yards downfield and found paydirt on a six-yard pass from Biesterfeld to fullback Hunter Dugan. Connor Henkle ran in the 2-point conversion to put Gresham up 21-14.
Roseburg had two chances to tie the score before the final horn. The Tribe drove to the Gresham eight yard line but turned the ball over on downs. Roseburg’s final drive ended when the the Indians turned the ball over on downs in Gresham territory with just seconds left on the clock.
The Indians out-gained Gresham with 262 yards of total offense to only 187 yards for Gresham. Warmouth finished with 164 yards through the air on 10-of-25 passing, with one touchdown and one interception. Russell was Warmouth’s favorite target, hauling in five catches for 98 yards and one score. Sophomore Doran Gillespie led the Indians with 69 yards rushing.
Gresham’s running game was its bread-and-butter. Ndayizeye gained 120 yards on the ground and finished with a rushing touchdown and a receiving score.
Both teams ended with two turnovers.
The Roseburg Indians will face another Mt. Hood Conference team next week when the team travels to David Douglas High School for a match-up with the Scots. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Follow the game on CBS Sports Radio 1490 The Score or watch online at 541radio.com.
