Chiawana football had a bittersweet end to last season. The Riverhawks enter 2025 fresh off another dominant campaign in which they finished 11-2 overall, 8-0 in the MCC, capturing the league title before falling just short of a state championship berth.
“Last year’s semifinal loss still stings,” sixth-year head coach Scott Bond admitted. “But our kids are resilient. They’ve been back in the weight room, back on the field, and they’re ready to chase it again.”
Chiawana (2024 Record: 11-2 overall; 8-0 MCC)
Team Stats (MCC Rank)
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Total Offense: 3,317 yds (1st) – 368.6/g
• Passing: 1,037 yds – 115.2/g
• Rushing: 2,280 yds (1st) – 253.3/g -
Scoring: 401 pts (1st) – 44.6/g
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Defense Allowed: 1,708 yds (2nd) – 189.8/g
Biggest Losses:
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Brian Kuhn (OL/DL) – 5 sacks, 1 INT, 5 TFL
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Braxton Feldmann (RB/DB/KR) – 1,150 rush yds, 16 TD; 199 PR yds, 2 TD; 2 INT
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Ethan Elward (DL) – 21.5 tackles, 1 sack
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Cooper MacPherson (LB/TE) – 29 rec, 435 yds, 6 TD; 14 TFL; 3 INT
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Brooks Zaro (TE) – 1 defensive TD (fumble recovery)
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Landon Bolson (OL/DL) – 5 TFL, 1 sack
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Cody Iverson (OL)
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Julian Martinez (P)
Top Returners:
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Tayten Cissne (LB, Jr) – 31.5 tackles, 2 sacks
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Cooper Cissne (DB, Fr) – 33.5 tackles, 2 INT
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Morgan Dodson (K, Jr) – 42/42 XP, 2/2 FG
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Sawyer Sommerville (DB, So) – 26.5 tackles, 3 TFL
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Brady Knowlton (DL, Jr) – 5 TFL
An unexpected quarterback battle kicked off the spring season for Chiawana. An injury opened the door to a two-man race: senior Gage Williams and Arizona transfer Emmett Osterdock.
The duel was tight, but Bond said charting every throw made the decision clear. “Gage did exactly what we asked,” Bond explained.
Williams, already known as a lethal runner in the red zone, has proven he can distribute from the pocket as well. “We’re comfortable taking shots downfield with him now,” Bond said.
Osterdock, meanwhile, is being groomed for the future. “He’s got a strong arm and is learning our concepts. His time will come,” Bond added.
Replacing MCC Player of the Year Braxton Feldmann is no small task, but on offense, Bond feels confident in his running back room.
Anthony Godino (Sr) is the frontrunner after averaging over eight yards per carry last season.
“Anthony is tough and explosive,” Bond said. “He waited his turn behind Braxton, but whenever his number was called, he delivered. Now it’s his backfield to lead.”
Behind him, Cooper Cissne (so.) and Reggie Vazquez (Jr) add versatility.
“Cooper’s just a football player — fearless, physical, smart,” Bond said. “And Reggie is quick with great vision. We’re going to rotate them to keep guys fresh.”
Wide Receivers and Skill Players
Bond pointed to Sawyer Sommerville (Jr) as a rising star on both sides of the ball.
“Sawyer’s got great instincts. Defensively, he covers ground. Offensively, he makes contested catches and blocks hard. He’s the kind of player every coach wants.”
Speedster Angel Colon (Sr) will stretch defenses vertically.
“Angel can absolutely fly,” Bond said. “You can’t teach speed like his. It changes the way defenses line up.”
Sean Ramin (Sr) is another steady presence.
“Sean does the little things — precise routes, sure hands, blocking downfield. He’s dependable, and quarterbacks love guys like that.”
The Trenches
Few teams replace five offensive line starters easily, but Bond says the new group has embraced the challenge.
Brady Knowlton (Sr) anchors the line after starting for three seasons.
“Brady’s the heart of our line,” Bond said. “He’s physical, smart, and he leads by example. He’ll also give us big snaps on the defensive front.”
Joining him are William Taylor (Sr), Isiah Saldana (Sr), Fernando Perez Caballero (Sr), and Isaiah Delgado (Jr).
“They may not have the same game experience yet,” Bond admitted, “but they’ve got the attitude. They’re nasty up front, and they’re growing every day.”
Even with longtime defensive coordinator Don Hogue now at Sageview, Bond says the Riverhawks’ DNA hasn’t change. Trent Simpkins and Kevin McCallum step in as co-coordinators, maintaining Chiawana’s pressure DNA.
The Cissne brothers headline the unit.
“Tayten is fearless,” Bond said. “He’s going to be a three-year starter and could be one of the best linebackers in the league. And Cooper? He started as a freshman and never blinked. He’s got that natural football IQ you can’t coach.”
Bond also highlighted Sommerville and senior safety Cole Gallagher.
“Cole is the definition of a program kid,” Bond said. “He’s put in the work for years, and now he’s ready for a breakout. He’s a leader by example and a playmaker.”
Jairo Martinez (Sr) rounds out the secondary, bringing physicality and range.
Senior Morgan Dodson might be the most valuable kicker in the Pacific Northwest. Perfect on PATs last year, Dodson also has consistent touchback range and can drill field goals from beyond 40 yards. It won’t come as a surprise to see the Riverhawks cash in three points instead of gambling on a fourth down.
“Morgan’s a football player who happens to kick,” Bond said with a smile. “He also starts at defensive end and tight end. His leg is a weapon, and it gives us confidence to take points when we need them.”
Bond knows the Riverhawks aren’t sneaking up on anyone.
“You hear people saying we’re the team to beat,” he said. “That’s fine. Kamiakin looks tough, Richland is always strong, and don’t count anyone out. Every week in this league, you have to be ready.”
The formula, though, doesn’t change. Bond tabs Kamiakin and Richland among the league’s top challengers, but he’s fine with the Riverhawks’ target. “Stack good days, week after week—if we do that, we’ll be where we want to be.”