Auburn-area football roundup: Bear River blasts Union Mine; Colfax comeback falls short

The frustrations from the previous week's loss at Truckee did not linger for Bear River, as the Bruins traveled to El Dorado on Friday night to face Union Mine in their third consecutive road game to open the season. It was all Bear River from the jump, taking an early two-score lead and cruising to a 30-8 triumph to improve to 2-1. After Jaden Waters punched in the ball on a one-yard scoring plunge to cap an 18-play game-opening drive, Corbin Dagang scooped up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown to give the Bruins a 12-0 advantage. Quarterback Jayden Brock completed 10 of 14 passes for 107 yards, including five passes to junior Ty Cleek for 47 yards. Sean Kinney scored Bear River's lone touchdown of the second half on a four-yard run in the third quarter. On defense, the Bruins forced two turnovers on downs and allowed only a long touchdown run in the first quarter. Bear River will finally play at home this week against Golden Sierra (2-0) in its final nonleague bout before opening Pioneer Valley League play on Sept. 19. Argonaut 55, Colfax 42: The Falcons fell into a 27-0 hole in the first quarter but showed heart, grit and determination by mounting a spirited comeback in Friday night's contest at Del Oro. Argonaut's Errol Garner returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Trailing 41-14 late in the third quarter, the Falcons scored three touchdowns in six minutes to cut the deficit to six. Argonaut scored again to make it a two-score lead, but Colfax struck back to make it 48-42 in the final minutes. The Mustangs put away the game with a rushing touchdown in the final minute. The Falcons (1-2) are idle this week before beginning PVL play on Sept. 19 against Oakmont.