ASHLAND, Ore. - The Simpson football team kicked off the 2025 season on the road against No.22 in the nation, Southern Oregon University, tonight.

The Raiders' defense forced a three-and-out and scored on its first offensive play of the new season on a 60-yard catch and run to take the early lead. 

Southern Oregon added seven more points in its second offensive possession as it took advantage of a Red Hawks special teams miscue to take the early 15-0 lead.  

Quarterback Kaleb Anderson opened the Red Hawks' third offensive possession with a 20-yard scamper. 

Facing third and long, John Romero connected with Talan Ramirez for a 46-yard pitch and catch to move Simpson into Southern Oregon territory. 

However, the Raiders denied any Simpson points with an interception in the end zone. 

The Simpson defense answered as they forced a huge three-and-out as Darren Miller came up to make a huge one-on-one tackle. 

The Red Hawks' special teams made a huge play as Charlie Walden came in to tackle the SOU punter following a high snap to give the Red Hawks possession deep into Raiders territory. 

But Simpson could not capitalize as they could not convert on a 35-yard field goal as it tailed wide to the right. 

The Red Hawks' defense made the early adjustments as they held the Raiders offense to just three points in the second quarter. 

Joshua De La Cruz had a huge sack to end the Raiders' late drive in the second quarter as he forced a fumble, and Louis Sanders pounced on the rock, giving Simpson its first takeaway of the season. 

Simpson's offense put together a surgical drive on its second possession of the second half. A drive that started at their own 31-yard line as they moved 70 yards in seven minutes, but fell short of points as the Raiders blocked a 34-yard field goal attempt. 

Simpson could not get on the board as the Raiders closed out the 59-0 season-opening victory. 

Kaleb Anderson led the team with 60 yards on the ground while Romero and Ramirez connected for the electrifying 46-yard pitch and catch. 

Charlie Walden led the defense with 11 total tackles, with six being solo. 

Simpson is back in action this week, Saturday at 7 pm, as they take on the Lewis-Clark Valley football association in a junior varsity game. 

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