PIGS vs. Pupils: High Schoolers Defeat Deputies in First-Ever Charity Flag Football Showdown

Nov 26

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office:

By Karen Elings

The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 26, 2025 — On Sunday, November 23rd, 2025, the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office and Goldendale Police Department hosted the first-ever fundraising Flag Football Game at the Barthlow Field at Goldendale High School.

This all began about three weeks ago, when KCSO Deputy Keifer Smith and GPD Officer Devan McGraw were having a debate over which agency would win a football game if they played each other. Further discussions led to a football game to include athletes from Klickitat County Schools. KCSO Detective Kirstin Leroue suggested making this a charity event where proceeds would benefit families in the communities.

KCSO and GPD quickly formulated a plan. There was a venue to secure, event insurance to purchase (the cost was covered by donations from KCSO Deputies and Administration), volunteers to be contacted and secured, and sponsors.

Deputy Smith and Officer McGraw recruited their wives, Samantha Smith and Stacia McGraw who spent countless hours designing and producing jerseys for all of the “PIG” players. The handmade jerseys included a custom logo, Deputy/Officer Names and Numbers, American Flag and Agency logo. They also designed and printed game day programs, flyers, and signs.

KCSO Posse members Theresa and Keith Hutton welcomed everyone at the gate and assisted with taking food and cash donations. The Posse Scouts were led by Posse members Lt. Brian Paul and Sgt. Angie Moore. The Scouts took charge of the concessions stand and sold tickets for the “PIG” themed Christmas wreath that was auctioned off.

Dave Barta volunteered his time to call the game using the stadium PA system. Dave did a wonderful job with the National Anthem, player introductions and the play-by-play commentary.

Preston Dahl, Robbie Hinkley, and KCSO Range Timber Deputy Dave Van Laar all helped officiate the game. These three helped keep the pace of the game by spotting the ball, calling totally legitimate penalties and updating the score.

Our sponsors included Holcomb’s Market who provided candy, chips, and soda for the concessions stand, The Honky Tonk Bar and Restaurant donated four gift certificates to help show appreciation for the volunteers. Big Jim’s Drive In donated fifty “free ice cream cone” tokens to be handed out to spectators.

The Lyle/Wishram/Klickitat Cougar football team stepped up to the plate and helped make this game possible. A handful of Goldendale Timberwolves also participated. The student athletes showed up in full force and displayed incredible talent, teamwork and sportsmanship. We cannot express how proud we are of the local athletes who came together to support this event in such an incredible way. We also have to thank the Principal’s, Athletic Directors, Coaches, and School Administrators who helped make this event happen.

The High School Athletes won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball to start the game, but were quickly forced to punt by the “PIGS”. After a quick back and forth exchange of possessions, the PIGS were able to strike first on a touchdown pass from KCSO Keifer Smith to GPD Devan McGraw. The PIGS took an 8-0 lead into half-time.

After the half, the High School Athletes were able to take a 16-8 lead over the PIGS. The PIGS were able to tie the game after a touchdown pass from KCSO Brian Nicholson and KCSO Adam Dyment with just over five minutes remaining in the game.

The High School Athletes again drove the ball down the field and took a 24-16 lead. The PIGS did their best to drive the length of the field (with the help of the Officials and a snoozing clock operator) but were eventually turned away by an interception in the endzone on the last play of the game. The High School Athletes returned the interception 100 plus yards for one final score to end the game 30-16.

By the end of the game, KCSO and GPD had collected over 225 cans of non-perishable food and raised over $1,200.00 in cash donations. The food was donated to the Goldendale Food Bank, the cash was exchanged for food vouchers ($200.00 each) at grocery stores such as Holcomb’s and Safeway that will be given to local families to help make this holiday season special.

We are thankful for everyone who came out and supported our event. We are excited to make this a Klickitat County tradition and cannot wait until next year!!