Moses Lake suffers a long game

Chiefs' winning streak brought to close Friday

MOSES LAKE — The Chiefs played a solid second quarter of football in Friday night's heartbreaking 51-17 loss to Pasco at Lions Field.

"I feel like the kids played very well against a tough football team," said coach Greg Kittrell.

Moses Lake was able to score ten points and stop some of the bleeding before the half.

Half-way through the second quarter Ryan Carpenter and Daunte Powell shared rushing duties on a drive that began on Moses Lake's own 20-yard line. The Chiefs took the ball 72 yards on seven carries to give Mick Aney the field goal opportunity. Aney drove the ball straight down the center to give Moses Lake their first points of the game.

"We're really pleased with Mick (Aney)," Kittrell said. "He's been kicking very well for us."

The Chiefs defense stepped up on Pasco's next drive, creating a four and out situation for the Bulldogs.

Moses Lake's last drive of the half was created by an interception and gave the Chiefs four downs on their own 21-yard line.

After a penalty was enforced against Pasco, Josh McDougall connected with Caleb Gonzalez for the touchdown. Aney made the extra point for the Chiefs, making it 24-10 at halftime.

"We were able to put some back-to-back plays together," said Kittrell. "It was a combination of offense, defense and kicking."

Moses Lake's final touchdown of the game came early in the third quarter.

Gonzalez received the kickoff and returned it to the Moses Lake 25.

Carpenter took the ball for a 3-yard run on first down and McDougall earned the first down on a quarterback keep.

Brandan Anderson and Powell shared rushing duties on the drive for a combined 22 yards.

Moses Lake was able to capitalize on two penalties against Pasco late in the drive — an off-sides flag and a pass interference penalty.

With a first and 10 on Pasco's 12-yard line, McDougall found Gonzalez once again for the touchdown and Aney made it 17 for Moses Lake.

"The most outstanding player out there was Caleb Gonzalez," Kittrell said.

Carpenter and Powell combined for an outstanding effort in the game. Carpenter had 17 carries for 123 yards and Powell had 13 carries for 60 yards.

Aney was perfect, kicking two field goals and completing his kick off duties as well as executing a solid onside kick for the Chiefs.

McDougall had a rough game, with just four completions for 16 yards and four interceptions. McDougall's last interception came late in the third quarter. The Chiefs had a first and 10 on their own 47 when Pasco moved in for the pick.

As the third quarter came to a close, McDougall was replaced by Ben Waites in the backfield.

"We feel like those turnovers are coming from pressing," Kittrell said. "We've just got to get them to relax and not try to make something out of nothing. It's hard to be tough on a guy when the mistakes are coming from extra effort. They've got to learn that at some point you just have to eat it."

Waites, too, had his share of misfortune in the game, throwing 0 for 1 and one interception.

Immediately after Pasco's final pick of the night, Moses Lake unraveled, getting flagged for unsportsman-like conduct after the play and giving Pasco excellent field position.

Neither team was able to score in the fourth quarter.

"They just wore us down by the end of the game," said Kittrell. "The old Moses Lake football was just to grind it out for a 14-7, 21-7 loss. We wanted to try to make a run at 'em. We're trying to be a more open and full-throttle football team."