Jacks keep pace but Tigers take the win

Ephrata defeats Quincy in a close call Friday

EPHRATA — The Tigers defeated the Jacks 20-14 Friday.

"Give them (Quincy) all the credit in the world," said Ephrata coach Jay Mills after the game.

Quincy still had a shot at a win late in the fourth quarter.

The Jacks took over on their own 25 yard line with two minutes left.

On second and eight on Ephrata's 37 yard line, Quincy took a time out to discuss their options.

The Jacks came back out onto the field and Zack Aguirre connected with Zac Bishop for first and ten on the 12 yard line.

On third and ten, Aguirre let it fly, looking for his man in the end zone but Ephrata's Levi Burck was there for the interception to seal the deal for Ephrata with just 32 seconds left on the clock.

"It could've been better, could've been worse. We're still playing," said Quincy coach Bill Alexander.

Ephrata struck first, late in the first quarter.

Thomas Bossert had a 4-yard scamper for a touchdown with the clock nearing the one minute mark.

The Jacks came out swinging in the second quarter and drove the ball 73 yards for a touchdown by Bishop to tie it up 7-7.

"I think we earned everyone's respect," said Alexander. "We threw for almost 100 yards and had our first passing touchdown of the season."

Quincy continued to pressure Ephrata, giving the Tigers plenty to roar about on their next possession.

Ephrata took possession on their own 5-yard line. The Tigers were able to push their way to Quincy's 25-yard line before the Jacks stopped the drive on fourth and 15.

The Jacks regained possession and pushed down field for their first touchdown reception of the year.

Aguirre connected with Bishop with 1:50 on the clock and Quincy went into the locker room with a 14-7 lead.

In the third quarter, Ephrata was able to tie up the ball game.

Reid Forrest found Michael Ratigan for a 7-yard touchdown pass with 3:26 left in the quarter.

The fourth quarter began with Quincy stalling on their own 39-yard line and punting the ball away.

On the ensuing drive, Ephrata was able to move the ball down field with efficiency and a sharp eye on the clock.

Forrest connected with Burck to put the Tigers ahead 20-14.

"Levi had some huge plays for us tonight," said Mills. "It's been a great year and the senior class had made the difference."

Alexander felt his team played extremely well, despite the loss. "It was an emotional loss but we played awesome," he said.

Quincy is headed to Chelan today for a mini-playoff situation.

"The top two teams continue on in the post-season," said Alexander.

The Jacks match up against Omak first and the winner of that game will play Chelan.

For Quincy, Bishop had 30 carries for 109 yards and two receptions for 91 yards; Chris Stewart had 11 carries for 105 yards; Aguirre was 3 for 7 for 90 yards and one interception; Scott Evans had 11 tackles.

For Ephrata, Forrest had four carries for 24 yards and was 13 of 19 passing for 218 yards; Kip Swem had 11 carries for 81 yards; Burck had three catches for 89 yards.