Homecoming heartbreaker

The Chiefs lose 21-24 after solid play

MOSES LAKE — Wide receiver Aaron Wafer had two touchdowns Friday night.

"He's got great hands," said assistant coach JR Cox. "And he just keeps getting better and better."

The first of his scores was a pass from Josh McDougall in the second quarter. Wafer ran his route with precision and snagged the pass for a 68 yard touchdown.

"He's getting a better feel for what he's doing," said head coach Greg Kittrell.

Wafer's entrance into the end zone came on the heels of a touchdown from opponent, Southridge, and put the game at 14-17 in favor of Southridge.

The second touchdown for Wafer came during the first drive of the second half for Moses Lake. McDougall had Wafer in his sights and sent him a bullet that resulted in an 83 yard score. That touchdown would be the final score of the game for either team.

"I thought the kids played very well," Kittrell said.

The Chiefs began the game with a missed field goal attempt. Southridge capitalized and made a field goal of their own to light up the scoreboard at 3-0.

The first quarter ended with a quarterback keeper for McDougall that was stripped by Southridge.

On the resulting possession, in the second quarter, Southridge was forced to punt.

Ryan Carpenter received the punt for Moses Lake and went 45 yards for a touchdown to put the Chiefs on top 7-3.

On the ensuing drive, Southridge returned a punt for a touchdown to bring the lead back their way 10-7 and would score again before Wafer's touchdown in the second.

Near the end of the second quarter, McDougall threw an interception that resulted in a touchdown for Southridge.

"Southridge is a solid ball club," Kittrell said.

Moses Lake ended the first half with the score 24-14.

"Consistency is our biggest Achilles heel right now," Kittrell said.

Wafer's second touchdown brought the score to its final tally of 24-21.

The Chiefs had a fumble recovery early in the third quarter but were unable to capitalize on the gain of possession and had a four and out drive.

During the following drive for Southridge, defensive lineman BJ Guerra had a tackle for an eight yard loss. Two plays later, Jordan Hill nabbed a pick for Moses Lake.

After a defensive stand from Southridge, the Chiefs were forced to punt.

Moses Lake then had a defensive stand of their own. After a ten yard gain for Southridge, the Chiefs' defense held the Suns to a no gain on third down and the Suns punted the ball away.

McDougall had a quarterback keeper on the option to end the third quarter of play.

As the fourth quarter opened, Carpenter had a gain of six yards. The resulting third down showed no gain and the Chiefs went for it on fourth down.

The Chiefs found the end zone on a pass from Carpenter to Caleb Gonzales but the touchdown was ruled an incomplete pass.

Moses Lake fell victim to penalties on the first full drive of the fourth quarter and quickly gave up possession.

Southridge was forced to punt yet again as the fourth quarter reached the halfway mark.

In the second full drive of the fourth, Moses Lake fumbled on second down but were able to recover the ball for a loss for a third and ten situation.

Moses Lake would go for it on fourth down but fumbled the ball.

The fumble was recovered by Southridge but they were unable to score.

On Moses Lake's final drive of the fourth quarter, McDougall threw an interception.

Southridge was then content to wind down the clock and take the three point win.

"We played really well," said Cox.

Daunte Powell had 97 yards on 12 carries. Carpenter had 48 yards on 10 carries and was 1 for 1 passing for 38 yards. McDougall had 16 yards on 9 carries and was 6 of 16 for 168 yards. Gonzales had one catch.

Wafer ended the evening with his two touchdowns and 166 yards on 5 catches.

Moses Lake finished the night with 364 yards of total offense.

Defensively the Chiefs held Southridge, the number one team in the state, to 168 yards passing. Southridge's two leading receivers were held to just 43 yards combined.