Chiefs can't overcome early deficit in loss

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake couldn't convert on an early fourth down opportunity as the Wenatchee Panthers defeated the Chiefs 34-20 on Senior Night Friday at Lions Field.

Wenatchee 34, Moses Lake 20

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake couldn't convert on an early fourth down opportunity as the Wenatchee Panthers defeated the Chiefs 34-20 on Senior Night Friday at Lions Field.

On the Chiefs first possession Moses Lake had a fourth-and-two opportunity from their own 25-yard line.

The Chiefs lined up to punt, with senior quarterback Josh Loera stationed in the back field.

The center snapped the ball directly to Loera and he ran toward the east sideline before a Wenatchee defender tackled Loera before he could get a Moses Lake first down.

The turnover gave Wenatchee the ball deep in Moses Lake territory.

Moses Lake head coach Greg Kittrell said he wanted to be aggressive.

"Looking back at it, it probably wasn't the best decision I've ever made in my life," he said. "When you look at it you either look like a genius or a heel. I got the heel tag."

The Panthers would score three plays later to take an early 7-0 lead over Moses Lake.

Wenatchee's defense played strong and Kittrell was prepared for that going into Friday's game.

"They were a tough defense," he said. "We knew that going in."

The Chiefs couldn't respond on their next possession and Moses Lake punted.

The Panthers scored again on their next drive to take a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter.

Kittrell said his team performed well while playing with a deficit all night.

"I thought the first quarter was a little rough," he said. "They played well from behind."

Wenatchee added a 43-yard field goal from Angel Guerra to take a commanding 17-0 lead in the first half.

Moses Lake cut the Wenatchee lead to 17-6 when Loera took a shotgun snap from the center 50 yards down the Moses Lake sideline for the Chiefs' first score of the game.

Moses Lake missed the extra point opportunity, but cut the Wenatchee lead to 17-6.

The Chiefs defense stood strong and forced a Panther punt.

After the Chiefs took possession of the football, Loera led his offense on a nine-play drive that culminated with a one-yard touchdown run from Loera.

The score cut the Wenatchee advantage to 17-13 as the teams went into halftime.

Wenatchee scored 17 points in the second half as they held on to top Moses Lake.

Despite the loss, Kittrell said he has faith in his team.

"I really admired how they fought back," he said. "We have to play well in these next two games, Davis and Sunnyside, and we will be the second seed from our conference."3