Chiefs knock off Bulldogs

Moses Lake 14, Pasco 3

PASCO - The Moses Lake Chiefs snapped a two-game skid Friday night and defeated conference rival Pasco in the process.

The Chiefs relied on a stingy defense and a productive offense to stop the undefeated Bulldogs 14-3.

Pasco took their first drive down to Moses Lake's 5-yard line and looked as if they would score the game's first touchdown.

Following a strong stand by the Moses Lake defense, the Bulldogs threat subsided and the Chiefs escaped unscathed.

Moses Lake head coach Greg Kittrell said the league victory was important for his team.

"Obviously going into Pasco and winning is huge for us," he said. "The defense held Pasco to three points. Holding that team to that score is something big."

After the Chiefs and Bulldogs played through a scoreless first quarter, Pasco drew first blood following a 32-yard field goal from Brady Espinoza.

The successful attempt gave Pasco a 3-0 lead, then Moses Lake quarterback Josh Loera took over.

Loera led a 13-play drive down to the Pasco 4-yard line before scoring the game's first touchdown on the 14th play of the Moses Lake drive. Dylan Signorelli added the extra point to give the Chiefs a 7-3 lead on the road.

"We only scored 14 points," Kittrell said. "But we made play after play. I am very proud of the kind of heart these kids have."

Pasco could not respond in the first half's final minutes and the Chiefs held a 7-3 halftime lead.

The Chiefs added to their lead in the third quarter following another score by Loera. This time on a 1-yard touchdown run.

The touchdown gave Moses Lake a 14-3 lead and ended the scoring as both teams played a scoreless fourth quarter.

The Moses Lake defense held the Pasco offense back the entire game and Kittrell said he is proud of his players and coaches.

"I think our defensive coaches put together a great game plan led by Todd Griffith," he said. "Brian Chamberlain played well and Randy Koon and Matt Harris came up huge."

Harris, a defensive back, helped the Chiefs defense ground the Bulldogs air attack and Koon helped prevent Pasco from making plays on special teams, Kittrell said.

"We also won the special teams battle," he said. "Koon played particularly well on special teams."

The Chiefs hope to build on the victory over Pasco as Moses Lake hosts the Kennewick Lions on Oct. 3. for homecoming. Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and Kittrell and the Chiefs are ready for the challenge, he said.

"We can't wait to play this Friday," he said.