Wahluke traps Cougars
Derrick Pacheco/Columbia Basin HeraldWarden quarterback Abraham Mendiola stands in the pocket and searches for a wide receiver during the Cougars' 33-7 loss Friday night to Wahluke.
Warriors 33, Cougars 7
WARDEN - The Warden Cougars stood strong at home Friday night but couldn't slow the Warriors as Wahluke earned the 33-7 victory.
Despite the loss, Warden head coach Erik Skone was proud of his team's performance.
"I think we played excellent," he said. "We tackled well and we got to the ball."
Both teams played a scoreless first quarter before Wahluke broke the 0-0 tie in the second quarter when Mikai Hirai ran 15 yards for the game's first score and a 7-0 Warriors lead.
The Cougars could not respond before halftime and Wahluke added to their lead with a 15 yard run from Saul Roman. The extra point attempt failed and the Warriors went into halftime with a 13-0 lead on the road.
The Warriors doubled their lead in the third quarter after 13 unanswered points gave Wahluke a 26-0 lead. Wahluke flew to a 33-0 lead in the fourth quarter following a 57-yard touchdown pass to Alex Calloway from Juan De La Garza.
Warden scored the game's final touchdown following a 50-yard touchdown pass to Chris Kalous from sophomore quarterback Scott Henderson.
The Cougars fell 33-7 but Skone said his team played their best game of the season.
"I love their effort," he said. "I though they brought it. We are continuing to improve."
While Warden surrendered 33 points, Skone said his defense played above his expectations.
"We worked on tackling all week," he said. "It definitely showed. We just have to eliminate the mistakes."
The Cougars travel to Royal Friday night to take on the defending 1A Washington state champion Knights in Royal City. Kick off is scheduled for 7 p.m.