Warden athletes named to all-league teams

WARDEN - Several Warden athletes were named to South Central Athletic Conference All-League teams recently.

Junior wide receiver Orlando Alba was given first team honors as a wide receiver, place kicker and punter. Head coach Erik Skone praised Alba's versatility on the football field.

"As a receiver he's our go-to guy," he said. "He's always been that guy. He's got speed, he can catch the ball, he's got great hands and when he catches the ball in space he makes things happen."

Last Friday, during Warden's 38-35 win over Naches Valley, Alba began the game with a punt return for a touchdown, caught two touchdowns and ran for a fourth. Aside from being the Cougars' main offensive weapon, Alba also serves as their place kicker and punter.

"As far as being a kicker, it's awesome to be able to line up on the 30 yard line and kick the ball and know pretty much that it's going to be good," Skone said. "He doesn't miss and that's what's great about him."

Also on the offensive side, seniors Ulises Abalos and Arturo Reyes made second team and honorable mention for offensive linemen, respectively. Senior Todd Kisler made honorable mention for wide receiver and senior Nate Cole was named to the second team as a running back. Cole missed Friday's game against Naches Valley due to a hamstring injury suffered against Kiona-Benton, but has been a team leader during a season filled with bad breaks for the Cougars.

"Basically what that's saying is he's one of the top two running backs in the league and that says quite a bit," Skone said.

Junior Jerry Reyes rounded out Warden football's representation on the SCAC all-league teams with a spot on the second team for defensive linemen.

"It's an individual honor, but it's also a team honor," Skone said. "Those guys worked hard to get that. They played good football and it was recognized by league coaches."

Sophomore Shania Kisler was also named to the SCAC East All-League second team for volleyball. The Warden volleyball team is currently in the midst of the district tournament and plays Goldendale this Saturday. Kisler contributed four kills, three aces and 13 digs during Tuesday's loss to Naches Valley.