Chiefs get back in the win column, defeat Davis

After suffering a tough loss to Wenatchee at the Applebowl last Friday, Moses Lake was looking to bounce back against Davis. Lead by quarterback Easton Castro and an impressive defensive showing, they did just that, winning the game 28-12. With the Pirates keying on Chiefs running back Brett Moser, an important weapon for the Moses Lake offense, they looked to other players to step up and lead the offensive unit. Senior running back Jordan Lacelle kept the Chiefs rushing attack going punching in a one yard run for the first score of the game, allowing the Chiefs to strike first and get their momentum going in the right direction.

"We got back on track early showing we didn't have a hangover from the Wenatchee game and had some good special teams plays, a couple good punt returns and kick returns that set us up with good field position and allowed our offense to capitalize." Head Coach Todd Griffith said.

With a short field, the Chiefs got to work in the passing game with Easton Castro completing a five yard touchdown pass to Junior Tyson Karstetter for the team's second touchdown of the game, giving them a 14-0 lead. While the offense was rebounding nicely after a dismal performance in Wenatchee, the defense stepped up their game as well not allowing Davis to get anything going in the first quarter. After another stop by the Chiefs defense, Castro and the offense got back to work and kept their momentum going into the second quarter. Senior wide receiver Nick Sutherland got in on the action, this time catching a beautifully thrown ball from Castro for an 18 yard touchdown, putting Moses Lake up by three scores.

"We spread the ball around and showed our depth, but the number one thing for us was winning the field position battle; that allowed us to create big plays. In a game there is usually six big plays and there were six big plays on Friday and we had four of of the six, thats what wins football games." Griffith said.

The Chiefs kept things going on offense as Castro, again with a short field, hooked up with Karstetter from 16 yards out for the pairs second touchdown through the air and giving Moses Lake a commanding lead. The defense, meanwhile continued to dominate, maintaining a shutout through the first half and well into the second. It wasn't until Castro threw an interception that was returned 60 yards and a touchdown that Davis got on the board. The defense still hadn't allowed the Davis offense to get anything going, but with just minutes remaining in the game the Chiefs got a late hit penalty on a play that would have resulted in a turnover on downs, giving Davis a second chance. They capitalized on the mistake and completed a 25 yard touchdown pass for their second score of the contest. While Davis showed signs of life late, it wasn't enough to catch the Chiefs as time would ran out on the Pirates with the scoreboard showing 28-12.

"Our defense played really well on Friday, holding them to just the one touchdown. If it weren't for that late hit on the quarterback that gave them an extra four downs we would have shut them out. It was nice to see our defense step up like that." Griffith said.

While Davis game-planned to stop Chiefs running back Brett Moser, who ended up only touching the ball twice and recording 19 total yards, other players stepped up for Moses Lake on Friday. Tyson Karstetter lead the team in receiving with four catches for 74 yards and two scores and Nick Sutherland added four catches for 57 yards and touchdown of his own. Jordan Lacelle handled the majority of work in the run game, carrying 16 times for 68 yards and a touchdown, while junior Nathan Ball proved to be a good change-of-pace back, rushing for six yards a carry.

"I think Brett will be big in next weeks game, we are planning on getting him involved against Eastmont. We know defenses are planning against him, but he does little things with fakes and play action that help us on offense. We are going to design some things and keep him involved so he can make plays." Griffith said.

With the win Moses Lake improves to 3-1 on the season and now turns their attention to next week when they will take on Eastmont on the road. The Chiefs have played well at home, but will face a true test this coming Friday as they look to win on the road.