Strong defense holds on again for Wahluke football

MATTAWA - After scoring with six minutes left to take the lead, Wahluke's defense made a fourth-and-2 stop on its own 20-yard line to preserve a 27-21 high school football victory over Warden Friday night at Wahluke.

The Warriors will continue their season this Friday at arch-rival Royal. For a change they will be the team with the better record at 4-1, while Royal will be at 3-2. Both are 1-1 in the SEC East and battling for a berth in the upcoming state playoffs.

"We are excited," coach Brycen Bye said. "I don't have to tell these boys anything. They are always excited to play Royal."

Just like about every other school, Wahluke has not had much success against Royal. The last victory happened about a dozen years ago. Friday's game will start at 7 p.m.

Last Friday's game was a typical contest for the Warriors. They were in a battle to the very end. Just like the previous week against Kiona-Benton, the Warriors had to put up one final defensive stand.

The Warriors scored the winning touchdown with about six minutes left when quarterback Arturo Salazar connected on a 30-yard pass with Saul Ramos.

With the score 27-21, the Warriors kicked off to Warden, and the Cougars drove the ball to the Wahluke 20. There, the Warriors made their stand. On fourth-and-2, a Cougar pass fell incomplete with about 1:30 left in the game.

"Once again, they had a great stand," Bye said.

This victory capped a festive evening on homecoming night. The offensive line was stellar throughout the game and propelled the running attack through all four quarters.

"We hit a little lull during the third quarter but managed to score when it mattered and hold on for the victory," Bye said.

Bye was especially pleased with the play of running backs Steven Machuca and Daniel Corrales. They rushed for 101 and 87 yards respectively, and Corrales scored twice.

"I am proud of the heart and effort our team has shown through the first half of the season.

The Warriors rushed for 305 yards. Martin Tello ran for 58, Alex Anaya added 51, and Bryan Anaya rushed for 12.

The passing game was not much of a factor until it was needed in the fourth quarter. Then Arturo Salazar threw for the winning touchdown.