Warriors hammer on Burbank

MATTAWA - Wahluke blasted Burbank, 56-6, at the Warrior homecoming last Friday to conclude the SCAC East campaign and make the postseason - sort of.

How long the post season lasted or will last was decided last night in a three-way Kansas tie-breaker at Burbank. The result was too late for publication in this week's Royal Register.

If the Warriors defeated Kiona-Benton and River View, they advanced to a crossover play-in game this Friday against the SCAC West No. 2 team on the road to see which one advances to the state playoffs.

If the Warriors split with Ki-Be and RV and won a third Kansas tie-breaker, then they advanced to a play-in game with West No. 1 Zillah Friday night.

If the Warriors did not make it through the Kansas tie-breakers last night, they will play a meaningless crossover game Friday night.

All of this confusion happened because the Warriors won last Friday night with their best performance of the season.

"We just put it together," coach Mike Foristiere said.

But the start of the game appeared ripe another Warrior loss. They gave up an opening drive touchdown and then fumbled the ball at the Burbank 1-yard line trying to score.

Then the Warriors applied the hammer. They connected on a long pass for a touchdown on the next possession.

Then came a haymaker of a punch. On the kickoff, The Warriors stripped the returner of the ball and ran the fumble in for a touchdown.

Hot with adrenaline, the Warriors then executed an on-side kick perfectly. They hit another long pass for six points.

In a span of less than two minutes, the Warriors were ahead 22-6. They led, 43-6 at the half.

"The defense played lights out after the opening drive, and the offense did well for the first time this year in the red zone," Foristiere said.

There was bad news for the Warriors Friday night. They went into The Kansas tie-breakers without four starters.

Eathan Kinney has an ankle problem. Rafa Tapia has a knee injury. Carlos Thiede has an unspecified problem, and Randy Foristiere has a shoulder separation.

Randy Foristiere was still the leading rusher with 142 yards on 19 carries. He scored two touchdowns and one two-point conversion.

Jason Cruz had 10 carries for 105 yards. Quarterback Collin Ahmann had 15 yards rushing and went 4-6 passing for 106 yards and two touchdowns.

Jose Alejo had two carries for 10 yards, Daniel Corrales had two carries for 12 yards and Matt Yorgesen had three carries for 15 yards.