Warriors fall, but still in playoff picture

MATTAWA - Wahluke played another incomplete game Friday and lost a SCAC prep football game at Kiona-Benton, 13-6.

But the Warriors aren't dead yet in regards to the post-season. There is reason to play beyond themselves Friday for what should the biggest crowd of the year.

According to Athletic Director Cody Marlow, the Warriors need to win Friday's homecoming game against Burbank and hope for a Ki-Be victory over River View. That would give Wahluke the East's No. 4 spot in the SCAC cross-over play-in games.

However, if Wahluke and RV win, the Warriors would still be alive. All three teams would be tied for 3rd and 4th. That would call for a special 3-way playoff before the cross-overs.

This Friday's game won't be easy. With two SCAC victories, Burbank could force its way into a 3-way playoff. So the Coyotes have their reason to play hard.

The prize for finishing fourth will be a road game at West No. 1 Zillah in the cross-overs.

Now that that's clear, all Wahluke needs to do is correct a little bug-a-boo of not playing well inside the opponent 20-yard line. The Warriors had that same problem again Friday.

"Four times we went into the red zone and came away with zero points," coach Mike Foristiere said. "Just having a hard time."

The Warriors rolled to more than 350 yards rushing, mostly between the 20s. Running back Randy Foristiere got 255 of them on 31 carries and scored the lone touchdown.

The Warrior defense played very well. It was led by Mike Coulson with five tackles and one interception, Moiyes Testa with five tackles, Collin Ahmann with an interception and Nate Buck with numerous QB pressures and 1 fumble recovery.

On offense, Dan Corrales had five carries for 15 yards, Jason Cruz had 10 carries for 37 yards, Jose Alejo had four carries for 30 yards and Collin Ahmann had two carries for 17 yards. Ahmann was also 2-for-6 passing for 20 yards.

"It was just a repeat of our season," coach Foristiere said. "We play well enough to win but, when we get in the red zone, the goal line becomes the Great Wall Of China."

"Our young men play their tails off, and we just tend to make a mistake or drop a ball," coach Foristiere added. "It is frustrating for the players, and I feel especially bad for the seniors. I just know we need to keep working and, hopefully, we'll be able to win the last two games (non-league finale with Umatilla)."

Randy Foristiere's effort raised his rushing for the year to 1,403 yards on 178 carries over eight games.