Wahluke Warriors overtake Burbank, 60-13

MATTAWA — It’s hard to imagine a coach criticizing his own team after a 60-13 victory, but, having to face Zillah this Friday, Wahluke coach Mike wants the best play he can get.

“You may think that, after a score like this, everything was just fine in our game with Burbank,” Foristiere said. “Only with the score. We made many mistakes and at times played down to the level of our opponent.”

“The difference between a contender and a pretender is that we don’t drop to an opponent’s level of play but play at a level that is acceptable to the players and the coaches,” Foristiere added. “So heading into next week’s playoff game we need to focus playing at the best level we can.”

Still it was a big win on the road for the Warriors. It gave them a three-game winning streak and momentum going into the post-season.

The Warriors were so dominant running the ball that they did not have to punt, and there were no turnovers. The defense played tough, but there were no interceptions or fumble recoveries.

The Warriors started slowly Friday, scoring once in the first quarter to lead only 6-0. Brandon Anaya ran the ball in from 30 yards. The two-point conversion failed.

Wahluke started to take control in the second period when Jose Alejo posted points. He scored from one yard and then eight yards and added both two-point conversions. That put the score at 22-0.

Season rushing leader Jason Cruz ignited the third quarter explosion by scoring from 38 yards. He scored again from 15 yards, then Anaya ran the ball in from five yards and Daniel Corrales scored from 15 yards.

The Warriors tacked on four two-point conversions. They led 52-7.

There was one more score in the fourth quarter by Juan Silva from 25 yards. Alex Rivera scored the two-point conversion as reserves played out the game.

The Warriors got good senior leadership on defense. David Pineda had five tackles, and Erick Valdovinos, Eathan Kinney, Leo Mendoza, Jason Cruz and Marco Guerrero all had four tackles each.

“Offensively, we had our best night statistically,” Foristiere said.

The Warriors had 526 yards rushing and 45 passing for 571 yards of total offense. They were led by Jason Cruz with 14 carries for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

Brandon Anaya had 15 carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns, David Pineda carried the ball 16 times for 88 yards, Jose Alejo had nine totes for 74 yards and two touchdowns, Daniel Corrales ran eight times for 55 yards and one touchdown, and Juan Silva ran 30 yards for a score.

Cruz converted two two-point conversions. Pineda had one and Alejo two.

Quarterback Jose Madrigal connected on three of his four passes for 45 yards. Alexis Fernandez caught two for 42 yards. Kinney caught one for three yards. Both had a two-point conversion catch.