Wahluke holds off Ki-Be in key SCAC showdown

BENTON CITY — The Warriors lost two starters to injury in the second half of the ball game with Kiona-Benton, but still managed to come away with a huge 16-12 road win over the Bears Friday night.

“I was very proud of how well our team hung in there when at any time we could have caved in under the pressure,” coach Mike Foristiere said. “Like our motto says: Tough People Win.”

Both teams got off to a slow start offensively, with the only score of the first half coming off the foot of Wahluke’s kicker Jose Celeya who split the uprights from 30 yards out.

The Warriors held a 9-6 lead at the end of the third quarter on the first of two Juan Silva rushing touchdowns.

Silva scored again in the fourth quarter. The Bears mounted a threat with two scores of their own, but the Warriors special teams turned in two huge plays to deny the extra point attempts.

“Gerado Ledezma blocked the PAT their first TD,” Foristiere said. “They went for two after the second TD and Eli Barajas and Tony Avalos came up with a big stop to keep our lead at four points.”

Wahluke created six turnovers in the contest.

“Danial Melendez picked off a pass, Eli Barajas had two fumble recoveries and Danial Ayala, Oscar Rodriguez and Alfredo Prudente had one fumble recovery apiece,” Foristiere said. “Rock Foristiere and Gerado Ledezma forced two fumbles each with hard hits.”

Quarterback Oscar Rodriguez had one of his better games of the season completing 4-of-6 passes for 93 yards. Jesus Cisnerios led all receivers with three catches for 63 yards.

The Warriors had two back with over 100 yards rushing. Silva had 116 yards on 22 carries. Foristiere finished with 25 carries for 114 yards.

The win moves Wahluke into second place in the SCAC East Conference standings at 5-1. The Warriors takes on third place Connell who trails Wahluke by one game at home Friday night. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.