Wahluke beats Highland on Senior Night

MATTAWA - The Wahluke Warriors exploded for 21 points in the second quarter and rolled on to a 34-6 victory over Highland on Senior Night. Despite an overpowering offense and a running game that produced 151 yards on the ground, it was the rally-to-the-ball defense that got first-year head coach Ryan Antos’ attention. “Defense was the story,” he said. “We had two interceptions, one for a Pick 6. We recovered two fumbles and had two blocked kicks.” Oscar Rodriguez finished the night with 10 tackles for the Warriors (3-5). Senior Jesus Cisneros had eight tackles, including one for a loss to go along with his Pick-6 Tony Cruz, Jose Celaya, and Manny Garcia had six tackles apiece for a Wahluke defense that didn’t allow the score until the final quarter. Manny Garcia (2), Noe Martinez and Pedro Castaneda pressured the Highland quarterback all night, totaling four sacks on the night. Cisneros and Celaya added interceptions to the cause. “I thought the offensive line played outstanding,” Antos said. “Pedro Castaneda anchored our O-line, along with Seth Yorgesen, Johnny Garcia, Miguel Zamorano and Nahum Vivar. It great to see three sophomores and two freshmen make such strides in their improvement.” Celaya had two rushing touchdowns and Rodriguez had one for the Warriors, who also had a receiving touchdown from Cisneros. Wahluke wraps up the season against Quincy in a nonleague contest with the Jacks.

- Staff report