Wahluke opens season with young but eager squad

MATTAWA — The Wahluke Warriors are going to have to overcome a lot of inexperience this year. 

“We’re pretty sophomore-heavy,” head coach Anfernee Cortez said. “And then we’ve got a lot of seniors who are joining us for the first year.” 

Last year wasn’t kind to the Warriors, who finished the season 3-7 and didn’t get to the playoffs. Cortez is cautiously optimistic that the work his boys did over the summer will pay off. 

“Last year we won three games,” he said. “Somehow we're able to make it to the Week 10 Crossover game to get into state, which was an improvement for us, even though the wins and losses weren't exactly pretty. But the goal for us over summer was get better every day, take it one day at a time, and focus on what's in front of us.” 

What’s in front of them appears to be offense, Cortez said, learning the plays and getting the details down. Defensively the Warriors are looking pretty good, he said.  

“I’m always talking about our linemen,” he said. “Our linemen stand out to me. (There are) a couple of guys who are going to step into some starring roles.” 

Senior Anthony “Big Ant” Cuevas is one, he said, and his younger brother Antwan Cuevas, a sophomore, is another. 

“(I think we need to be) better on offense and score more points,” said quarterback Jose Valdovinos. “I feel like we have a pretty strong defense. Better to minimize the points and just work on getting the ball into to the end zone.” 

“We’re already dogs on defense,” Anthony Cuevas added. 

What hurt the Warriors most last year wasn’t even something that played out on the field, Cuevas said. 

“Overall, I think a lot of our players need to work on keeping their grades up,” he said. “It wasn’t even injuries, it was just grades.” 

“We need more discipline,” Valdovinos agreed. 

Wahluke Football Schedule 

Sept. 6 – at Naches Valley – 7 p.m. 

Sept. 12 – vs Wapato – 7 p.m. 

Sept. 20 – at Kiona-Benton – 7 p.m. 

Sept. 27 – vs Cashmere – 7 p.m. 

Oct. 4 – at Granger – 7 p.m. 

Oct. 11 – vs College Place – 7 p.m. 

Oct. 18 – vs Royal – 7 p.m. 

Oct. 25 – at Zillah – 7 p.m. 

Nov. 1 – at Connell – 7 p.m. 

    The Wahluke Warriors practice some offensive plays Aug. 22. Offense is where the Warriors need the most work on the field, coach and players agreed.

    A Wahluke player chases a pass at practice Aug. 22. The team’s emphasis this year will be on offense, Head Coach Anfernee Cortez said.
  

    Head Coach Anfernee Cortez, in black, addresses some of his players in a huddle. This year’s Warriors are a young team, he said, with lots to learn.