Warriors defeated in season finale

MATTAWA – The Wahluke Warriors (2-8) finished their season with a 28-6 loss at home to the Grandview Greyhounds on Thursday. For Keaton Zirker, he was grateful to put on the pads and represent the Warriors one last time.   

“It meant a lot,” he said. “I feel like they put a lot of trust in me. I put a lot of trust in them. So just grateful that they allowed me to be their QB and that they trusted me.” 

The Warriors started hot with a pick-six in the first quarter. However, the Greyhounds rallied late in the second quarter to take a one-point lead at halftime. From there, they continued to build their lead and secure a win.  

“I think games like this, where you know you're playing for fun, you’re playing to win, obviously, but it’s a crossover game, just being able to come out here and play another game of football, and try to send our seniors out on the right note, was our goal,” head coach Anfernee Cortez said.   

In the first quarter, the Warriors took hold of the momentum first in the first quarter. After Grandview’s run game began to stall for a moment, they opted to try passing the ball. However, Franco Perez was prepared and intercepted the ball and returned it for a touchdown to give them the lead.   

“He's a good football player for us. He'll be a senior next year, and he's a hard worker. I'm not surprised he's one of our guys that makes a lot of our plays. For him to do that and have that play for us and kind of be that leader for us is great,” Cortez said.   

The Warriors also blocked a punt to keep the Greyhounds scoreless in the first quarter. In the second quarter, it was a defensive battle. Both teams exchanged multiple three-and-out drives. However, in the last two minutes of the first half, the Greyhounds strung together a scoring drive. They were able to work the sidelines through passing and managing the clock so they could take a 7-6 lead over the Warriors at halftime.   

In the second half, the Greyhounds continued to build their lead. After putting up six points in the third quarter, they erupted 15 points in the fourth to seal the win. The Warriors had opportunities to score in the second half but were unable to convert fourth downs on multiple occasions.   

Despite the loss, Cortez has come away proud of his team’s efforts this season. He said they showed a lot of fight and the right mindset they wanted them to have each week this season.

“A lot of them from our younger players, they're willing to want to be good every game, and no matter what our record is, (they) attacked every game we're playing and that's big for us. Just kind of build off of that and do our job as coaches to make sure they understand what we're trying to do,” Cortez said.   

Cortez said the key to a successful offseason will be getting stronger in the weight room. He said it will be important to build size as they become more competitive with league opponents. 

As Zirker finished his time as a Warrior, he was quick to point out what he will miss the most from his time as their quarterback.  

“I'm definitely going to miss the brotherhood, just all, all of us coming together and just being one, I'm just going to miss that the most,” he said.   

BOX SCORE:   

GRVW: 0-7-6-15: 28
WHLK: 6-0-0-0: 6 

    Keaton Zirker (15) breaks out of the pocket as he looks downfield for an open receiver against the Grandview Greyhounds.
  

    The Wahluke Warriors’ Ethan Moreno (5) looks to the sideline for the next play call on Friday.
  

    Mattawa’s defense piles on the Grandview ball carrier to make a tackle in the backfield.