Jacks win with overtime PKs against Tigers in Battle of the Basin

QUINCY — The Quincy Jackrabbits (4-4) faced the Ephrata Tigers (5-6) on Tuesday evening in a rivalry matchup that remained close throughout. The two teams battled all the way into overtime penalty kicks where the Jacks earned the 3-2 victory. 

“It was definitely one of the best Battle of the Basin games that I’ve ever been a part of,” said Jacks Head Coach Hector Vaca. 

The first goal of the game was scored by Tigers senior Junior Chavez about four minutes into the half. The Jacks responded quickly to tie the game back up as Eric Zepeda scored a goal within the next minute. Ephrata regained the lead by halftime as sophomore Yahizee Alvarado scored to put the game at 2-1 in favor of the Tigers. 

Quincy began clicking together better in the second half, and Jacks senior Bryan Nunez tied the game up 2-2 with a PK score early on. The two teams battled throughout the second half until the end of regulation, where they remained tied and pushed into overtime. 

With both halves of overtime resulting in no scores for either team, the game was decided by PKs. A save on the first kick from the Tigers proved to be the deciding factor for the game as the Jacks went five for five on their kicks to win 3-2. 

“It was a really rough game for us,” said Vaca. “Just slow on transitions, weren’t executing our game plan the way we wanted to, and all credit to Ephrata too, because Ephrata came to play and they brought it to us for sure.” 

Despite coming out of the game with a loss, Tigers Head Coach Ivan Garay said he was proud of the team’s efforts and their ability to come into the game aggressive and score first. 

“We wanted to take the lead to play with less pressure on us, more pressure on them,” said Garay. 

Throughout the game, the Tigers coach said the two teams remained even on the field with Ephrata finding success, especially in the first half.  

“Ultimately, when I look at the game, I’m very proud of my guys,” said Garay. “We did everything we had to do to put us in the situation where we could have won that game, but (Quincy) had the big save. It’s heartbreaking, those hurt, but I feel we’re at the point with this team that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” 

Vaca said something Quincy noticed on the sideline was how successful the Tigers were both on the field, on the bench and in the stands. The energy that Ephrata brought into this game made the away game factor seem to disappear. 

“They were beating us in everything, cheering, pumping up the field players, everything, they were just on it, which was really nice and really cool to see,” said the Jacks coach. “I think the fire lit under (the Jacks) at halftime.” 

After some adjustments on the field and overcoming their mental blocks, Quincy came back into the second half with renewed spirits. Vaca said this energy and new mentality was built up by the players to rally and earn the victory. 

Garay said Tuesday’s game showed the Tigers that they are on track to achieve their season goals. Ephrata has shown they can compete with some of the best teams in the league and games coming down to a one-shot difference will make a difference down the stretch. 

“We’ve just got to keep being who we are and making ourselves better,” said Ephrata’s coach. “Just learning and improving from every moment of the game and every second of the game and we’ll be alright. I believe in these boys and they gave me every reason after that game to believe in them even more.” 

For Quincy, this game proved that even at times when they face adversity on the field, they can still find a way to earn the victory. Moving forward, Vaca said he wants the Jacks to focus on entering every game with the same high intensity that they showed in the second half.  

Vaca said prior to kickoff, the Jacks discussed that the results of Tuesday’s game were going to be indicative of how the rest of the season should go. After struggling in some early season matchups, a strong league victory was a great way to test their skills get the team motivated as they head deeper into the season. 

“All the credit goes to the players; they’re the ones that are out there busting their butts and mustering out the wins,” he said. “Even at our worst we’re still able to get some wins.” 

The Jacks remain home to face Toppenish on Thursday at 6 p.m., and the Tigers remain on the road to face Selah on Tuesday at 6 p.m. 

BOX SCORE 

EPHT: 2-0-0: 2 

QNCY: 1-1-1: 3 

    Diego Pichardo (6), a junior from Ephrata, moves the ball toward the opposing goal with Maximo Serano (6) a senior from Quincy, applying pressure.
  

    Quincy senior Brayan Nunez rushes with the ball down the field during Tuesday’s game against Ephrata.
  

    Ephrata senior Jason Aleman chases the ball across the field during Tuesday’s game against Quincy.
  

    Junior Chavez, a senior from the Tigers, kicks the ball from the edge of the field during the Battle of the Basin against the Jacks.
  

    Jacks freshman Pablo Ramirez prepares to kick the ball over to an open teammate downfield during Tuesday’s game against the Tigers.