MATTAWA - Wahluke High School's chances for winning Friday night were stubbed by a key first-quarter injury, but there was reason to cheer in the 22-3 loss to highly favored Kiona-Benton.

Junior first-year place kicker Alan Caro hit a 40-yard field goal, which is noteworthy at the high school level. And it was tipped by a defender as it took flight.

"It would have cleared 50 yards if it hadn't been touched," coach Brycen Bye. "That kid's got a leg."

Until the kick, there wasn't much for Wahluke fans to cheer. Leading ball carrier Jaime Jimenez, who was averaging 100 yards a game, had left the contest with a turned ankle, and the score was 22-0.

Jimenez was hurt on his third tote. He carried the ball three times for eight yards. The team finished with 53 rushing yards. There were 69 passing yards, but the Warriors completed only four of 16 passes.

"Jaime's injury really hurt. It took us out of our offense," Bye said.

Moises Testa led Wahluke rushing with 40 yards on six carries. Martin Tello carried five times for five yards.

The four pass receptions went to Dario Prudente for 43 yards, Alex Anaya for 24, Saul Ramos for four and Tello for minus-2.