MATTAWA - First-year Wahluke football coach Mike Forestiere is learning quickly how tough the South Central Conference East can be.

Friday his Warriors fell to rebuilding Connell 27-12 for their straight loss.

But his team is doing things that are pointing in the right direction.

For the fourth week, the offense moved the ball for big yardage. The Warriors rolled to 282 yards. For the fourth straight game, the Warriors had the lead at half-time.

"What can I say, for the third week in a row we find a way to lose," Forestiere said. "The kids played hard, but we made mistakes at very crucial times. We moved the ball up and down the field, but turnovers hurt. "

"We had Connell on the Ropes," Forestiere added. "But like in any fight, you have to finish them, and we didn't."

There will be no break this week. The Warriors travel to Royal Friday, and Royal will be smarting from surprise loss to Cashmere.

"What can I say as we get ready for the best team in the league," Forestiere said.

Warrior fans got to enjoy a spectacular touchdown Friday when Quarterback Colin Ahmann connected with wide receiver Ethayn Kinney from 50 yards. The other Warrior score came from running back Carlos Thiede.

On defense, Colin Ahmann had an exceptional interception. He also had numerous open field tackles.

Once again, the offense rumbled to more than 200 yards rushing. Randy Forestiere led the way with 130 yards on 18 carries.

Thiede added 34 yards on six carries. Danial Corrales ran five times for 28 yards. Jason Cruz had 29 yards on eight carries, and Ahmann totaled 11 yards.