ZILLAH — Getting out of the gate with win to start the season is crucial especially if things didn’t go so well the prior year. But it wasn’t in the cards for the Warriors who suffered a 28-0 opening season nonleague loss to the Leopards in Zillah Friday night.

The game, however, was a lot closer than the score indicates.

“We had over 200 yards of offense,” coach Mike Foristiere said. “But we turned the ball over six times and you can’t do that and expect to beat a good Zillah team.”

The first quarter of play saw goose eggs dot the score board. The Leopards struck pay dirt once in the second 8 minutes of action to take a 7-0 at the break.

The Warriors trailing by just one score were still within striking distance, but couple miscues in the third quarter gave Zillah a short field and the home team was to take advantage.

“We turned the ball over twice deep in our end of the field and they were able to punch it in both times,” Foristiere said. “We had our chances to score in the third quarter too — got inside the red zone twice — but again, turned the ball over and took ourselves out of the game.”

The Warriors ran for 175 yards in the game. Danial Ayala and Rock Foristiere finished with 60 yards each. Juan Silva finished added 55 yards. Wahluke has work to do in its aerial attack as the Warriors completed just two passes for 20 yards. 

Wahluke looks to bounce back with a win at home Friday when the Warriors host Cle Elum-Roslyn. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.