MOSES LAKE – On Friday, the Mavericks (7-0) defeated the Eastmont Wildcats 21-0 on the road. The Wildcats presented a tough challenge, but the Mavs responded when it mattered most.   

“We were on the road, and it's a rivalry game, and it's kind of one of those emotional games, and they had a great plan defensively. They took away our pass, and so we went to the run and were able to pull off the 21-0 victory,” head coach Brett Jay said.   

The Mavs were off to a tough start. Through the early minutes of the second quarter, they had thrown two interceptions. However, the Mavericks' defense responded after Taggart Rathbun picked off the Eastmont quarterback and returned it to the Wildcats' 30-yard line.   

After a few successful plays to put them in scoring position, running back Elijah Burns punched it in from three yards out to give the Mavericks a 7-0 lead heading into halftime. With the pass taken away, the Mavs’ adjustments at halftime were not going to be drastic. Brett said they just needed to take what Eastmont was giving them.

“We were able to kind of take a step back, take a big deep breath, and just stay the course and make sure that we limited the turnovers, and just take what they give us, and they gave us the run all night, so we took the run,” he said.   

Brett said Brady Jay showed a mature response to the adversity they faced on Friday. His leadership played a role in how the rest of the team responded and fought back against Eastmont.  

“His maturity has improved over the years, and he was a very emotional leader on Friday, and he totally understood that when a team drops eight and nine guys that we're going to run the football, and he was there making sure we did that as well as motivating our defense,” Brett said.   

After a scoreless third quarter, it was still anyone’s game with the Mavericks leading 7-0.   

The Mavericks seized momentum after Eastmont turned the ball over on downs after a missed field goal. A few plays into the Mavs’ next offensive drive, Burns broke free for a 15-yard touchdown to put them up 14-0 halfway through the fourth quarter.   

The Mavericks continued to ride their newfound momentum as Carter Anderson intercepted Eastmont and returned it to the endzone for a pick six to put them up 21-0. They were able to hold off the Wildcats and run out the clock to remain undefeated.   

Brett spoke highly of defensive coordinator Jeff Muai’s defensive game plan, saying they have continued to improve as the season goes on. The Mavericks' defense tied a school record for most shutout wins in a season, with three.   

“Jeff has done a fantastic job building our defense. Our defensive coaches have bought in, and they really have our units on point. I loved our defensive plan Friday against the wing-T (offense), and I thought our guys were very disciplined,” Brett said.   

Brett also said the offensive line did a good job of creating lanes for Burns and Carson Huberdeau, who both averaged seven yards per carry against Eastmont. With the pass options being limited, the run game was called upon to push the Mavericks across the finish line.  

“We like those tough games where it's back and forth, and down to the wire. We always want to be effective in all the phases of the game and so when it’s called upon, then we can continue to have success as a team,” Brett said.   

As they look ahead to the final two weeks of the regular season, Brett said the Mavericks are focused on going 1-0 this week. He said they do not look behind them or ahead and try to take it one week at a time.   

He feels confident they are starting to peak at the right time to finish the season strong. One important aspect to finishing strong is trust, he said.   

“Trust in each other, trust in your teammates. We've got a great senior group, a great Junior group. Our sophomores are coming on nicely, and so we have the guys to be successful each night. We just got to continue to trust them to do their job and not try to do too much,” Brett said.   

The Mavericks return to Lions Field on Oct. 24 for their final home game of the regular season against West Valley at 7 p.m.  

BOX SCORE:   

MAVS: 0-7-0-14: 21
ESMT: 0-0-0-0: 0 

    The Mavs’ Tyce Miller (0) drops back in coverage against Wenatchee earlier this season. The Mavericks defense intercepted Eastmont twice, one of which turned into a pick six.