WARDEN — The Wahluke Warriors (2-2) had a strong non-league showing on the road against the Warden Cougars (1-3) Friday night, showing strong offensive prowess throughout the game to win 42-7. 

"We set our game goals right from the beginning, scoring on the first drive and things like that," said Warriors Head Coach Anfernee Cortez. "Executing, being assignment sound is what we were really focused on going into this game and I feel like the guys did a great job starting that way." 

The Warriors had a dominant first half where they scored fast and early to gain a 21-0 lead over the Cougars. Wahluke carried this effort throughout the half as they held Warden scoreless and closed out the second quarter with a rushing touchdown to take a 28-0 lead at halftime.

Quick to score again in the third quarter, Wahluke used their run game to make their way downfield where running back Franco Perez punched his way into the endzone for the team's fifth touchdown of the night.  

Warden's offense came out with newfound energy which eventually led to the team marching downfield. After an impressive first down catch by JJ Madsen, Kam Jensen connected with Danny Martinez for a touchdown.  

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Warriors remained vigilant on all sides of the ball. Quarterback Michael Valdovinos scored the final points of the game with a rushing touchdown early in the quarter and Yovanni Garcia Abundez snagged an interception before the clock wound down on a 42-7 Warriors victory. 

"I felt like our guys played with heart, they play for each other and that's always great to see from our group," said Cortez. "We've been going through a lot of adversity this whole week and even the previous week and to come out here and play the way we did, it was really awesome for us." 

Even with the victory, the Warriors coach said there is still a lot more room for growth. Toward the end of the game, the team began making a few errors that cost some yardage, and Cortez wants to have that cleaned up moving forward.  

Along with ongoing road games for the remainder of the season, Wahluke's roster has lost a few players, he said. In the past few games where the Warriors have earned victories, key players have stepped up to help ensure the team remains competitive this season. 

With the struggles that this season has brought for the Warriors, Cortez said what's important for him and his coaching staff is the keep spirits high. 

"This is a great group to be around, and they really listen, are coachable and buy into what we're preaching to them," said the Warriors coach. "For us (coaches), giving them that confidence mentally and just letting them come out here and play to the best of their abilities is what we really preach during practice." 

The win over Warden was a great way for Wahluke to see the positive effects of remaining assignment sound throughout a matchup, he said. Working toward their next matchup, he wants the players to retain the lessons from Friday and ensure that everyone is healthy as they make their way to the midway point of the season. 

"All the good things they're doing I'm really happy about and as a coach you try to be positive but also find the things you've got to work on as well," said Cortez. "That's what we've got to be ready for going into next week, is preparing for that next game and really focusing on cleaning up the things we did wrong and polishing the things we did right." 

The Cougars also had a bit of adversity coming into Friday's game with their week three matchup against Highland being moved from Friday, Sept. 18, to Monday, Sept. 21, giving only a few days of rest before playing Wahluke. 

Warden Head Coach Brent Cox said this contributed to the Cougars' slow start Friday and showed where they still need to improve as a team. 

"They didn't really start playing tough until the second half," said Cox. "We've got some things to work on a little bit on the coaching tonight, we just didn't make the right calls where we needed them." 

Warden's ability to match the intensity of Wahluke going into the second half was something the Cougars coach said he wants the team to recognize as a positive from Friday.  

The upperclassmen stepped up to the challenge in the third and fourth quarters with high intensity which he feels will inspire the underclassmen. 

The Cougars this week will have a little more time to prepare for their next matchup where they're set to host the defending 2B State Champions Tri Cities Prep on Friday. He said Warden will need to be mentally ready to play tough against a formidable opponent. 

"We've got the right kids; we just have to get them pointed in the right direction," said Cox. 

The Warriors head off to face Connell on Thursday at 7 p.m. and the Cougars remain home to host Tri-Cities Prep on Friday at 7 p.m. 

BOX SCORE  

WHLK: 14-14-7-7: 42 

WRDN: 0-0-7-0: 7

    Danny Martinez, a senior for the Cougars, completes a catch in the endzone for a touchdown.
  

    Wahluke's quarterback Michael Valdovinos, a junior, slings the ball across the field for a first down Friday night.
  

    Warden junior JJ Madsen completes a catch near the 30-yard line for a first down and more Thursday at the Cougars' homecoming game.
  

    Yovanni Garcia Abundez (3), a senior from the Warriors, sprints toward a gap in the Cougars defense after being handed the ball from quarterback Michael Valdovinos (9).