Turnover bug bites Warriors

Washington trailed Metro Christian 14-7 as the first half was winding to a close.

But they were driving for the tying score when the first of four turnovers bit coach Brad Beller’s squad.

“We were at their 25 yard line going in to tie it up,” Beller said.

But after a Warrior turnover Metro Christian tossed a 75-yard touchdown bomb to extend the lead to 21-7.

Another turnover in the last minute and another Patriot touchdown stretched the halftime deficit to 27-7.

Metro Christian got the ball to start the third period and in a third and medium situation on that first possession the Patriots completed a 63 yard touchdown bomb and suddenly it’s 34-7.

“They scored 20 points in 2:12 (on the scoreboard clock),” Beller said. “When it rains, it pours. I’ll take the blame. I’ve got to do a better job of closing out the half.

“They were really good but we didn’t play our best game. It’s my fault to have us in that position to begin with.

“But I will say it was the craziest 2:12 of football I’ve ever been around. I looked up and said to myself what in the world just happened?”

Beller said when it was 14-7 and the Warriors had the ball things were looking up.

“We had been playing pretty good defense and were moving the ball,” he said. “Then, BOOM. You look up and its 34-7.

“They are a really good football team. Their quarterback is the real deal. He accounted for every one of their touchdowns.”

The Warriors trailed 14-0 before senior quarterback Devin Orr scored on a six yard run.

Orr hooked up with Emitt Wilk for a 50 yard touchdown pass play but by then it’s 34-13 and the Warriors were playing in catch up mode.

“We didn’t have a chance to do the things we normally would in the run game,” Beller said. “We completed a couple of deep passes but it was too little too late.”

Metro Christian eventually won the contest 55-13, bringing to a close Washington’s 12-1 season.

“Right not it hurts and stinks,” Beller said of the loss. “But I told the guys as times goes on they will reflect on the good they accomplished winning 12 games.”

Beller said this year’s senior class will be dearly missed.

“They won every championship except the Gold Ball,” he said. “They won District Championships, Bi-District Championships, Regional and Area Championships. We’re going to miss them a lot.”

Those seniors include Carson McMahon, Logan Hendrix, Devin Orr, Ethan Olson, Gavin Grimsey, Lance Spaulding, Alberto Aguirre, Justin Simmons, Connor Bruce, Logan Lile and Grant Six.