The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG - The Waitsburg-Prescott Cardi­nals suffered their first home loss in five years Friday, falling short to Asotin on Homecoming night, 34-21. The defeat broke a home winning streak of 25 games. WP's last home loss was also to Asotin, in October 2008.

In the game, WP quarter­back Owen Lanning com­pleted 12 of 24 passes for 177 yards. Normally those would be stellar QB num­bers, but the five intercep­tions he threw helped seal the deal for the Panthers.

"Asotin played a better football game than we did and deserved to win," said WP coach Jeff Bartlow. "They were the more physi­cal team and that can beat you. We were flat as the game started and before we knew it, were down 14-0."

The Cardinals got a big game out of running back/ middle linebacker Chance Leroue, who rushed for 97 yards on 14 carries, and added three receptions for 26 additional yards.

"With his kickoff returns Chance had 183 total yards (all purpose) in all," said Bartlow. "He again had a good game." On special teams and defense, Leroue blocked a punt, had two sacks and was in on 13 tackles.

WP got stronger after two quick Asotin scores. Leroue rambled for 45 yards and a touchdown late in the first quarter and closed out the half with a one yard run for a second score. The Cardinals were down only 22-14 at the half.

"Our Defense started bad, giving up 140 yards rush­ing in the first quarter," said Bartlow. "We made some adjustments and they ended up with under 200 yards rushing, and that was good. But they threw for almost 200 over the last 3 quarters."

WP kicker Antonio Beni­to was a perfect three-for- three in PATs, Friday, after missing a game with a slight concussion. "He remains an All-League candidate at kicker," Bartlow said.

Asotin running back Ryan Schaefer had a strong game, with five carries for 119 yards and two touch­downs. Unfortunately his season ended with a broken ankle late in the game, dur­ing a kickoff return.

"We made too many mis­takes to win," Bartlow said of Friday's game. "Once down in the 4th quarter by three TD's, we kind of got desperate and ended up throwing three interceptions in the 4th quarter."

Leroue also exited late in the game with a sore lower back, but is expected to return next week against Tri- Cities Prep.

The Cardinals find them­selves in a four-way tie in the Southeast 2B league. They, along with Asotin, TCP and DeSales all sport 2-1 league records.

In action Monday, WP's junior varsity team beat Mabton 56-6. The Cardinal JV team finished its season 6-0.