Warriors survive to defeat Hawks in homecoming

WASILLA -- On the night of their homecoming, the Wasilla Warriors defeated the Houston Hawks 34-16 Friday.

The Warriors scored 24 points in the first quarter en route to the victory.

The non-conference game featured the 4A Warriors taking on the 3A Hawks. It was one of two games against 4A opponents on the schedule for Houston this season. The Hawks were defeated by Lathrop earlier this season.

Abe Salmon continued to spark the Warrior offense with 181 yards and a touchdown in the contest.

Salmon's touchdown was one of three Wasilla scores in the first quarter. Quarterback Kevin Donahoe found tight end Brandon Halverson for a 44-yard touchdown pass. It marked Halverson's first touchdown pass of the

season.

Wasilla took an early 8-0 lead on a defensive score. Warrior defensive back

Jeremy Walker returned an interception 10 yards for the score.

The Warriors did have trouble holding onto the football. Wasilla fumbled four times inside the Houston 10-yard line.

"It was much closer than we would of liked," Wasilla offensive coordinator Dan Michael said. "We turned the ball over too much. You have got to give Houston credit."

The Hawks defense tightened up after Wasilla took a 24-0 lead. Houston only gave up a touchdown to Wasilla fullback Ricky Cunningham in the final three quarters of the contest.

"Our kids stepped up to the challenge and played

really hard," Houston head coach Mat Bredburg said. "If you take away the first quarter it would be a different game. Once they got over their jitters, they showed those guys they can play."

Jed Martinson scored both Houston touchdowns. The Hawk fullback reached the end zone on runs of 50 and four yards. DJ Sandidge and Taylor Richey added two-point conversions for Houston.

Peter Clemens continued to throw the ball well for

Houston. Clemens threw for 194 yards in the game.

The senior quarterback ranks among the states top quarterback in several

statistical categories.