Tigers mauled by Wildcats, 31-20

The Wasco High Tigers recorded their third loss of the SSL season when they lost to the Taft Wildcats 31-20, in a game that wasn’t even as close as the score indicates. The Wildcats raced out to a 21-0 lead in the first half.

Tiger quarterback David Manzo and his offense never did get on track on the night, giving up the ball on two straight possessions, handing the Wildcats too many opportunities. They lost one drive to a fumble and the next was on an interception.

Taft enjoyed starting their drives in great field position for the majority of the game. Taft got on the board after they got the ball on a Wasco fumble. Taft quarterback hit a Wildcat receiver for a 29-yard touchdown pass.

Wasco faced a 14-0 halftime deficit with time winding down in the first half, but the Wildcats connected on another long touchdown pass with just seven seconds left before halftime, taking a 21-0 lead into the lockeroom.

After Taft got a field goal, extending their lead to 24-0, the Tigers scored on a touchdown pass, making it 24-7.

But Taft answered right back with a scoring drive of their own, making the score 32-7. The Tigers did manage to score two touchdowns late in the game to cut the lead to 11 points, but could not get any closer.

Wasco will be hosting Shafter on Friday night, renewing their historic rivalry that has been going since 1933. There will be a week of fun activities, culminating in the battle on the gridiron. The junior varsity game will start at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity at 7:30 p.m.