Wampus Cats nearly upset Miners

CLARK FORK - An emotional Clark Fork team played its best game of the season Friday night, building a late lead against Wallace before giving up a touchdown on the final play of the game and falling to the Miners 40-34 on Senior Night in Clark Fork.

The Cats (0-6, 0-6 NSL) were playing with heavy hearts, the memory of late teammate Tyler Pesce, who died on Wednesday, first and foremost in their minds.

"With all of the things going on we had to face a lot of adversity," said Cats coach Brian Arthun. "We talked about Pesce and it being Senior Night. We played out best game of the year, with lots of heart, but ran out of gas at the end."

Running back Alex Benishek, eligible for the first time this season, wasted little time making his presence felt, running for 259 yards on 27 carries, including four touchdowns.

"Alex was a big spark for us," said Arthun. "He's got some wheels."

Howard Katzenberg added a 25 yard scoring plunge, and the fired up Cats held the lead up until the final play of the game, when Jordan Benz scored from two yards out to win the game for Wallace (5-1, 5-1 NSL).

Jared Bilaski scored three touchdowns and Benz added two more to lead the Miners.

Clark Fork has a bye next week.

Wallace     14   6   0    20 - 40

Clark Fork  0   14   12   8 - 34

Wal - Bilaski 17 catch from Beard (Beard to Bilaski)

Wal - Bilaski 20 catch from Beard (try failed)

CF - Benishek 4 run (try failed)

CF - Benishek 12 run (Berkley to Katzenberg)

Wal - Bilaski 16 run (try failed)

CF - Benishek 9 run (try failed)

CF - Benishek 7 run (try failed)

CF - Katzenberg 25 run (Berkley to Nesbitt)

Wal - Beard 25 run (Beard to Bilaski)

Wal - Benz 4 run (try failed)

Wal - Benz 2 run (no try)