Stevens shines in defeat

DEARY — Despite a 40-12 loss, it was the best game of the season for the Wampus Cats, who went toe to toe with the No. 3 ranked team in the state for the better part of three quarters in defeat.

The Wampus Cats (2-4, 2-3 WSL) were tied with Deary (6-0) after the first quarter, before some breakdowns defensively led to three second quarter scores and a 28-6 halftime lead for Deary.

“It went pretty well. The score doesn’t indicate how close the game was, we played them really even for three quarters,” said Cats head coach Brian Arthun. “We played them tight, bounced back with a good second half. That was the most physical team we’ve played, and we matched their physicality.”

Wade Stevens finished with 150 yards passing and 100 yards rushing, including a 60 yard run for one of the scores. Bryant Moore hauled in 70 yards receiving and Cameron Garcia 50 against a solid defense.

“Wade had an amazing game,” said Arthun. “He had 14 tackles, and he knocked out the team’s best player for the second week.”

Josh Constantin scored a two yard rushing touchdown for the other score for the Cats. But it was the defense that Arthun was most happy with.

“I liked the fact they weren’t intimidated by Deary and their state ranking. Ty Ballard had three sacks and was constantly in the backfield creating havoc, and Josh had three sacks at the other end,” lauded Arthun. “It’s going to give us a lot of confidence, to play a powerhouse at their place is only going to boost our confidence.

Clark Fork hosts No. 4 ranked Kendrick next Friday in another tough game, looking to finally break through for a win against the league power.