Screaming Eagles lose heartbreaker

REARDAN - What had all the makings of a satisfying Homecoming/Senior Night win for the Screaming Eagles quickly turned into a disappointing loss after Asotin scored its second touchdown of the fourth quarter with less than a minute to play to secure the Panthers' 14-13 win Friday, Oct. 6.

Early in the game, Reardan's defense played rock-solid. Asotin's opening drive ended on a Rysen Soliday tackle that jarred the ball loose from a Panther ball carrier and into the hands of Hunter Flaa on the Screaming Eagles' 24-yard line.

Asotin's other three possessions of the first quarter ended on punts or the ball being turned over on downs.

After the Screaming Eagles' offense took possession of the ball, quarterback Soliday took to the air. He hit Zander Thornton on a pass for a 27-yard gain and then found Jakari Singleton streaking across the goal line for a 10-yard touchdown completion.

Aiden Chilson's extra point kick gave Reardan a 7-0 lead after one quarter.

In the second quarter, Asotin threatened to tie the game when quarterback Cody Ells fired a shot into the end zone with 29 seconds remaining. Reardan's Blake Wynecoop knocked the pass to the ground to preserve the Screaming Eagle 7-0 lead heading into the locker room.

After intermission, Soliday and Singleton connected on an 18-yard pass for their second touchdown of the game. Reardan missed the extra point but increased its lead to 13-0.

After the ensuing kickoff, Asotin marched from its 20-yard line to Reardan's side of the field. The Panther threat to score ended on Landon Bell's interception at the Screaming Eagles' 35-yard line. After three quarters, Reardan maintained its 13-0 lead.

Miscues proved to be Reardan's undoing in the fourth quarter.

After a Screaming Eagle fumble, Asotin took over possession at their own 30-yard line. With 7:22 left in the game, Ells hit Cole Eller on a 62-yard bomb for a touchdown.

The extra point made the score 13-7.

Unable to move the ball on its next possession, Reardan turned the ball back over to Asotin with 5:26 left in the game. Asotin marched the length of the field and tied the game with 32 seconds left when Cody Ells hit his brother Gavin Ells for a touchdown.

The successful extra point attempt gave the Panthers the 14-13 win.

"The boys played their tails off against a quality opponent," Reardan head coach Matt Clouse said. "We couldn't come up with the plays we needed in the fourth quarter. Their quarterback was elusive. Many times we were in his face but couldn't get him to the turf."

Clouse complemented Soliday, Flaa and Bell for their play on defense.

"Our defensive backs and linebackers broke up a ton of passes," he said.

"Soliday had some big runs for us," he said. "He also had several completions to Tate Nelson, Zander Thornton and Blake Wynecoop."

"We outplayed Asotin for three quarters but couldn't seal the deal."

Soliday completed seven out of 19 passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns. He also carried the ball nine times for 45 yards.

Evan Krupke caught three passes for 24 yards. Thornton and Singleton each caught two passes for 32 and 28 yards, respectively.

Ells passed for 146 and two touchdowns for the Panthers.

Asotin's win improved their record to 4-2 on the season. Reardan dropped to 2-4.

The Screaming Eagles' next game is at Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Friday, Oct. 13.