Cheney Grounded Garbe, Nelson Lead Moses Lake Victory

Little went right for Cheney during its 26-7 3A state football playoff loss to visiting Moses Lake.

Even a Chiefs punt smacked off its own player and rolled 19 yards - forward - inside the 20-yard-line.

Moses Lake dominated both sides of the ball and took advantage of Cheney’s misfortunes.

Untimely penalties and missed tackles, a fumble and interception thwarted the Blackhawks.

Topping it all was the fact season rushing leader Matt Fox did not play because of injury.

Fullback Chris Nelson scored three touchdowns and rushed for 113 of Moses Lake’s 262 yards out of the Texas wishbone.

“We said we wouldn’t let the quarterback beat us,” said Cheney coach Tom Oswald. “If the fullback does, so be it.”

But quarterback B.J. Garbe did damage enough.

His biggest play en route to 84 yards rushing was a 16-yard third-down run when he ripped out of two tackles behind the line of scrimmage in the third quarter with his team ahead 19-6.

Three plays later, he hit Trent Brown, who had snuck behind Cheney’s defense, for 34 yards to set up Moses Lake’s decisive score.

“When you put a great athlete in situations, he makes great things happen,” said Chiefs coach Greg Kittrell.

Moses Lake drove 69 yards for its first touchdown, half the yards coming on a halfback option pass.

Cheney was backed up to its 8-yard-line, when Nick Reynolds boomed a 69-yard punt. The Blackhawks scored a few plays later following a bad Chiefs punt snap that was downed at its two and led 7-6.

Cheney had second half drives halted by a penalty and fumble.

It was that kind of night.

Moses Lake 26, Cheney 7

Moses Lake 6 13 7 0 - 26

Cheney 0 7 0 0 - 7

M-Nelson 2 run (kick failed) C-Royce 2 run (Reynolds kick) M-Nelson 2 run (pass failed) M-Garbe 3 run (Swanson kick) M-Nelson 8 run (Swanson kick)

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