Colton upsets Liberty Christian, 44-32

Colton’s Wildcats erupted for 20-points in the second half Friday night at Pasco to upset Liberty Christian 44-32 and lock the SE Eights league in a three-way tie for first place.

The loss broke a two year-run in the league for the Patriots who have been rated at the top of the eights polls with an undefeated record.

Colton’s road win Friday leaves the Wildcats tied with the Patriots and Touchet, all with 3-1 league marks with three rounds to go in the season.

Colton’s lone league loss was last week to Touchet, and Touchet’s lone loss was in the opening round to the Patriots.

Colton Friday will host Sunnyside Christian in what promises to be an air war with QB Wyatt Hoff and the air-minded Knights going up the passing game of Jake Straughan and the Wildcat receivers.

Friday against the Patriots Straughan hit 14 of 18 passes for 381 yards.

If the league’s three leaders prevail over the next three rounds the tie will be resolved according to the order determined in a pre-season drawing.

Colton came to life in the second quarter Friday and trailed the Pats 24-26 at the break. The Wildcats rallied after Straughan picked off an L.C. pass, and the Wildcat offense ripped up the field on two pass plays with Dalton Patchen scoring on a 43-yard pass launched by Straughan.

After the break the Wildcats took the lead in the third quarter with Straughan hitting Dillon Frank on another 43-yard play.

The Wildcats finished with Straughan scoring TDs on runs of 30 yards and four yards in the fourth quarter.

A big factor in the upset win was three more interceptions by the Wildcats in the second half.

Colton dominated the second half 20-6.

After Friday’s homecoming game against the Knights, the Wildcats will finish out the season by hosting St. John Endicott and then rolling to Pomeroy to face a tough Pirate squad.