Paul Mendoza (26) gets up after running the ball for the Warriors. (Photo provided by Sue Garrity – The Pilot News)

PLYMOUTH — The Wawasee football team could not avenge an ugly sectional loss from last season Friday night. The Warriors traveled to take on Plymouth, a team that ended Wawasee’s season in 2015 with a 66-7 sectional defeat. The Rockies defended their home turf against the Warriors, pulling away for a 33-16 victory, their fourth straight over Wawasee.

Wawasee jumped out to a 7-0 lead with a one-yard run from Michael Katzer in the first quarter. Plymouth responded with a 68-yard run from Colten Schuler. A successful two-point conversion gave the Rockies an 8-7 lead.

Plymouth then capitalized on a Warrior mistake. A big run from Wawasee’s Dylan Hepler ended with a fumble that Plymouth returned for a touchdown. Another successful conversion put the Rockies up 16-7. Wawasee scored once more before the half, a pass from Tyler Smith to Jacob Hand, to make the score 16-13 at the break.

A Brayden Johnson field goal would be all the Warriors could muster in the second half.

The loss will certainly leave a stinging feeling for Wawasee as they had more yardage than Plymouth, 314-309, won the turnover battle, 2-1, and had fewer penalties.

Tyler Smith led Wawasee with 106 yards through the air and 76 on the ground. Noah Wadkins added 61 rushing yards. Katzer had the score and 39 yards. Jacob Hand led the Warriors with three receptions and 84 yards. Jeremiah Dilley and Rylan Kuhn tied to lead Wawasee with seven tackles a piece. Hepler had the team’s lone interception.

Schuler led Plymouth with 97 yards on the ground. Benji Nixon added 51. Dylan Johnson totaled 49.

Wawasee falls to 3-3 overall and 1-3 in the conference. The Warriors will look to get back the ‘W’ Trophy next week and Warsaw (4-2, 3-1) comes to town for homecoming.