The White River High defense pitched a shutout during the first half and then came up big in the waning moments, leading the Hornets to a 20-14, Friday night victory over the visiting Fife Trojans.

The victory pushed the Hornets’ record to 1-2 in South Puget Sound League 2A play, 2-3 overall.

White River jumped to a 17-0 lead during the opening two quarters, getting on the scoreboard first when Dustin France connected on a 26-yard field goal. Devin Liebel tacked on a short scoring run before the first period came to a close. The only scoring in the second quarter was the result of a 17-yard pass from Zach McMillen to Garret Quiles, followed by France’s extra-point kick.

Fife made things close with a short touchdown run in the third quarter and another in the fourth. All the Hornets could muster in the second half was a 32-yard field goal by France. The Trojans made things interesting late, but the White River defense came up big in the clutch.

The Hornets go in search of their second SPSL 2A victory Friday night when they travel to meet Franklin Pierce. The Cardinals bring up the rear in the league standings, off to an 0-3 start following losses to Orting, Steilacoom and, most recently, the Sumner Spartans.