Auburn squandered a 23-12 lead after three quarters on Thursday, falling 26-23 to Jefferson in South Puget Sound League North 4A action at Auburn Memorial Stadium.

The Trojans (4-2 league, 4-2 overall) led 16-6 at the half and added another touchdown in the third quarter, but were unable to hold off the Raiders (3-2, 3-3), who scored twice in the fourth quarter to put away the victory.

Quarterback Niko DelaCruz led the way for Jefferson with two passing touchdowns and one on the ground.

For the Trojans, senior quarterback Brier Atkinson had a 3-yard TD run and a 13-yard touchdown pass to Dom Ecklund. Senior Kieo Buchanan added a 3-yard touchdown run and Caden Borden had a 31-yard field goal.

The Trojans play Kent-Meridian (1-4, 2-4) at 6 p.m. next Saturday, Oct. 19, at French Field in Kent.