by Scott Watson
The hot weather broke just in time for the Lions to bring their own heat to town with the (1-0) season opener at Forest City (0-1). The Lions won the match on Friday, Aug. 25, by a score of 34-0.
“The way the kids played with a lot of energy and effort was a highlight, and of course the defense giving up zero points was also a highlight. They caused turnovers and the offense found its footing in the second half. We made great adjustments at half, and the guys got confident,” said Head Coach Aaron Stensland.
“A nice surprise that came out of Friday night’s game was seeing the depth we have. We had some sophomores, Donny Johnson, Trevor Theobald, and Luke Fuhrman, that really stepped up and did a great job,” said Coach Stensland.
The Lions were first on the board, scoring on a three-yard touchdown run by Titan Schmitt. The PAT kick by Kinnick Clabaugh was good for a 7-0 first quarter lead. With the ball back in Clear Lake’s possession, a series of Cael Stephany passes set up a fourth and goal, inches from the end zone. A false start set the Lions back, leading to a successful field goal kick by Clabaugh.
After a successful defensive stop, Forest City recovered their own punt on a Clear Lake fumble, giving them first and 10 at the 41. The Indians proceeded to drive the ball down to the seven when Dontrel Johnson knocked down a pass on fourth and three to end the drive.
With just over a minute remaining in the half, Clear Lake took the ball from their own seven and tried to run out the clock, but Sam Dodge was too fast. One big Dodge run after another set the stage for another Clabaugh field goal. The Lions went into halftime leading 13-0.
Clear Lake got right down to business to start the second half, driving 71-yards to score a touchdown on an Aidan Hartl dive from three yards out. The PAT kick was good, 20-0 Lions.
A strong defensive stand followed, giving the ball back to Clear Lake. The Lions started their next drive on their own 29, pushing down to the 10-yard line. An interception turned over the downs, but a Luke Fuhrman interception deep in Clear Lake territory got things moving in the right direction once more.
With their backs against their own end zone, the Lions fought to gain better field position, ultimately settling on the decision to punt for just the second time in the night.
The Indians’ drive would be short lived, as the big defensive end Henry Bunn forced a turnover on downs. The Lions continued to play the field position game, working their way down to the 15-yard line when an interception halted the progress.
One three-and-out later, and the Lions went back to business, riding the gains of Schmitt all the way into the end zone. A Clabaugh PAT kick was good for a 27-0 lead.
With just over three minutes remaining in the game, Forest City countered by throwing a 34-yard pick six by Dontrel Johnson. The PAT was good for a 34-0 lead. The Lions rode out the clock for the win.
Cael Stephany and the Lions were 8/17 through the air for 105-yards and two interceptions. Thomas Meyer was good for three receptions for 30-yards, Derek Erpelding caught two passes for 27-yards, Alex Kerr caught one for 30, while Gage Larson caught one for 11, and Dodge caught one for seven-yards.
The Lions ran a staggering 377-yards on 52 attempts for three touchdowns. Schmitt was the primary ball carrier, racking up 179-yards on 28 carries for one touchdown. Aidan Hartl had 70-yards on seven carries for two touchdowns. Dodge added 95-yards on eight carries.
Clabaugh was a perfect 2/2 on field goals and 4/4 on PATs. His long for the night was from 37-yards.
The Lions’ defense was led by Hartl, who had six tackles, four of which were solo, while adding a sack and a tackle for a loss. Jake Trenary had four solo tack les, five total, and two for a loss. Caden Cavett had three solo tackles, four total, and one for a loss. Dodge and Lincoln Allsbrook each had three-and-one-half tackles.
Johnson and Fuhrman each had an interception, with Johnson’s going for a touchdown. Blake Enke had a fumble recovery.
“Going into next week, we will work on missed blocks, missed assignments, and following through. After the first week, you’re bound to have some of that, but we will be working on that. A positive is that we are 100% healthy,” said Coach Stensland.
The Lions return to action on Friday, Sept. 1 for their home opener against New Hampton (0-1).
