Local football teams turned in a strong showing Friday night as Indian Lake, Bellefontaine, Riverside, and West Liberty-Salem all came away with wins. The Lakers edged rival Ben Logan in a late thriller, the Chieftains spoiled Tecumseh’s homecoming, the Pirates pitched a shutout at Troy Christian, and the Tigers rolled over Triad in Ohio Heritage Conference action.
Indian Lake 17, Ben Logan 14
Late score gives Lakers rivalry win
It’s the stuff rivalries are made of.
Indian Lake and Ben Logan clashed Friday night on the gridiron, with the game not decided until the final minute as the Lakers pulled out a 17-14 victory.
Indian Lake improves to 3-0 in the Central Buckeye Conference Mad River Division and 6-2 overall, while Ben Logan falls to 0-3 and 3-5.
Noah Shirk’s 3-yard touchdown run with 51 seconds remaining capped a 58-yard drive to lift the Lakers to victory.
Shirk finished with 53 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, while Brady Golliday completed 20 of 34 passes for 206 yards — his fourth 200-yard passing game this season. Shirk also caught six passes for 85 yards, Brodey Reisinger had eight grabs for 56, and Colin Bendler added four for 41. Avery Pequignot connected on a 31-yard field goal.
Ben Logan’s Wyatt Predmore rushed for 107 yards and threw for 39, while Jordan Pender and Alex Hassell each had rushing touchdowns.
Indian Lake visits Graham next Friday, while Ben Logan heads to Northwestern.
Bellefontaine 34, Tecumseh 28
Chiefs hold off Arrows in fourth quarter
NEW CARLISLE — Bellefontaine built three two-score leads Friday night, but Tecumseh kept clawing back before the Chieftains sealed a 34-28 victory with a late interception.
The Chiefs improve to 4-4 overall and 2-1 in the CBC, while Tecumseh falls to 2-6.
Quarterback Reign St. Clair turned in another standout performance, completing 26 of 32 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with a deep and balanced receiving corps.
Patrick Stolly, Spencer Stolly, Sutton Daring, Zyler Huffman, and C.J. Butler each contributed key receptions. Bryant Carter and Kaiden Foulk added ground support, with Carter scoring his first varsity touchdown.
After building a 27-14 halftime lead, Bellefontaine extended its cushion to 34-20 in the third before Tecumseh’s ground game, led by Noah Carl and Devin Berner, brought the Arrows within a score again.
The Chiefs’ defense held firm late, with Karsen Drake’s interception sealing the win.
Bellefontaine hosts Urbana next Friday for its home finale.
Riverside 34, Troy Christian 0
Pirates record shutout victory
TROY — Riverside’s defense dominated Friday night, blanking host Troy Christian 34-0 in Three Rivers Conference play.
The Pirates improve to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in the TRC.
Coach Bryce Hodge praised his team’s effort, saying the defense “played lights out” as Riverside built confidence heading into the final stretch of the season.
Brody Orsborne completed 4 of 7 passes for 106 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown to Tony Robinson, who finished with three receptions for 87 yards. On the ground, Gunner Carpenter, Dylan Trimble, and Robinson each scored a rushing TD, and Orsborne added one himself.
Riverside led 20-0 at halftime and added two more scores in the third quarter, with Camden Shoe converting both PATs.
The Pirates travel to Sidney next Saturday to face Lehman Catholic.
West Liberty-Salem 42, Triad 7
Tigers roll past Cardinals
West Liberty-Salem erupted for four touchdowns in the second quarter and rolled to a 42-7 Ohio Heritage Conference victory over Triad on Friday night.
The Tigers move to 5-3 overall and 2-1 in the OHC, while Triad falls to 3-5 (1-2).
Corbin Wallace led the charge with 147 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 15 carries. Silas Krabill (37 yards) and Bradley Petry (32 yards) each added a touchdown run.
Quarterback Beckett Sullivan completed 6 of 10 passes for 93 yards, with Reese Oder catching three for 39 and Cameron Pope two for 12.
WL-S led 35-0 at halftime, with Jake Lauck hitting every PAT. Triad’s Brody Hess scored the Cardinals’ lone TD on a 47-yard run in the third quarter. Wallace capped the win with a 6-yard score.
The Tigers visit West Jefferson next Friday.
For complete game coverage and additional photos, pick up a print edition of Saturday’s Examiner.
