Chiefs batter Warhawks
Jason Brown was looking for a spirited response from his Bellefontaine football team Friday night after a humbling 34-14 loss to Bellbrook last week.
Brown could not have been happier with what he and his staff received.
The Chieftains (2-1) dominated on both sides of the ball in a 29-7 win over Westerville Central at AcuSport Stadium.
“What we learned tonight is we have the type of team who responds with tenacity, toughness, great energy and effort,” said Brown. “I am so proud of the program for their response to last week. They were really looking forward to playing tonight for our home crowd.”
Bellefontaine held the Division I Warhawks to 181 yards. Westerville Central did not reach positive yardage until late in the first half.
Offensively, the Chiefs relied on their offensive line and gritty junior running back Carter Caudill to grind away at the Warhawks’ defensive front.
“Confidence is so important, especially with some inexperienced players,” said Brown. “We gained confidence on both the offensive and defensive lines as the game went on. When you become confident in what you are doing, it pays big dividends.”
The 5-9, 200-pound Caudill bulldozed his way to 163 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries as Bellefontaine exploited a Westerville Central defense that schemed to contain BHS star quarterback Tavien St. Clair and his standout wide receiver Braylon Newcomb.
Lakers fend off late Mustangs rally
The Indian Lake Lakers held off a late surge by host Allen East to secure a 28-21 victory in a non-league matchup Friday night. The Lakers stormed out to a double-digit lead early, but had to hold on in the final minutes to preserve the win.
The Lakers built a 15-point lead in the first half, but Allen East came all the way back to tie in the game in the fourth quarter.
A late touchdown run by Drake Cosby put Indian Lake ahead for good in the final minutes. Quest Clay helped to get the Lakers rolling.
The Lakers got on the board with 2:03 left in the first quarter, as Madden Lillard connected with Clay for a 5-yard touchdown pass. Brodey Reisinger added a 3-yard reception for the two-point conversion to make it 8-0.