165th Article at the Independent

The bigger they come, the harder they fall

The Lakers stay undefeated, beating Class 1A’s top-ranked team by a final score of 30-13

CHRIS DRUMMOND

Sports writer

cdrummond@marshallindependent.com

MINNEOTA — Over 30 years it has been since the Lakeview schools has been around and never have they defeated Minneota in football. Message was sent loud and clear.

The message is we better start paying attention to this Lakeview Lakers football team

The Lakeview Lakers went to Minneota and dismantled the Vikings 30-13 on Thursday.

The Vikings came in as the No.1 team in Class A.

After a closely played first quarter which saw both teams score, the Lakers put on an aerial display in the second quarter.

Starting quarterback Owen Louwagie threw two of his three first half touchdown passes to Nathan Fenske in the second quarter, opening up a close game to a huge deficit for the Vikings 24-7.

Starting running back for the Lakers, Clayton Kosel would add a 13 yard touchdown.

The Vikings had over 100 yards rushing in the first half but due to two turnovers and being ineffective in the pass game, they weren’t able to capitalize on scoring any points in the first half.

On the opening possession of the third quarter, the Vikings methodically drove the ball down inside the red zone. However, just a few plays later Pohlen would throw his second interception, eliminating any chance of points being score after a long drive.

Both teams would score late touchdowns and the Lakers would go on to secure victory 30-13 on the road

Louwagie threw another three touchdown passes, giving him a total of 15 on the season and had 152 yards passing on the night.

Fenske would have his fourth multi touchdown game with seven receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 10 on the season.

The defense of the Lakers would force four turnovers in the contest scoring touchdowns on each one forced.

“What a great high school football game to watch,” Lakers head coach Scott Hanson said. “We were able to get some deep throws to Fenske and that opened our offense up. It was physical, rough and tough but we made a few more plays than they did.”

Hanson added that Minneota is a class football program and a great football team. He also added that his team can still get better, adding that “we’re not done yet.”

Head coach of the Vikings, Chad Johnston, spoke on gaining motivation from the loss.

“I thought we were a little inconsistent tonight,” Johnston said. “That also had to do with the caliber of team we were playing. We did some good things, we just gotta watch tape and get better.”

Johnston added that his team is banged up with injuries including Ryan Meagher, who had had 185 yards and threw touchdowns in previous game, was out with a knee injury. He also said that it will be a motivating factor to use as fuel on how the Lakers celebrated on their field after the game with the excitement from players and fans.

Zach Fier, starting running back for the Vikings would gain 99 yards on 19 carries and Peyton Gillund would catch a 22 yard touchdown pass from Isaac Pohlen.

Gillund finished with 59 yards receiving on four receptions.

Pohlen finished with 10i yards passing with a touchdown but had three interceptions.

The Lakeview Lakers (4-0) will host the Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks next Friday and the Minneota Vikings (3-1) will travel to RTR next Friday.