Lions regroup to defeat Crestwood

The Lions took the first step toward building a new win streak by regrouping and defeating Crestwood 19-12 Friday night on the road.  The win was the final tune-up to the Class 3A District 3 season, which begins this Friday at Lion’s Field.  Waverly-Shell Rock is the opponent for the 2012 Homecoming game.

A fresh start was on the minds of the Lions, as they made several line-up adjustments in the wake of their 32-17 loss to Forest City which ended a 42-game regular season win streak.  Coach Fred Wieck said nine different positions were switched up on offense.

“We moved the ball better, but still made some mistakes on offense,” said Wieck.  “But it was a better night.  It’s always better to have a win.”

Sophomore Brock Adams was in the quarterback position for the Lions.  Adams’ first varsity start was highlighted by a 61-yard touchdown pass to Gavin Sheakley.  Sheakley had moved from the running back to split out position. 

The score came on the heels of a an opening possession interception made by Sheakley, giving the Lions the ball on the Crestwood 20.  Cody Maulsby, who was switched from running back to fullback, took the ball to the one-yard line, then pounded the ball in on the next play.  A low snap resulted in a blocked PAT by Logan Kracht.  A two-point conversion attempt after the second score also failed, but the Lions were up 12-0 with three minutes to go in the first quarter.

The remainder of the first half was a defensive showdown, with the offenses trading turnovers.  Clear Lake’s Chandler Diercks made two interceptions during the back and forth, but the half ended without any further scoring.  The Lions took a 12-0 advantage into the locker room.

The Lions started strong again as the second half began.  On the owning drive Maulsby capped a six-play, 78-yard drive with a 38-yard touchdown run.  Kracht put the PAT through the uprights for a 19-0 Clear Lake lead.

Crestwood fought to get on the scoreboard in the final quarter and surprised the Lions with a fake punt.  The trickery worked and the drive proceeded all the way to the red zone.  But on first and goal a high snap was recovered by Crestwood on the 21.  The Lion defense stiffened and held.

The Cadets were down, but not out.  A Lion fumble on the ensuing possession was recovered by Crestwood and 11 plays later the Cadets scored their first - Read More Via e-Edition