Homecoming victory for the Lions

The top ranked Clear Lake Lions (4-0, 2-0) had a homecoming to celebrate, as they defeated the Estherville-Lincoln Central Midgets (1-3) to the tune of 54-27. After a slow start, the Lions found their rhythm and built momentum, successfully keeping the lead out of the Midgets’ reach. 

“They made some big plays, and we couldn’t have that,” said Clear Lake quarterback Brock Adams. “At halftime, the coaches showed us what to do and how to stop them. They drew up some plays and Ernie [Miszewski] and Chandler [Diercks] came out and were able to find the holes.”

Penalties and blown coverage on defense plagued the Lions in the first half. 

E-LC scored first on an 81-yard interception return.  

Facing the end of the second quarter and leading by a single point, the Lions took a chance on fourth down. It paid off in a big way, sending the Lions into halftime with a bolstered momentum that didn’t relinquish for the rest of the game.  

Just before halftime a 36-yard pass play between Adams and Tucker Tusha set up a fourth-and-one which the Lions converted.  Adams then found Ernie Miszewski for a seven-yard TD on the final play of the first half.

“It was a tight game, but that was good for us,” said Adams. “It showed us that we have to stay focused and get the job done.”

The Lions were led on offense by Adams who completed seven of his 12 passes for 149-yards and three touchdowns. His primary receivers were Miszewski with five catches for 79-yards and two touchdowns, and Tusha, who had 70-yards on two catches and a touchdown of his own.

The Lions took the second half kickoff to the house in less than three-minutes and steadily separated themselves from the competition throughout the remaining quarters.  Clear Lake scored four times in the third quarter and once in the fourth.  

Meanwhile the Lion defense allowed only one Midget touchdown in the second half.

Leading the rushing offensive for the Lions was Diercks, whose 189-yards on 15 attempts was good for two touchdowns.  Carter Garrington gained 100-yards on 14 carries with two touchdowns. 

Putting the brakes on the Midget scoring machine was the combined effort of MaKean Bang with six tackles, Mitchell Keeran with five and one-half, Tim Franken with four, Zach Zwiefel and Zach Tatum with three tackles and a sack apiece and Tavian Coleman with three tackles.

Diercks also had an interception that contributed to the defensive efforts.

The Midget offensive was lead by Justin Heinrichs who completed eight of 15 passes for 134 yards. His primary targets were Kyle DeVary who had one catch for 49 yards and a touchdown and Carsten Bosch with two catches for 44 yards. 

E-LC’s ground game was kept short with just 94 yards total rushing, spread evenly over a plethora of carriers on many attempts, garnering two touchdowns. 

The Lions will take to the road this week as they continue Class 2A District 4 play against run powerhouse Clarion-Goldfield (4-0).

“They run the ball a lot.  It will be a good test for us and a pretty fun game,” said Adams.