Lions pounce on Go-Hawks’ errors for 35-17 victory

By Scott Watson

It’s often said in sports that it’s tough to beat a team twice. Clear Lake (10-0) showed Monday night that the old adage doesn’t always ring true. 

With nearly even offensive yards for the two teams, it was a game decided by big plays and the 

will to win as Clear Lake came away from the first round of playoffs with a 35-17 win over the Waverly-Shellrock Go-Hawks (6-3).  

The Lions had defeated the Go-Hawks previously in the season, but were taken aback by a recuperated Waverly-Shellrock offensive line.  But the Lions dug deep and secured their win with takeaways and heart.

“It was a good game for us,” said Clear Lake Head Coach Fred Weick. “The kids played hard and we were challenged.”

The Lions started the night hot, as hard cuts and solid blocks resulted in a 70-yard kickoff return by Ernie Miszewski. A few plays later, Chandler Dierks scored the Lions’ first touchdown on a race to the pylon. The point after touchdown kick was good, quickly putting the Lions up seven.

The Waverly-Shellrock offense came out with a chip on its shoulder, determined to prove it wasn’t the same team the Lions saw earlier in the season. They marched down the field to the Lion’s 30-yard line, where they came to a fourth down decision. The following play was a field goal fake that failed, resulting in a turnover on downs. 

The Lions kept the Go-Hawk defense guessing with a drive comprised of bootlegs and options that made significant headway until a fourth and two run attempt failed at the 10-yard line. 

On the following drive, a second down Zack Zwiefel sack left Waverly-Shellrock in a fourth and long situation that resulted in a Go-Hawk punt, giving the Lion’s good field position. 

Clear Lake capitalized on the headway as Brock Adams completed a play action pass to a wide-open Alex Gonzalez for a touchdown and PAT - Read More Via e-Edition