Lions tally up 42 points in victory over Algona

Clear Lake’s new scoreboard got quite a workout Friday, as the Lions scored six touchdowns in a 42-20 victory over Algona.  The win kept the state’s longest regular season win streak going at 36 for Clear Lake and propelled the Lions to the number one ranking among Class 3A teams in the Associated Press poll announced Monday.  Another District 3 team, Webster City, is currently ranked second.
    Friday night the Lions broke open a game tied at 7-7 after the one quarter by scoring three TDs in the second quarter.  They added scores in each of the remaining periods.  Five different Lions provided the scoring and Matt Bieber had two touchdowns.

    “Every win’s a great one,” said Coach Fred Wieck after the game.  “They (Algona) were tough, played hard and had a good running game.  Our offense had problems at times and I don’t know why we’ve got to spot everybody,” said the coach in reference to the opponent scoring first in each of his teams’ first four games.
    The Bulldogs rushed out to a 7-0 lead on a 61-yard touchdown run by Sawyer Frideres, then held the Lions to three and out on their first series.  The Lion defense was more effective on their second outing and forced an Algona punt.  Seven plays later, Ozzie Adams connected with Zac Bendickson for a 26-yard touchdown pass with just over two mounts remaining in the quarter. The extra point kick by Logan Kracht was good, 7-7.
    In the second quarter the Lions put up three more scores.  The first came on a well executed QB option play which resulted in a 19-yard touchdown for Gavin Sheakley.  Matt Bieber had an 11-yard TD run and Luke Monson reeled in a 15-yard pass from Adams on fourth down for another score.  Kracht’s kicks were good on all three for a 28-7 Clear Lake lead at halftime.
    Algona scored first again when play resumed in the second half and cut the Lions’ lead in half, 28-14.  But again, Clear Lake responded.  Bieber recorded his second TD on the night, taking the ball in from eight yards out.
    Momentum continued to build on Clear Lake’s side when Algona fumbled on their next possession.  However, Adams tossed his only interception of the season on the next play.  The miscue was only a hiccup for the Lions, as the defense held Algona deep in their own territory and a punt attempt was tipped at the line and send the ball out of bounds at the Algona 11.  On the next play Adams ran the ball in for a score, 42-14.
    Algona scored in the final 3:30 for the 42-20 final score.
    Adams finished with 11/16 passing for 223 yards.  Bendickson had two receptions for 69 yards and Keeran had two cached for 16.   Adams’ longest pass of the night was a 64-yard completion  to Tyler Sherman late in the game.  Hunter Bruns had one catch for - Read More Via e-Edition