LHS Game Story: Not Yet

[Michael Deneen]

For much of the night, it looked like the Lakewood football team could win its first game of the season. The Rangers carried a lead into halftime for the first time this season, creating hope among the large crowd of LHS faithful in attendance at First Federal Lakewood Stadium. However, the roof eventually caved in and Avon Lake won the game 34-23.

It was "Youth Night" at the game, and local football players and cheerleaders helped welcom the Rangers onto the field during the pregame. The youthful enthusiasm helped the Rangers on the first defensive series...Junior Sean Wiggins recovered a Shoreman fumble to give Lakewood the ball at their own 38 yard line. However, Avon Lake got the ball back two plays later, pressuring Ranger quarterback Jack Witri and intercepting the ball in the Range backfield. The Ranger defense remained tough, stopping Avon Lake on a fourth down play o get the ball back only four plays later.

The offense atoned for its turnover during the second drive, where it went on a nice 56 yards down to the Avon Lake 8 yard line. The 56 yard drive included a 29 yard pass play to Michael Goolsby, and a nice mix of running plays by Quentin Palmer and Maleek Mims. Kicker James Marshall capped the drive with a field goal, giving the Rangers a 3-0 with 3:20 to go in the first quarter.

The Ranger defense remained tough, stopping the next two Avon Lake drives. However, Lakewood suffered another turnover with 7:22 left in the second. There was a fumbled snap, and Avon Lake pounced on the ball. This time Avon Lake cashed in the turnover, driving 32 yards in five plays to score a go-ahead touchdown midway through the second quarter.

Trailing 10-7, the Rangers put together another scoring drive. Witri completed a crucial third down throw to Goolsby, giving the Rangers a first down at the Shoreman 41. Maleek Mims then carried the ball to the endzone for a touchdown, putting Lakewood back in front 10-7 with 3:49 to go in the first half.

Avon Lake quickly retaliated, going 64 yards on five plays to retake the lead 14-10 with under two minutes left. That is when the Rangers put together their best drive of the season. Goolsby returned the kickoff to the 50 yard line, giving Lakewood good field position. Witri completed four passes (3 to Goolsby, one to Noah Lopez) to move the ball to the 14 yard line. He then hit Chris Massey with touchdown pass with only 14 seconds left, giving the Rangers a 17-14 halftime lead.

The score remained that way until midway through the third quarter, when the Shoreman took a 20-17 lead on an eight yard TD run by Sam Klimkowski. The Rangers blocked the extra point, keeping the score within a field goal.

Avon Lake extended the lead to 27-17 early in the fourth quarter, then put things out of reach with another touchdown to make it 34-17 with 7:39 left in the game. The Rangers put together a nice 65 yard touchdown drive, capped by a one-yard run by Jack Witri to cut the score to 34-23 with 5:20 left in the game. Avon Lake drained the clock on the next possession, locking up the win.

Lakewood (0-4) will have to wait at least one more week for that elusive first win. Their next chance will be against North Olmsted on Friday night at 7pm at FFL Stadium. It will be Homecoming Weekend, complete with a pregame parade. Watch the Observer for details.

[Alex Belisle]

On the field, I thought so too but alas it was not to be.

[Alex Belisle]

Here are the photos:

http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/ ... -avon-lake

[Michael Deneen]

Channel 8's Patty Harken and Lakewoodite, was there to cover the game for "Friday Night Touchdown".



The game was preceded by "Youth Night" festivities. Youth football players and cheerleaders welcomed the team onto the field.



Ranger kicker James Marshall gave Lakewood a 3-0 lead in the first quarter.


Michael Goolsby had a good night both receiving and at defensive back.


Patty Harken with the Student Section