Andrew RyanBelieve it or not it is week 4 of the High School football season. It’s time for the 2-1 Lakeview Bulldogs traveling to Niles to take in the Red Dragons on Senior Night. Niles is coming off a 35-22 win against Independence last week, while Lakeview also won on the road last week defeating the Liberty Leopards 21-8.
First quarter and Lakeview hits first!
Lakeview received the opening kickoff and marched downfield on the ground. They took 8 minutes off the first quarter clock, passing only once, going 69 yards. Quarterback Damien Natali punched it in from 4 yards out to cap off the drive.
The Niles opening drive was not as successful. Red Dragon quarterback Anthony Budak was intercepted by Andrew Brown who returned the pick the Niles 10. But on 4th and 2 from the Niles 2 yard line the Red Dragon defense holds and takes over. Lakeview dominated the first 12 minutes and leads 7-0.
Second quarter
The 2nd quarter was largely uneventful. Both offenses bogged down after little movement. Defenses stiffened as well. The 2nd quarter ended the same as the 1st: with Lakeview leading Niles 7-0.
The opening drive of the second half for Niles had a familiar theme: no movement. A couple of runs, an incomplete pass and intentional grounding doomed the drive. After the Niles punt, Lakeview was set-up inside Niles territory. 3 plays later Lakeview quarterback Damien Natali hit Nolan Toth for a 38 yard touchdown after a busted coverage from Niles. 14-0 Lakeview.
Niles back in with a quick strike!
The ensuing kickoff saw Niles kick returner Nathan Coots scamper down the left side 86 yards down to the Lakeview 4 yard line. A very short 1 play drive and Niles was on the board as RB Joe Smith plunged in bringing the Red Dragons to within 7 at 14-6.
Lakeview runs the rock for the third TD
For the rest of the 3rd quarter Lakeview did what they have been doing all game: they slowed things down on offense and ran the ball. The quarterfinals ended with Lakeview knocking on the door at the Niles 10. 14-6 Lakeview. The Bulldogs punched it in 5 seconds into the 3rd quarter on 10 yard Damien Natali run.
On the following drive Niles had some life. They converted a tough 4th and 14 inside Lakeview territory, but stalled at the Bulldog 22 and turned it over on downs halfway through the 4th quarter.
Niles with a great TD drive
Niles would get another chance and had their most impressive drive of the night. With 3:24 left in the 4th quarter Red Dragon RB Joe Smith capped off the drive with a 2 yard touchdown run. Niles pulls to within 8 at 21-13.
The Niles defense came up big forcing a Lakeview 3 and out with 1:35 left in the 4th quarter. But the Niles hopes would fade to black as Lakeview’s Luke Canzonetta intercepted Anthony Budak at the Bulldog 10.
FINAL!
LAKEVIEW- 21
NILES- 13
Lakeview was solid top to bottom. They’re a running team. They limit their opposition’s possessions and really take the air out of the ball. The Bulldogs did a good job of they all night. Niles was hot and cold. They show flashes of being a pretty good time, but can be their own worst enemy. Turnovers, drops, and being unable to finish drives sunk the Red Dragons.
Next week…
2-2 Niles will host 3-1 Jefferson next week, while 3-1 Lakeview will host a tough 3-0 Girard team.
Follow Andrew Ryan on Twitter @TheAndrewJRyan
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