Schober Intercepts, Duff Kicks--
Lake Wins over Brazoswood!
October 19, 2002

The Falcons traveled to the far reaches of southeast Texas on Thursday night to take on an underrated but enthusiastic Brazoswood squad.  Lake got off to a good start going up 14-0, but Brazoswood put 21 unanswered points on the board before Fritz drove the Falcons to tie the score late in the fourth quarter.  Then as Brazoswood was making their move to go ahead, Schober went vertical to grab the interception, Fritz drove the Falcons to FG range and Tommy Duff came on to hit the FG!
 

QB Michael Fritz led the Lake offensive attack going 11 for 17 for 233 yards and one TD.  Fritz scored the Falcons first TD on the option run.  On the receiving end, Scot Oswald grabbed 3 for 85 yards, including a 40 yard pass right before half that Lake wasn’t able to capitalize on. Bubby Hunter pulled in a Fritz pass and went 74 years for the Second TD.  Late in the fourth quarter, Fritz connected with Elrick Jones  for 50 yards to set up the tying score. Chris Sprott led the rushing attack, going 19 for 96 yards and a TD.

 

Lake’s defense had their hands full trying to contain Brazoswood running back David Prince.  The defense put up strong resistance, but it was a fierce battle all night. 

Big plays by the defense including a fumble recovery by Wes Miller and an interception late in the fourth quarter by Russell Schober  proved to be key plays in the outcome of the came.

The defensive charge was led by strong efforts from Mark Nowinski, Patrick Kinslow and Chris Davison. 

Strong support was provided by the rest of the defense including John Dunaway, John Kirby, Michael Plumlee,  Dash Dahlke, Wes Miller, Russell Schober, Michael Nemer, and Will McMullen.

Lake won the toss, but deferred until the second half.  Brazoswood took the ball and on the very first series began to test the Lake defense.  After some success, Lakes hard hitting defense knocked the ball loose  and Wes Miller recovered. 

Taking over the ball near mid field, Lake began driving toward the end zone.  Fritz mixed up passes to Everett and Oswald, with runs by Chris Sprott and himself to arrive 1st and goal at the one.  Fritz took the ball on the option for the score.  Duff added the extra point and Lake had an early 7-0 lead. 

The Lake offensive line led by seniors Sammy Shope, David Perkins, Austin Sherrill  and Matt Niemczak with support from Ben Volk and Alex Kreines opened holes all night.

On the next series, Lake's defense began to take charge. After big stops by McMurchy, Nemer and Schober, Patrick Kinslow dropped Brazoswood for a 5 yard  loss and forced them to punt. Three and out.

The first quarter ended with Lake and Brazoswood trading punts

Early in the second quarter, Fritz hit Bubby Hunter on the quick pass.  Hunter  took off, slipping past the first tackler and then out running the entire Brazoswood defense for the end zone, 74 yards and the TD.  Duff added the extra point and Lake was on a roll, up 14-0.

Later in the second quarter, Brazoswood scored, making the score 14-7 at the half.

Second Half

The second half started with both teams knowing  that a loss meant elimination from the playoffs.  With the Falcons up 14-7, the sense of urgency was higher on the Brazoswood side.  Lake took the ball first and began to move down the field, when disaster struck.  An errant pitch fell into the hands of a Brazoswood defender, and Lake’s back was to the wall. Starting deep in Lake territory, Brazoswood scored to tie the score at 14-14.

Fritz took the helm and began to march the Falcons toward the end zone.  Chris Sprott carried the load and David Perkins and the Lake offensive line opened big holes.  After tallying three first downs, the Lake drive stalled and Lake was force to punt. 

Unfortunately, Brazoswood took the ball at their own 11 and marched the length of the field for the score.  The Falcons found themselves down 21-14, with 7:30 left and their season on the line. The Falcons were about to find out what they were made of. 

 

 

Elrick Jones took the kick off and drove to the Falcon 25, where Fritz and the offense took over.  Wasting no time, Fritz hit Elrick Jones for 50 yards, and Lake was within striking distance.  Fritz hit Sprott for 15 and Lake was 1st and goal at the Brazoswood seven yard line.  Two plays later, Sprott went in for the score.  Duff came on for the PAT and tied the score at 21-21

Lake’s defense took the field with the game on the line.  On the first play, John Kirby and Patrick Kinslow stepped up, dropping Brazoswood for a six yard loss.  Under intensive pressure on the ground, Brazoswood took to the air.  Two plays later, Brazoswood tried to pass over Russell Schober, but Schober went into orbit and came back to earth with the ball and enough time for Lake to get into scoring position.

Fritz took the offense and began to drive on the ground into scoring position.  On a critical 3rd and 5, Fritz took the option on the right side  for the first down  to the Brazoswood 32.  Sprott added seven more on two carries and Lake was  within FG range. Duff came on for the field goal and split the uprights.  With less than a minute left, Brazoswood completed a big pass and was in Lake territory, but Lake’s defense held them off to secure the victory. 

 

This week the Falcons showed that they have what it takes to battle to the finish, and the perseverance to win!

“Each week there is a new  encounter, a new  challenge.  The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel, these are things that endure and these are the qualities that are so much more important than any of the events that occasion them.  The quality of any man’s life has got to be a full measure of that man’s personal commitment to excellence and to victory. “

Paraphrased from Vince Lombardi

This week we found out what the Falcons are made of, and we liked what we found! Thank you Coach Aduddell

Good Luck next week against Creek!

Scenes From the Game

 

Falcon Band Scores 1’s at Galena Park, Advances to Next Level before State

Go Lake, Go!