|
|
Monday, November 2, 2009
|
|
CLC advances to state title game COLLEGE FOOTBALL | RAIDERS 36, VERMILION 30
ELY - Tyler Erickson caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Maskell with 16 seconds left to give the Central Lakes College Raiders a 36-30 victory over the Vermilion Ironmen in the semifinals of the MCAC state tournament Saturday.
Vermilion had nipped CLC 27-26 in last year's state semifinals.
"It was nearly as thrilling as last-season's post-season match-up," Medeck said. "This one came out in our favor, thankfully."
Dennis Taute, Maskell and Erickson had monster days. Taute rushed 52 times for 250 yards and four touchdowns. Maskell completed 12 of 23 passes for 290 yards and the score. Erickson caught seven balls for 207 yards.
CLC finished with 565 total yards while limiting the Ironmen to 299.
"The greatest day offensively for our program since I've been here," Medeck said. "An incredible effort by a number of guys, but most noticeably by offensive coordinator Jim Strohmeier. The ability for our offense to progress and get better throughout the season, despite all of the injuries and illnesses we have had, is a total credit to him.
"For the offense to perform at their highest level in years, on a day when we needed it more than ever, is incredibly gratifying, considering the time, effort and work put in on that side of the ball. Jim and his assistants, Karson Pike and Carl Larson, have done an outstanding job."
The Raiders fell behind 7-0 on the game's second play and trailed 23-8 at the half. CLC outscored the Ironmen 28-7 in the second half for their second trip to the state finals in three years.
In the first half CLC scored on a safety and 2-yard run by Taute.
"We had a difficult start, trailing after the second play of the game due to a flea-flicker trick play," Medeck said. "Our offense controlled the clock and moved the ball well, but was only able to manage one score in the first half, and our defense played poorly, allowing 23 points early, the most all season in one half."
In the third quarter, Taute scored on runs of three and six yards. In the fourth he scored on a 1-yard plunge.
"An inspired second half began with two straight scores early in third, including a 2-point conversion," Medeck said. "That brought the score back to even. We got the go-ahead TD in the fourth, only to see Vermilion tie it up with 1:07 left in the game."
Medeck said there were three keys to the Raiders' offensive success.
"First, the offensive line had their best day of the year, leading the way for 275 yards rushing and not allowing any sacks," he said. "Second, Taute had his best day as a college football player. His will to win really led our team. Third, Erickson provided numerous explosive plays.
"I'm so proud to be a part of this program and have the opportunity to lead this group of men. They have worked hard, set high expectations, and followed through. We are back where we wanted to be, competing for a championship. This is truly a special group."
Central Lakes 8 0 15 13 - 36
Vermilion 7 16 0 7 - 30
CLC scoring plays
First quarter
Safety, (punt snapped out of end zone)
Dennis Taute 2 run (kick failed)
Third quarter
Taute 3 run (Felipe Castro kick)
Taute 6 run (Colt Gatzemeyer run)
Fourth quarter
Taute 1 run (Castro kick)
Tyler Erickson 14 pass from Andrew Maskell (kick failed)
CLC individual statistics
Rushing: Taute 52-250, Maskell 2-17, Brandon Julius 1-4, Gatzemeyer 1-3, Alex Leach 2-1
Passing: Maskell 12-23-0290
Receiving: Erickson 7-207, Julius 3-56, Leach 2-27
Team statistics
Rushes-yards: CLC 58-275, Ver 161
Pass comp-att-int-yds: CLC 12-23-0-290, Ver 138
Total offense: CLC 565, Ver 299
Fumbles-lost: CLC 1-1, Ver 0-0
Overall: CLC 9-1. Next: CLC vs. Rochester, MCAC championship game, 1:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Cloud State University.
To Subscribe to the Brainerd Dispatch, Click Here.
Note: Comments are not edited and don't represent the views of The Brainerd Dispatch. Please read our posting rules in the terms of service policy. To report a post that may be inappropriate, click the triangle alert icon.
|
|
|
|
|
 Top Commented Articles
Over the last 7 days
Most Recent Comments
|
|
|
|
Thinking about a New Job?
These employers want you!
|
Loading...
|
|
|
Today's Best Classifieds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
