RallyNorth.net

Lawrence falters in shootout

Saturday, September, 12 By Conor Clancy

LAWRENCE — In a game in which both teams combined for over 800 total yards and nearly 80 points, the Lawrence Lancers could not come up with the three yards it needed late in the game on a two point conversion attempt in a 38-40 loss to Lynn English.

The final heartbreaking nail in the coffin for Lawrence came on the ensuing kickoff when Lawrence seemed to breathe new life and pull off a perfectly executed onside kick before being called offsides and forced to re-kick. 

The loss spoiled an amazing passing debut for new Lancer quarterback, senior Nick Elwell. Elwell finished the game 10-18 for 264 passing yards two touchdowns and no picks but clearly wanted the win instead.

"The stats are nice for some but personally i would have rather thrown a three interceptions and get the win then a touchdown passes and a loss, this game is about wins nothing else."

"He is one of the hardest workers I've had in 22 years of coaching," said Lawrence fifth year coach Mike Yameen, "We expect big things from him this year and this was no surprise."

Lawrence looked shaky to start the game, fumbling the opening kickoff and allowing Lynn English to score on the subsequent drive. Elwell's first drive fizzled in just three plays and again Lynn English marched down the field behind the power running of 6-2 250 lb running back Jermaine Patterson (21 carries 91 yards TD) before the Lancer defense was able to come up with a stop on fourth down. 

Then Lawrence runningback Francis Nova (6 carries 75 yards, 3 receptions 153 yards TD) woke the offense up with a 51-yard reception from Elwell setting up another pass from Elwell to receiver Michael Calzetta for the first Lancer score. 

Setting a trend that would stay true for the rest of the game, Lawrence and Lynn English then slugged it out like heavyweights. Each scoring twice before the half to tie the game at 19.

Touchdown passes from Elwell to Nova and Calzetta in the second half highlighted the second of half of play with neither team punting once and trading touchdown on five consecutive possessions before Lynn English was able to hold on the final touchdown two-point conversion.