Late field goal dooms Lancers

LAKEVILLE — In a game featuring different styles, it was the kicking game that proved the difference as Class 1A #9 North Judson-san Pierre defeated Class 2A #12 Laville 9-7 in high school football Friday at Lancer Field.

The Bluejays came into Friday’s contest as a team that runs the wishbone offense, or a variation of it, and quite effectively at a 208 yard per game average.

North Judson-san Pierre scored first taking the opening drive 84 yards in eight plays as Cheyenne Allen powered in from the 2-yard line. The point after was failed and the Bluejays led 6-0.

Laville, a team that loves to set the passing game up with the run, came in averaging 129 yards on the ground, but 153 through the air.

The Lancers, after holding NJSP on downs just outside the goal line with 9:56 left before halftime, did what it has done effectively so far this season. Laville mixed in the run with the pass, used a roughing the kicker penalty to its advantage, and marched 97 yards on 16 plays as Andrew Dill sped into the end zone to tie the game at 6-6. Leyton Czarnecki came on to add the PAT and the Lancers led 7-6.

The Lancers used 11 rushing plays and four passing plays to go the distance and take the lead.

The game would stay that way until NJSP used 5:22 off the clock in the fourth quarter to put together what would be the game-winning field goal. The Bluejays had not attempted a field goal all season until Payton Roberts set up on 4th-and-12 for a 29-yard attempt. The kick was just long enough and NJSP held off Laville for a hard-earned victory over a disappointed Lancer squad.

Laville was coming off a come-frombehind victory 17-14 a week ago over rival John Glenn.

Friday, North Judson-san Pierre simply executed its wishbone attack a bit better and kept the Laville offense from the big play to secure its first victory at Lancer Field in the short 11-game series.

Cheyanne Allen led the Judson offense with 109 yards on 25 carries.

Andrew Dill led the Laville rushing attack with 62 yards on eight carries.

The game also witnessed the return of senior Ayden Doyle to the Lancer lineup. Doyle came in on both defense and offense and his play made a positive impact for the Lancers.

Laville, 4-1 overall, is scheduled to travel to Culver Community for an HNAC game next Friday. North Judson-san Pierre, meanwhile, improves to 7-1 overall and will play host to Pioneer next week.