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AN EXTRA POINT IS
THE DIFFERENCE
It was not a record-breaking performance, but it was a
back and forth, hard fought game by both teams
By
JOEL RENNER, University Independent
Lima Warriors Staff Reporter
6/25/06
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ADA
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For
the fourth straight season, number one-ranked Lima
Warriors are a 4-0 football team.
The
Warriors played a second divisional rival in the last
two weeks Saturday with a 7-6 win over the Ft. Wayne
Flyers at War Memorial Stadium before a crowd of
dedicated fans.
The
match up was rescheduled to a home game in Ada due to
a field discrepancy with the Flyers home field.
In
addition to beating the Ohio Knights in week three,
Lima has now defeated both opponents in the Ohio
Valley Division and holds a two game lead in
divisional standings.
The
Warriors rode the legs of running backs Chris Brooks
and Columbus “Toledo”
Mitchell to victory. Brooks barreled his way over the
Flyers defense for 67 yards on six carries in the
game.
Mitchell was the target of some pre-game heckling by
the Flyers.
“We’re coming to get you Toledo,” said some Flyers
players.
Despite any distractions, Mitchell accumulated 65
yards, including a three-yard touchdown run with 5:20
left in the third quarter. On that play, Mitchell
acquired his fourth touchdown of the season and was
named the offensive player of the game.
That
was the lone touchdown for the Warriors, but was good
enough for the win.
“All
the running backs played great,” said coach John
Parkins. “The Flyers knew we were going to come in
and run the ball and we still did it.”
Ft.
Wayne
got on the board first when Brian Clawson, the Flyers
kicker, nailed a 37-yard field goal at 10:17 in the
first quarter. Clawson kicked a 48-yard field goal
with 10:54 in the second quarter, sending the Flyers
into the locker room at halftime on top 6-0.
They
would not score again. The Warriors defense dominated
the second half and Adam Forney picked off Flyers
quarterback Eric Adams in a huge play in the second
half.
“We
pulled ourselves up by the bootstraps and did what we
had to do to win,” said defensive tackle Michael
Hartle.
Cornerback Dustin Hunt was named the defensive player
of the game. Hunt had six tackles, including two of
them for losses, a forced fumble and one sack. Troy
Williamson, Barry Peel and Josh Huddleston also had
sacks on the Flyers.
Tight
End Dan Goodlin hauled in one catch for 38 yards
ending the night as the leading receiver for the
Warriors.
Fred
Hallett had a busy day for the Warriors. Hallett
punted three times for an average of 44 yards per
punt. Hallett also kicked the critical extra point on
the touchdown to give the Warriors the lead.
“Fred
does a great job for us,” said Parkins. “He is going
to get his points this season.”
Jeremy Bott and Joe Butcher returned three kicks for
an average of 33 yards to give the Warriors great
field position.
It
was not a record-breaking performance, but it was a
back and forth, hard fought game by both teams.
“Any
time Lima and Fort Wayne get together it is an
emotional game,” said Parkins. “I expect the same
thing in a few weeks.”
The
Warriors face the Flyers again in Ada for a rematch
August 5.
“We
were able to get a win and a wake up call,” said
lineman Brock Hartman. “Adversity is what makes you
stronger.”
The
Warriors are next in action Saturday July 8, against
the Macomb County Strength at War Memorial Stadium.
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