By Marco Clark, exclusive to the Times
Friday night, the Lakeview Gators celebrated their Homecoming, the alumni returned and the community turned out to celebrate and support another year of Lakeview football. The down side to the night’s activities and game was the Holy Savior Mernard Eagles coming to spoil the nights events. Picking up action in the first quarter, the Gators won the coin toss and elected to kick-off. The Eagles attempted to pass on the first play of their possession but linebacker Nicholas Flakes stepped in front of the intended receiver to intercept. This gave the Gators their first possession with great field possession. The Gators would have success on their first play from scrimmage but were unable to gain a first down. The Eagles took possession on their own 32-yard line.
This would be the telling point of the game as in the Eagles would use a combination of run first and then the pass. This would be instrumental in Menard moving the ball down the field, but after reaching the red zone the Gators defense stiffened up forcing the Eagles to attempt a field goal to put them on the board, 3-0. The Gators received the kick-off for their next possession but where unable to get any momentum. They where forced to punt the ball away but a bad snap gave the Eagles great field position. The Eagles would not squander this possession as they used to running plays to get into the end zone for the first touchdown of the game with 35 seconds left in the first quarter. 10-0 Eagles.
The Gators next possession was plagued with penalties that forced the Gators to attempt another punt, which was better but not by much. Menard started at the Gators 38 to close out the first quarter. After switching ends, the Eagles wasted little time reaching the end zone on a 23-yard pass play. The extra point was to extend their lead to 17-0. The Gators next possession provided a ray of hope, but it was not to be.
A turnover halted the opportunity for Lakeview to score their first points of the game. The Eagles drove 62-yards for another touchdown before the end of the half. PAT good Eagles 24-0. The second half was similar to the first with the Gators committing penalties and turnovers giving the Eagles scoring opportunities. Menard took full advantage and scored their fourth touchdown on three consecutive running plays. PAT good to stretch their lead 31-0.
With about 2:25 left in the third quarter, Menard substituted many of their players. Lakeview was unable to take advantage of the situation. Final score 33-0.
The Gators are on the road Friday to face their cross-parish rivals, the Bulldogs of Red River.