For the first time in school history, the Indian Lake Laker Football Team has advanced to the State Final Four!
The Lakers defeated North Union 35-21 in the Division 5 Region 20 contest. It was a rematch of a hotly contested game from earlier in the season that the Lakers also won. This regional final shined a light on the strength of the CBC Mad River Division.
From kick-off to trophy ceremony, the rain never let up and neither did the Lakers. The first quarter was scoreless as IL struggled to find their footing and keep a handle on the slippery pigskin. The Laker defense forced the Wildcats to turn the ball over on downs inside their ten yard line in the first quarter. However, North Union started the second quarter with a 4-yard rushing touchdown. The Lakers fired back with a 17-yard Brady Golliday rushing touchdown right before halftime. The score was 7-7 at the break.
Indian Lake came out energized after halftime and Noah Shirk busted off a 20-yard touchdown run in the middle of the third quarter. North Union answered with a rushing TD of their own, but Shirk was far from finished. With seconds left in the third quarter, Shirk scored again on an 8-yard run, making it 21-14. Halfway through the fourth quarter Shirk powered into the endzone for a 3-yard TD, giving the Lakers a 28-14 lead. The Wildcats put together one more successful drive culminating in a 30-yard touchdown reception, but that was all they could do. Shirk smashed through the line for his fourth and final TD run from 3 yards out. Colin Bendler sealed the game with an interception to complete the 35-21 Laker victory!
The Lakers amassed 384 yards, with 192 coming from Shirk. Brady Golliday was 7-12 throwing in the rain with 34 yards and 47 yards rushing. Gavin Henry added 46 yards and Brodey Reisinger had 48 yards rushing. Keaton Yohey had a sack and Avery Pequignot was perfect on extra points.
Special thanks to the North Union Wildcats, the officials and Marysville's Impact Stadium for a great game. We also want to thank local law enforcement and fire departments, local media, our ILHS Student Section, the Laker parents and fans who cheered us on in the rain.
In the State Semi Final game, the Lakers fell to a tough Liberty Center team, ending their historic season. This is the first time a Laker Football team has advanced to the State Final Four! They ended the season with a record of 11-3. We are so proud of our Lakers!