FLAGator
09-03-2005, 10:46 AM
On a sweltering, humid Friday night the LaPorte Bulldogs played at District Stadium with an opportunistic special teams, a dominant offense, and a defense that came up with the stops in the 4th quarter despite giving over 300 yards and 34 points thru 3 quarters to win 35-34.
Lake came into this game knowing that they would move the football and put big numbers on the scoreboard. What they didn't know - special teams would fail them by having 1 FG, 1 PAT, 2 punts blocked. Also, they had no idea LaPorte would unleash 6'1" 232 lb RB Quinten Castille (17 rushes 148 yds) and an O-line that created big lanes allowing Castille to run untouched in the 2nd level of the defense. With the DB's having to contend with stopping a powerful Castille, it allowed the 6'5" 230 lb TE Dustin Kempf to run uncovered into the Lake secondary consistently make big catches and have a tremendous night (8 rec 131 yds)
The Lake offense:
6'3" 205 lb Qb Jon Gilmer (18 rushes 98 yds 1 TD, 2-7-1 2TD) demonstrated Friday night why the coaches have entrusted the offense to him. Thru 3 quarters the offense executed the option offense almost flawlessly. 5'10" 190 lb RB Joe Clark and 5'9" 175 lb 1 TD RB Ronnie Feaster were consistently able to hit the corners for big gains, 5'11" 195 lb 1 TD Geno Blow continued to make stopping him the priority of the defense, 6' 170 lb 2 TDs receiver Vincent Brooks was able to reel in two long passes to put on a show for 3 quarters. But they were unable to get it done in the 4th quarter when they needed it the most. They may have still put enough on the board thru three quarters if the fumble that didn't happen wasn't called. Lake was dominating the 3rd quarter when the offense lined up at the 1 foot line to take 41-14 point lead and what should have been a TD by Qb Jon Gilmer - was ruled a fumble in the endzone. The officials apparently were unable to see that the ball crossed the goal line before the fumble. LaPorte took over at the 20 yrd line and began what seemed at the time an unlikely comeback.
The Defense:
Despite giving up 35 pts, the defense continued to demonstrate why the Lake faithful is excited about this group. They fought, clawed, and played their hearts out against an impressive offensive line and RB. 5'10" 210 lb
Jeremy McKinney and 6' 235 lb Blake Sledge both played impressive games, along with 5'9" 165 lb Michael Zertuchi, 5'10" Anthony Zamora, and 5'11" 180 lb Roger Alexander. Except for some busted coverages allowing TE Dustin Kempf to run free in the secondary - the defense play was disciplined and the tackling was above average. The DL had their hands full and will have better nights in the future.
Special Teams:
The special teams was NOT special Friday night and must improve. The punt team allowed penetration up the middle making it a short path to the punter for the block. Hopefully by district - this will be our most improved area.
Coaching:
Except for some players on special teams not prepared to be on the field when they're supposed too, the coaching at Lake was above average. The defense coaching was aggressive and the offensive play calling kept the LaPorte defense off balance most of the night. The coaches gave the team their best shot a winning.
Lake - keep you heads up, prepare well, and good luck next week at Baytown Lee.
Lake came into this game knowing that they would move the football and put big numbers on the scoreboard. What they didn't know - special teams would fail them by having 1 FG, 1 PAT, 2 punts blocked. Also, they had no idea LaPorte would unleash 6'1" 232 lb RB Quinten Castille (17 rushes 148 yds) and an O-line that created big lanes allowing Castille to run untouched in the 2nd level of the defense. With the DB's having to contend with stopping a powerful Castille, it allowed the 6'5" 230 lb TE Dustin Kempf to run uncovered into the Lake secondary consistently make big catches and have a tremendous night (8 rec 131 yds)
The Lake offense:
6'3" 205 lb Qb Jon Gilmer (18 rushes 98 yds 1 TD, 2-7-1 2TD) demonstrated Friday night why the coaches have entrusted the offense to him. Thru 3 quarters the offense executed the option offense almost flawlessly. 5'10" 190 lb RB Joe Clark and 5'9" 175 lb 1 TD RB Ronnie Feaster were consistently able to hit the corners for big gains, 5'11" 195 lb 1 TD Geno Blow continued to make stopping him the priority of the defense, 6' 170 lb 2 TDs receiver Vincent Brooks was able to reel in two long passes to put on a show for 3 quarters. But they were unable to get it done in the 4th quarter when they needed it the most. They may have still put enough on the board thru three quarters if the fumble that didn't happen wasn't called. Lake was dominating the 3rd quarter when the offense lined up at the 1 foot line to take 41-14 point lead and what should have been a TD by Qb Jon Gilmer - was ruled a fumble in the endzone. The officials apparently were unable to see that the ball crossed the goal line before the fumble. LaPorte took over at the 20 yrd line and began what seemed at the time an unlikely comeback.
The Defense:
Despite giving up 35 pts, the defense continued to demonstrate why the Lake faithful is excited about this group. They fought, clawed, and played their hearts out against an impressive offensive line and RB. 5'10" 210 lb
Jeremy McKinney and 6' 235 lb Blake Sledge both played impressive games, along with 5'9" 165 lb Michael Zertuchi, 5'10" Anthony Zamora, and 5'11" 180 lb Roger Alexander. Except for some busted coverages allowing TE Dustin Kempf to run free in the secondary - the defense play was disciplined and the tackling was above average. The DL had their hands full and will have better nights in the future.
Special Teams:
The special teams was NOT special Friday night and must improve. The punt team allowed penetration up the middle making it a short path to the punter for the block. Hopefully by district - this will be our most improved area.
Coaching:
Except for some players on special teams not prepared to be on the field when they're supposed too, the coaching at Lake was above average. The defense coaching was aggressive and the offensive play calling kept the LaPorte defense off balance most of the night. The coaches gave the team their best shot a winning.
Lake - keep you heads up, prepare well, and good luck next week at Baytown Lee.