by Youngstown, Ohio – Thursday night will go down in history for the Lutheran East Falcons. Thanks to Thursday night’s 36-15 victory against Warren JFK at Leopard Stadium in Youngstown, the Falcons set a school record for wins in a single season.
Warren JFK came into Thursday night’s matchup ranked 4th in Division VII, Region 25, according to JoeEitel.com. Lutheran East came into the matchup ranked 8th in Division IV, Region 13, according to JoeEitel.com.
How did the Falcons make things happen on Friday night? Their opening drive set the tone in a big way. Junior quarterback Robert King capped a nearly six-minute drive with a three-yard touchdown run. He also ran in the two-point conversion, sparking Lutheran East to an 8-0 lead.
The Falcons would add to that two plays later. Sophomore defensive end Levi Hunter brought the pressure, forcing a tipped throw that was intercepted by junior DJ Washington. Washington did the rest, taking the ball 28 yards to pay dirt to increase the lead to 14-0.
Just over 90 seconds later, Warren JFK senior quarterback Freddy Bolchalk found LaMarcus Provitt for a 68-yard touchdown reception. The ensuing two-point try failed, and the score was 14-6 with 4:12 left in the first quarter.
Robert King ran in for another touchdown to increase the Falcon lead to 20-6 in the second quarter. After forcing a JFK punt, Lutheran East would take advantage once again.
After a false start on 4th and one, the Falcon offense remained on the field. King scrambled for a seven-yard first down to keep the drive alive. King would find junior wide receiver Matt Valentine for a 19-yard touchdown reception. Keyan Johnson converted the two-point try, bumping the Lutheran East lead to 28-6 with 1:35 left in the second quarter.
Warren JFK responded on their ensuing drive, as Freddy Bolchalk broke free for a couple of first down runs. Sophomore tailback Jaylen Murray carried a couple of tacklers with him down to the two-yard line, setting the Eagles up with first and goal.
Bolchalk scored on a two-yard rush to cut the JFK deficit to 28-12 going into the halftime break.
The Eagles would cut into their lead in the third quarter as Freddy Bolchalk booted a 27-yard field goal through the uprights, making the score 28-15 with 5:17 left in the third quarter. Ian Odille would recover the ensuing onside kick, giving JFK a chance to cut further into their deficit.
But the Lutheran East defense stood firm, taking over on downs. After being forced to punt, they would score on a safety as sophomore defensive end Levi Hunter took Marcus Komara down in the end zone.
Robert King scored his third touchdown of the game from two yards out with 8:12 remaining for the final margin.
Lutheran East finishes the regular season at 9-1, their best mark in program history. They clinch a home game and await their first-round opponent.
Warren JFK finishes the regular season at 8-2. They clinch a home game and await their first-round opponent.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
Robert King (Lutheran East)
The junior quarterback rushed for several first downs, and accounted for four touchdowns in total. He rushed for three and threw one.
Freddy Bolchalk (Warren JFK)
The senior signal caller threw a touchdown, rushed for one, and booted a third-quarter field goal.
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