Raiders 'Moll' Blue Jays
COLLEGE FOOTBALL | RAIDERS 28, MINNESOTA WEST 12
Richard Moll and the Central Lakes College Raiders came out ahead 28-12 over the Minnesota West Blue Jays in Saturday's defensive slugfest that was just as brutal as an early October snow storm.
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Moll, who finished with six tackles, and the Raider defense were merciless as they dominated the field position battle. CLC limited the Blue Jays to just 94 yards of offense through three quarters.
Central Lakes College's Jordan Moll (51) wrapped up Minnesota West quarterback James Dallager (10) at the line of scrimmage Saturday. Moll's defensive efforts led to a 28-12 win over Minnesota West.
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As the team's heartbeat, the Raiders defense restricted the Blue Jays to just 196 offensive yards, collected four fumbles and intercepted three passes. The Blue Jays gained an average of 11 yards each possession as the turnovers cut drives short.
"I thought our defense played pretty solid most of the game," Raider coach Greg Medeck said. "Obviously, there were a few times we gave up some yards, but we battled back. We came back and made some big plays."
Despite the Raiders defensive presence, the scrappy Blue Jays would not go away. Quarterback James Dallager capped off an eight-play, 76-yard touchdown drive with a 6-yard pass over the middle to Adam Hurst, trimming the Raiders lead to 21-12.
CLC 28, Minnesota West 12
Key to the game: The Raiders turned seven turnovers into 21 points.
Division: CLC 2-1
Overall: CLC 6-1
Next: Central Lakes vs. Vermilion at Ely 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Raiders took advantage of a failed onside kick attempt when wide receiver Alex Leach demonstrated his speed going 38 yards for a touchdown.
Though Leach's touchdown run gave the Raiders breathing room with 3:22 remaining, it was perhaps a punt by Dusty Parker nearing the end of the first quarter that proved to be the most pivotal play in the game.
Parker pinned the Blue Jays on their own 4 with a perfect coffin-corner kick. The play highlighted a great game for Parker, who finished with two interceptions and several batted balls.
"We expect big things out of him," Medeck said of the state's interception leader. "In our scheme, we have our free safety ... able to sit back and make plays. That's what he did, and that's what he did well."
With the Blue Jays backed up against their own end zone, the Raiders' defense came to life as they jumped on a fumbled handoff at the five. Dennis Taute ran in for the score on the next play, putting the Raiders up 7-0.
Central Lakes College running back Michael Iverson (left) ran out of the grasp of a Minnesota West player Saturday.
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Later, with less than two minutes in the first half, quarterback Andrew Maskell launched a 46-yard pass to Tyler Erickson streaking down the right side of the field. The reception gave the Raiders first and goal. On third down, Maskell connected with Erickson on a 7-yard fade-route giving CLC a 14-6 halftime lead.
After suffering an ankle injury in the season opener, Maskell threw for 121 yards and two touchdowns in his first home appearance on the season.
"It was a scary deal what happened, but I'm glad to be back and about 100 percent," Maskell said of his return. "I think the biggest concern was being on the same page with the receivers."
Once Maskell and the receivers found some continuity, the Raiders' saw their ground attack break free for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Combined the Raiders offense tallied 279 yards and capitalized where the Raiders defense left off as they scored 21 points off turnovers.
Greg Wright lifted Central Lakes College's Dennis Taute off his feet after he scored the first touchdown against Minnesota West Community College Saturday in Brainerd.
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"What do you do in tough elements like this," Medeck asked referring to the glacial temperatures. "You go out and play tough defense and play for field position, and if you get an opportunity to score you take advantage of that opportunity."
That's just what the Raiders did.
Mary and Jeff Spoden braved the cold Saturday to watch their son, Matt Spoden (50), play for Central Lakes College. The Raiders defeated Minnesota West 28-14.
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Minnesota West 0 6 0 6 - 12
Central Lakes 7 7 7 7 - 28
First quarter:
CLC-Dennis Taute 5 run (Philipe Castro kick) 1:26
Second quarter:
MW-Adam Hurst 4 run (pass failed) 4:48,
CLC-Tyler Erickson 7 pass from Andrew Maskell (Castro kick) :27
Third quarter:
CLC-Erickson 27 pass from Maskell (Castro Kick)
Fourth quarter:
MW-Trayon Nash 6 pass from James Dallager (pass fail) 4:58
CLC-Alex Leach 38 run (Castro Kick) 3:22
Team statistics
Rushes-yards: CLC 49-133, MW 31-93
Pass comp-att-int-yards: CLC 12-30-1-146, MW 7-22-3-103
Total offense: CLC 79-279, MW 62-196
CLC individual statistics
Rushing: Michael Iverson 22-36, Cody Robbins 8-43, Alex Leach 4-60, Dennis Taute 9-9, Brandon Julius 4-5, Andrew Maskell 2-(-20)
Passing: Andrew Maskell 12-30-146
Receiving: Tyler Erickson 3-45, Kevin Beehler 4-70, Michael Iverson 2-20, Alex Leach 2-6, Cody Robbins 1-5