Raiders clinch playoff spot with 2-OT win
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
ELY - Andrew Maskell passed for 116 yards and Michael Iverson rushed for 96 yards and two touchdowns as Central Lake College defeated the Vermilion Ironmen 26-20 in two overtimes Saturday.
Back
CLC fumbled the opening possession in overtime, giving the Ironmen an opportunity to win, but Karl Hunt intercepted Vermilion on its first overtime play.
In the second overtime, Vermilion's field goal attempt fell short, giving CLC an opportunity to win. The Raiders responded with a 6-play scoring drive (all runs) that locked up second place in the Southern Division and clinched CLC a spot in the playoffs for the third straight year.
Michael Iverson
In the first half Vermilion opened up a 13-0 lead. The Ironmen scored on a 39-yard TD pass on fourth down in the first quarter. They scored in the second on another fourth down pass play, this time from 35 yards out.
CLC answered before halftime with an 11-play drive (all runs), culminating with Iverson's 4-yard TD run.
The Ironmen went up 20-6 in the third quarter before the momentum changed on Lawson Starr's 33-yard interception return for a TD. Maskell connected with Tyler Erickson for a 7-yard touchdown pass that tied the game 20-20 in the fourth.
Led by Iverson and Dennis Taute who ran for 73 yards, CLC rushed for a season-high 232 yards.
"Offensively, we were successful running the ball, with significant yardage by Iverson, Taute, Alex Leach and Cody Robbins," Medeck said. "Anytime you get multiple guys with big days on the ground, that's a credit to the offensive line and the work they got done. Aaron Mevissen, Jordan Owen, Brandon Sexton, Dan Hopson, and David Titus led the way for our best rushing game of the season."
Lawson Starr
CLC finished with four interceptions, two by Dan Ngandali.
"Defensively, we contained a very talented and athletic Vermilion passing game," Medeck said. "At times we had success pressuring the quarterback, who was a very elusive player, forcing two fumbles and recording multiple sacks. The real turning point was the interception by Lawson Starr.
"We trailed most of the game by either seven or 14 points. It's a real testament to the tenacity and will to win that this program has by the way we fought back and won the game. Every week is a battle. We don't blow people out, but we find a way to win football games."
The Raiders improved to 7-1 overall as they prepare for their final regular-season game Saturday at home against Ridgewater.
CLC will make its third straight playoff appearance Oct. 31 when it travels to play the winner of this week's Vermilion/Fond Du Lac game.
Central Lakes 0 6 7 7 6 - 26
Vermilion 6 7 7 0 0 - 20
Second quarter
CLC-Michael Iverson 4 run (kick failed)
Third quarter
CLC-Lawson Starr 33 interception return (Felipe Castro kick)
Fourth quarter
CLC-Tyler Erickson 7 pass from Andrew Maskell (Castro kick)
Overtime CLC-Iverson 2 run
Team statistics
Rushes-yards: CLC 57-232, Ver 90 yards
Pass comp-att-int-yards: CLC 11-22-0-116, Ver 222 yards
Total offense: CLC 348, Ver 312
CLC individual statistics
Rushing: Iverson 20-96, Dennis Taute 19-73, Cody Robbins 7-44, Alex Leach 6-42, Brandon Julius 1-1, Maskell 4-(-24)
Passing: Maskell 11-22-116
Receiving: Leach 4-27, Erickson 3-39, Dustin Kramer 3-35, Kevin Beehler 1-15
Overall: CLC 7-1. Next: Central Lakes hosts Ridgewater 1:30 p.m. Saturday.