Lakota East survives Colerain rally

To say Colerain has had a stranglehold over the Greater Miami Conference would be an understatement.

The Cardinals enjoyed unprecedented success for the greater part of two decades, winning at least a share of the Greater Miami Crown for much of the present century – until their vice grip hold on the conference crown relinquished to Lakota West just a year ago.

And now after Friday, a new school may have made a resounding statement as a challenger to stake claim to the throne.

Lakota East pulled off the colossal 7-6 victory in a defensive slugfest on Friday night, snapping a 15-game losing streak at Cardinal Stadium in the process.

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“Like I’ve said all year – our seniors have just done a great job leading our guys,” Lakota East head football coach Rick Haynes said. “I think they wanted to come in here and get a win since we haven’t won here since 1996. I’m proud of them.”

Mirroring each other practically toe-for-toe with similar triple-option looks, both teams were well prepared for what the other had to offer. As a result, both teams remained scoreless following a physical first-half of play, mustering just more than 100 total yards of offense between the two schools.

Colerain in particular had enjoyed some success moving the ball in the first half  but was mired by mental mistakes. Namely, a blocked field goal, a handful of big losses and an inability to cash in on short field position.

Out of intermission, the Thunderhawks really seemed to find their groove – at least on the first drive.

The tandem of seniors Charlie Kenrich and T.J. Kathman orchestrated a Lakota East 86-yard drive, leading to the game's first points just minutes into the quarter. Kenrich ran it in from five yards out, putting the Thunderhawks ahead 7-0.

On the ensuing drive, the Cardinals consumed nearly 10 minutes of game time marching down the field, finding themselves in the red zone after a number of solid carries by senior tailback M.J. Flowers.

But as the Cardinals threatened, the Thunderhawk defense rose to the occasion. The Thunderhawks stuffed the Cardinals short of the goal-line on a handful of tries, eventually forcing a turnover on downs within their own 5-yard line.

With their backs to the wall, Colerain’s defense answered the bell as well. The Cardinal defense forced a quick three-and-out by the Thunderhawks, inheriting prime field position within the Lakota East 40-yard-line, setting the stage for a potential game-tying drive.

This time Colerain wouldn’t waste such an appetizing opportunity, with Flowers concluding a 40-yard drive on a three-yard rushing score and energizing the Cardinal faithful in attendance.

Having endured a blocked kick earlier in the contest, it was fair to wonder if the Cardinals would risk another attempt, or roll the dice with an even riskier option – a two-point conversion. Ultimately Colerain head football coach Shawn Cutright elected for the safer option and signaled for his extra-point team to take the field.

Cutright’s decision was a wise one with the game on the line in a contest starred by defensive prowess. But to the dismay of Cardinal faithful, a chance which faltered and felt as if sucked the air out of Cardinal Stadium. The Thunderhawk front once again timed the snap well, bursting through the line and swatting down yet another kick attempt.

“I thought our defense played outstanding all game,” Haynes said. “I thought their defense played outstanding the whole game, too. They had a great plan and executed it. We were fortunate to get that drive at the start of the half and on offense make some big plays at the end.”