A reoccurring trend began in the first quarter of the game: blocked punts. The Ramblers were able to deflect the first punt after a three-and-out by Lakeview on the first drive of the game. One play later, Lafayette quarterback, Zach Barrett, floated a deep ball over the defense that put Lafayette inside the five-yard line. A do-it-all athlete, Jaylon Ramsey, secured the 7-0 advantage with a rushing touchdown.
The Warriors failed to answer the quick strikes and trotted off after another failed third down.
The Ramblers’ special teams bull rushed to the punter and forced yet another block. Lafayette wide receiver, Jacob Zwiger, capitalized on the opportunity and fought his way into the endzone to give the Ramblers a 14-0 lead early.
The third drive did not prove fruitful for Lakeview, as a hawking Lafayette defense barred down on LFO quarterback, Will Carroll. The special teams trend continued with a third straight block. Lafayette would punch in a third touchdown, sprinting out to a 21-0 lead as the first quarter dwindled.
The second quarter was underway and special teams remained the MVP as a fourth punt was blocked, setting up the Ramblers' offense at the three-yard line. Lafayette’s rushing attack did not hold back and hung another touchdown on the scoreboard.
A defensive standoff ensued for the rest of the game. The defensive line made quick work of two Warrior drives by forcing two safeties put Lafayette up 30-0 by the half.
Zwiger put an exclamation point on the night with a touchdown late in the fourth quarter after an Lakeview fumble. It was his fourth touchdown of the game. “All credit towards the offensive line,” said Zwiger after the game.
“The biggest takeaway is that this is region win number one,” said Lafayette Head Coach, Andy Scott. “I really appreciate the character and discipline of our team to finish this game out the right way.”
Lafayette will be back at home next Friday as they play host to Murray County. They hope to improve their current win streak of two games up to three.
After falling to 0-2, the Warriors will have a short ride to rival Ringgold (3-0) as they are still searching for their first win of the season.
LAFAYETTE 21 11 0 7 -- 39
LAKEVIEW-FO 0 0 0 0 -- 0
Scoring Summary
Laf- Jaylon Ramsey 1-yard run (Jacob Brown kick), 8:59 left in the first;
Laf- Jacob Zwiger 3-yard run (Jacob Brown kick), 6:39 left in the first;
Laf- Jacob Zwiger 3-yard run (Jacob Brown kick), 2:48 left in the first;
Laf- Jacob Zwiger 3-yard run (Jacob Brown kick), 7:46 left in the second;
Laf- Will Carroll –6-yard run (Safety), 7:28 left in the second;
Laf- Will Carroll –2-yard run (Safety), 2:19 left in the second;
Laf- Jacob Zwiger 7-yard run (Jacob Brown kick), 5:22 left in the fourth.
Team Stats LFO Lafayette
Rushing Yards 33 94
Passing Yards 26 93
Total Yards 59 187
Comp-Att-Int 5-19-0 8-11-0
Fumbles-Lost 5-5 0-0
Penalties 10-100 2-15
Notable Individual Stats:
LFO Passing: Will Carroll 5 of 19 for 26 yards.
LFO Rushing: Will Carroll 17 for 44 yards
LFO Receiving: Keenan Walker 3 for 24 yards
Lafayette Passing: Zach Barrett 8 of 11 for 93 yards
Lafayette Rushing: Jacob Zwiger 12 for 39 yards, 4 TDs; Jaylon Ramsey 11 for 34 yards, 1 TD; Zach Barrett 3 for 14 yards
(Email Jacob Robinson at jjacobrobinson2001@gmail.com)