Louisville's Jeff Vlasnik (51) applies pressure to Malcolm quarterback Jake Bowder (10). The Lions limited the Clippers to 38% passing (9 for 24) while intercepting four passes.

Photo compliments of Krambeck Photography.
Click to see more photos.....

A Lion Game Ball to ......
		Tyler Johnson Completed 11 of 19 passes for 137 yards to six different Louisville receivers. Also turned a potentially devastating bad snap into a 29 yard punt.
		Sean Ronnfeldt Credited with 18 total tackles, Sean was also a mainstay on the offensive line providing lanes in which to run and throw.
		Defensive Backs Matt Drelicharz and Dustin Fickler intercepted passes to stop Malcolm drives while Logan Roecker's pick set up the go ahead score late in the first half.

Rain-Soaked Lions Win Over Malcolm, 24-13 (10-12-07)

The Louisville Lions scored 21 points in a span of 5:34 in the second and third quarters, turning an 0-7 deficit into a 21-7 lead on it’s way to a 24-13 win over the Malcolm Clippers. The win improved the Lions’ record to 4-3 and 3-0 in district play.

The Clippers broke into the scoring column first when running back Matt Andrews juggled, then pulled in a 26 yard Jake Bowder pass for a touchdown on the first play of the second quarter.

Louisville’s first touchdown was set up by the their defense when the Lions forced the Clippers to punt from deep in their own territory. The third-down kick traveled to the Malcolm 45 yard line where the LHS offense went to work.

Quarterback Tyler Johnson wasted little time as the Lions went the entire distance for the score via the air. Johnson completed passes to tight end Jesse Abbott for 10 yards, Nico Lemmers for 11 before connecting with running back Dustin Fickler for the final 24 yards, tying the game at 7-7 with 4:28 left in the half.

Malcolm’s next possession was suddenly put to a halt when junior defensive back, Logan Roecker intercepted his first pass of the year, returning the ball to the Malcolm 48 yard line.

Fickler lugged the ball and Clipper tacklers for 11 yards to the Malcolm 37 yard line before a personal foul penalty advanced the ball to the Malcolm 22. Lemmers carried three times during the remainder of the drive for 14 yards including the final 4 as the Lions squeezed in another TD with just :28 second remaining in the half, giving the Lions a 14-7 lead at the break.

Louisville used some trickery to gain valuable field position when Roecker, fielding the second half kickoff, handed the ball to Lemmers who set sail along the west sideline, not stopping until being driven out of bounds at the Malcolm 39 yard line.

It took the Lions only three running plays to make the score 21-7 just 1:06 into the third quarter. Fickler started the scoring drive, carrying the ball 11 yards to the 28 yard line. Lemmers then toted the ball twice for the score, bursting around the left end for 27 yards, then diving into the middle of the line behind the blocking of DJ Mann, Jeff Vlasnik and Justin Schram for the score.

“Our boys up front did a great job controlling the offensive line whether it be run or pass,” said Wally Johnson, Louisville’s head coach.

Malcolm answered with a touchdown drive of their own on their next possession when Andrews, a 6’ 0” senior, punched the ball in from the 3 yard line, tightening the score at 21-13 with 7:15 remaining in the third period.

Two possessions later and :52 seconds into the fourth quarter, a Johnson 29 yard field goal, gave the Lions their final points of the night and a comfortable 24-13 lead.

With an 11 point hill to climb and with limited success on the ground, the Clippers were forced to attack through the air, only to see their final three possession end with Louisville interceptions.

Fickler terminated the first two drives with interceptions at the Malcolm 26 and 16 yard lines with Matt Drelicharz ending the game with an takeaway on the final play of the game.

“Defensively we had the bend but don't break attitude. Sean Ronnfeldt played a great defensive game, totaling 12 unassissted tackles, making tackles for losses while also getting pressure on the quarterback,” commented Johnson. In addition, Lemmers and Fickler were credited with 13.5 and 13 total tackles while Drelicharz recorded 10.

The victory sets up a C-2, District 5 championship game next Thursday when Louisville travels to Elmwood to take on the Knights of Elmwood-Murdock, each team unbeaten in district play.

“What better way to end the regular season but to have two teams fighting for a district title,” said Johnson.