Last weekend, the Lawrence football team took on Carroll University for their 5th conference match of the season. Knowing this would be a big game, the team spent the week leading up to the game preparing. Senior Alex Brewer stated, “Preparation was similar to most weeks and consisted of watching film and working hard in practice.”
Despite their preparation, Carroll meant business and scored two touchdowns in the first 3:39 of the game. By the end of the first quarter they led the Vikes 24-0.
It seems as though the Vikes had trouble holding onto possession, turning the ball over six times throughout the game and being limited to only 215 yards of offense. Junior quarterback Luke Barthelmess was limited to 4 of 14 passing for 24 yards before leaving the game early in the third quarter with an injury. Senior running back Ben Hartman was a bright spot in the Vikes game. He had 13 carries totaling 68 yards and a touchdown!
When asked what was the best play of the game, Brewer responded, “Ben Hartman’s touchdown run in the 3rd quarter of the game because the offensive line did a great job opening a huge lane for Ben to run through and he made a nice read off the blocks to get into the end-zone.”
This great play was started by a play between Brewer and senior Tyler Mazur. Brewer hit Mazur with a pass for 26 yards to get the Vikes to the Carroll 9 yard line. A roughing-the-passer penalty gave Lawrence a first down allowing Hartman to make his amazing play and scoring the Vikes 6 points. This cut Carroll’s lead to 34-6.
Junior Sam Wagner was asked what the team does to help get through rough times on the field. He replied, “We just have to pick each other up and communicate. Make sure we have each others backs no matter the outcome.”
Despite their determination, Carroll was not finished on the field. They added three more touchdowns in the fourth quarter to seal their win with a score of 55-6. Though it was a rough loss for the Vikes we should commend the men on the remarkable effort they put both every weekend and their willpower to never give up no matter what the score shows.
Regardless of what the scoreboard showed, the Vikes gave Carroll a fight did some great things out on the field. Wagner stated, “We did a nice job of running the ball and blocking the offensive line. The offensive line also pass protected well in the second half.”
The Vikes travel to St. Norbert this Saturday to take on the Green Knights. We wish them the best of luck and can’t wait for them to come back with the win!