Scoring still a big problem for Coahulla Creek

Published 12:50 am Saturday, September 13, 2014

VARNELL — Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School’s football team took as long to get its offense going as it did for lightning to clear out of the area Friday night.

But unlike the inclement weather, once the Warriors started scoring, they didn’t let up — and that was trouble for Coahulla Creek.

Senior quarterback Ryan Keefe ran for one touchdown and threw for another to lead LFO to a 26-0 win at Colts Stadium, while the Warriors’ defense handed the Colts their third straight shutout to start the season.

Coach Chad Barger said Coahulla Creek (0-3) didn’t have enough endurance in the second half.

“We had guys playing both ways, and they just got tired,” Barger said. “When you play a team that runs multiple formations, a lot of motions and things like that, you have to be out there and be ready. Our depth really showed, and we really need to do a better job of getting in shape and getting our conditioning where it should be.”

Lightning in the area delayed the 7:30 p.m. start for 37 minutes, The Colts trailed just 7-0 at the half thanks to solid play on both sides of the ball. Coahulla Creek forced LFO (1-2) to punt on its opening possession, and a Brentley Lansing fumble recovery early in the second quarter got the ball back for the Colts on their own 19.

Coahulla Creek was able to move the ball effectively early with a running back tandem of Josue Dominguez and Aaron Croom. Dominguez had runs of 10, 11 and six yards on a 13-play, 5:30 drive in the first quarter, but the possession stalled with a turnover on downs at the Warriors’ 29.

LFO got the ball back and quickly drove 71 yards in two plays. Keefe’s first touchdown, a 27-yard scamper down the right sideline, sparked the scoring for the visitors and helped them take a 7-0 lead at the 6:59 mark of the second quarter.

In the third quarter, LFO capitalized on a Colts turnover, and three plays later wide receiver Sam Eaves got behind the defense and cradled in a 43-yard touchdown pass from Keefe for a 13-0 lead at the 7:08 mark.

A 1-yard touchdown by running back Hadyn Griffin extended LFO’s lead to 20-0 with 9:06 remaining in the final period, and the Warriors finished the scoring with Devin Duncan’s 3-yard run with 4:17 left.

Despite its scoring trouble, Coahulla Creek was able to move the ball on the ground with ease, amassing 245 rushing yards — Dominguez had 126 yards on 21 carries, while Croom added 106 on 15.

Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe 26, Coahulla Creek 0

Lakeview-Fort O. 0 7 6 13 — 26

Coahulla Creek 0 0 0 0 — 0

Second Quarter 

LFO — Ryan Keefe 27 run (Charles Davis kick), 6:59

Third Quarter 

LFO — Sam Evans 43 pass from Keefe (kick failed), 7:08

Fourth Quarter

LFO — Hadyn Griffin 1 run (Davis kick), 9:06

LFO – Devin Duncan 3 run (kick failed), 4:17