Turnaround for T-Wolves

Where did that come from?

Lake City, which showed few signs of life in a 0-4 start, resuscitated its football season Friday.

The Timberwolves avoided the big mistakes that had plagued them the first month and the defense came up with a shutout as Lake City knocked off Post Falls 20-0 in a 5A Inland Empire League opener at LC.

In the first four games, opponents averaged 27 points in the first half alone against the Timberwolves.

“We’ve always had the capability to win,” said LC senior running back Justin Bryant, who returned after being out three weeks with a dislocated collarbone. “We did everything right tonight. We didn’t make any mistakes and pulled together. We didn’t have any big mistakes in the first half and we came out ready to play – that’s what gave us this win.”

That and solid defense.

It wasn’t mistake-free for LC. But at least the T-Wolves didn’t put themselves in a hole that they couldn’t crawl out of.

“I’ve talked about our guys growing up,” LC coach Van Troxel said. “(The) seniors and juniors grew up a lot. They played with pride and determination that we haven’t had. It just makes you feel so good to see kids make the right step and grow up.”

One yard separated the teams in total offense in the first half. LC drove to Post Falls’ 15-yard line and the Trojans got as close as the T-Wolves’ 30 in the first two quarters.

The Trojans had possession to open the second half and appeared as if they might finally sustain a drive. But sophomore running back Marcus Colbert sprained an ankle and had to be helped from the field.

Post Falls (3-2) lost junior quarterback Matt Lickfold when he injured a knee in the first half. The injuries limited the Trojans, allowing LC to pin back its ears.

“I feel bad for Lickfold and Colbert,” Troxel said. “They’re really good players and that’s hard when you lose your two best guys.”

Trojans coach Jeff Hinz wouldn’t use it as an excuse, though.

“They (T-Wolves) played well, they played their hearts out and they deserved to win that ballgame,” Hinz said. “It came down to who could get that first score and they got it. We had our opportunities to win that game and we just didn’t do it.”

LC scored after a 16-play, 77-yard drive when Brian Griswold plunged in from a yard out with 7:40 to go.

After forcing PF to punt on its next possession, LC junior QB Mark Smyly dashed 10 yards after Bryant set up the score with a 65-yard run off a counter.

An interception with 5:49 to go set up LC’s third score.

Bryant rushed for 135 yards on 13 carries and Smyly had 72 on 17 attempts. Colbert had 99 on 17 rushes.