Lewis and Clark’s defense stands out in win over Lake City

The nightcap at Albi Stadium on Friday was a stark contrast to the opener.

The Lewis and Clark Tigers and Lake City Timberwolves watched East Valley and North Central combine for more than 1,000 yards before taking the field for their nonleague game to open the high school football season.

Both teams used methodical approaches and the Tigers defense stood out in Lewis and Clark’s 28-3 victory.

The Tigers opened the scoring after senior running back Josh Via scampered in from 32 yards.

Via’s touchdown came after the Tigers thought they had scored a 76-yard punt return touchdown. That play was called back on a penalty and Via scored on the ensuing play.

Via scored his second of the night from 14 yards out to open the second half. His touchdown was set up nicely after a 23-yard reception by sophomore Keani Guthmueller.

Via finishsed with 107 yards rushing on 11 carries and two touchdowns.

The Timberwolves had just a field goal to their name as time expired in the first half. The T-Wolves looked like they were threatening after Grant Clark returned a kickoff to the Lewis and Clark 28.

But the Tigers defense held tight, pushing the T-Wolves out of field-goal range and forcing a punt.

The Tigers got a touchdown through the air when quarterback Michael Flaherty found Xavier Guillory in the end zone from 18 yards out. Guillory outjumped the Lake City defenders for the impressive catch.

Jordan Athos ran in from 9 yards out to give the Tigers insurance.

Neither quarterback was particularly sharp. Flaherty had the luxury of having a strong running game to lead his team. He finished 9 for 21 for 112 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Lake City quarterback Bryce Buttz was 8 of 20 for 97 yards and threw one interception.

Clark rushed for 83 yards on 20 carries.