Lc Finds Running Game In 21-6 Win

Lewis and Clark’s football team sorely needed to discover itself after gaining just 20 yards rushing against Gonzaga Prep last week.

The Tigers (1-1) did so during a 21-6 victory over University (1-1) Friday night.

“After last week, we had to establish the identity of this team,” said coach John Hook. “Our goal was we had to rush for 200 yards.”

His backfield more than doubled the goal, going off for 414 yards. Three backs, including Hook’s sophomore son Jonathan, topped the 100-yard mark.

Nick Spurgetis, who wound up with 121 yards on 19 carries, set the tone early, ripping off gains of 31 and 19 yards. The Tigers needed four plays and a little more than a minute to lead 7-0. Spurgetis got all 58 yards of the drive.

On LC’s third possession, Spurgetis gained 41 more and the night’s second score.

Then Pete Flatt took over. He finished with a game-high 173 yards on 16 attempts. Included was a 44-yard draw play on third-and-26 to make it 21-6 before halftime.

LC had rushed for 255 yards and limited U-Hi to 44 total. The Titans touchdown came on an electrifying 89-yard kickoff return by Nick Mattioda. He cut left, found a seam and burst free.

In the second half, LC stayed grounded. The Tigers threw one pass in the game.

Hook had a 59-yard run in the fourth quarter to put him over the century mark, 117 total yards on 13 carries.

“We can have balance,” said coach Hook, alluding to a passing game. “But U-Hi has great skill and an ability to throw, which makes ‘em dangerous. A big part of our game plan was to keep the ball out of their hands.”

Titans quarterback Chris Short threw for 136 yards, but the Tigers defense kept their running game in tow.

LC 21, University 6

Lewis and Clark 7 14 0 0 - 21

University 0 6 0 0 - 6

L-Spurgetis 5 run (Dahlstrom kick)

L-Spurgetis 1 run (Dahlstrom kick)

U-Mattioda 89 kickoff return (kick failed)

L-Flatt 44 run (Dahlstrom kick)

L U

First downs 18 9

Rushes-yards 55-414 26-49

Passing yards 0 136

Return yards 8 0

Passes 0-1-0 10-19-0

Punts-avg. 4-36.3 4-39.3

Fumbles-lost 2-1 2-0

Penalties-yards 8-59 1-10

Individual statistics

Rushing - Lewis and Clark: Flatt 16-173, Spurgetis 19-121, Hook 13-117, Coleman 4-11, Lockridge 3-8. University: Mattioda 14-48, Conrad 4-2, Valkenaar 1-1, Short 6-0, Binkoski 1-2.

Passing - Lewis and Clark: Lockridge 0-1-0. University: Short 10-19-136.

Receiving - University: McMurtrey 4-60, Roberts 2-29, Pulver 1-24, Binkoski 1-18, Mattioda 1-4, Valkenaar 1-1.

, DataTimes