The Lutheran East Falcons pushed their record to 2-1 yesterday, after defeating the Whitney Young Warriors 32-0. It was a hard fought game by both opponents, but in the end the Falcons defense was as stringent as it has been in weeks. This marks the second week in a row that Defensive Coordinator Coach Perrotti and the D was able to shutout an opponent.

In a back and forth first quarter, each team competed for field position. It was a quarter that contained more penalties and turnovers than either team would like, but each defense was digging in and not letting up. Lutheran East was down a couple starters and trying to find their chemistry.

The Falcons were able to strike first in the second quarter with a 3 yard pass from Kaylin Heard to Rodney Paradise (followed by the same combination for the 2 point conversion). The Warriors looked to rebound and moved the ball well, but the Falcons once again proved to be a “bend but not break” defense. On a third and long situation, Julian Hicks flew from his free safety position to intercept a Warrior pass. He took it back 73 yards for the score and with a Heard 2 point conversion, the Falcons led at half 16-0.

Coming out after halftime, Lutheran East looked to rebound from a subpar first half, and they struck fast. The momentum from Hick’s pick 6 was critical. After a turnover caused by junior defensive lineman Tre Boyd, Heard was able to connect for a 30 yard touchdown pass to Hicks (2 point conversion run by Heard). Another defensive hold by the Falcons gave them excellent field possession. It was quickly followed by a short drive, capped off by a 5 yard run by Mark Churchill (2 point failed). After 3 quarters of action, the Falcons led 30-0.

Finishing the game was much of the same- short bursts that chewed up the clock by Heard, Churchill and Carlton Hoey, and a stellar defensive performance. Putting the score far out of reach with 7 minutes to play, Heard was able to connect with senior fullback Will Hartson for a 2 yard touchdown pass (2 point conversion by Hoey). It was a tale of two different halves, but Lutheran East was able to find their identity, handle the adversity and get the win 38-0.

OFFENSIVE LEADERS:

Kaylin Heard- 10/13 passing for 78 yards and 3 TD’s

Mark Churchill- 66 yards rushing and 1 TD

Will Hartson- 4 receptions for 26 yards and 1 TD

DEFENSIVE LEADERS:

Rodney Paradise- 7 tackles

Julian Hicks- 2 tackles, 1 INT, 1 TD

Tre Boyd- 2 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 fumbles caused, 1 fumble recovered