Titans pull away from Badgers in 2nd half
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Niagara trailed Lena-St. Thomas Aquinas just 24-22 at halftime, but the Titans piled up 22 unanswered points in the third quarter and posted a 46-22 Northeast Eight win Thursday.
Niagara, playing at home, fell to 4-2 in the conference. Lena improved to 5-1 to take second place behind Suring at 6-0.
“Lena was able to move the ball easily on us in the third quarter on their way to the decisive three touchdowns,” said Badgers coach Ben Laarman. “Offensively, we couldn’t finish a couple of drives deep into their territory in the second half and missed on a couple of opportunities for more big plays. Overall, it was a good battle against a really good team.”
Niagara scored on big plays in the first half, including an 86-yard kick return by Abain Patterson and a hook and lateral pay in which Sawyer Rouse passed to Patterson, who lateraled to Owen Dunkes for another 86-yard score.
Rouse completed 9 of 14 passes for 126 yards and one TD. Dunkes rushed 16 times for 99 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown. Patterson totaled seven catches for 42 yards.
“Lena is a very good team and a great program,” Laarman said. “They have been one of the premier 8-player programs in the state for several years running now. The only other game Lena has allowed more than 20 points was 26 against Iola-Scandinavia, who has a player committed to Wisconsin next year.”
Niagara’s leading tacklers included Myles Laarman, Jesse Wahlstrom, Parker LaFave, Mason Whaley and Dunkes. Laarman and Dunkes scored conversions.
Lena’s Lucas Farley connected with Jake Farley on a 78-yard touchdown pass. Isaac Peterson carried 16 times for 195 yards and two TDs. Luke Koslowsky had 17 carries for 100 yards and three TDs.
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association will release the 8-player football playoff qualifying field and pairings with a live stream on WIAA.TV at 10 a.m. today. The program features the announcement of the one-division playoff field and matchups for the 16 first-round games.