LCL clinched at least a share of its eighth consecutive conference title on Friday night, toppling the Cavaliers of St. Thomas More 48-8.
In what was voted as the Fox 6 High School Blitz Game of the Week, the Lightning were unfazed by the added media presence, pushing their season scoring margin to a whopping 368-62 with one game remaining in the regular season.
Luke Haertle continued his push for LCL’s all-time touchdown record, drawing within 4 of Ethan Wilkins’ 71 touchdowns from 2015-2018.
The Lightning offense showed no hesitation early, as a 64-yard rushing touchdown from Sam Heicher as well as a 50-yard reception from Luke Boldt gave LCL a 13-0 lead after just three scrimmage plays to start the game. The Lightning would take a 20-0 lead after the first quarter, and a 41-0 lead into the half for the third consecutive game.
The second quarter was highlighted by a defensive individual effort from Gunnar Groesenick, who stripped the ball directly from the hands of Cavaliers receiver Nic Feslke and went untouched for a 45-yard touchdown back the other way.
For just the third time this season, the Lightning saw a scoreless quarter from both sides, as the 41-0 mark carried into the fourth.
LCL carried a 48-0 score late into the fourth quarter, but for the second time in three weeks, the shutout bid was lost late in the game. An 8-yard touchdown run by Leon Ellis and the ensuing two point conversion put the Cavaliers on the scoreboard with 1:05 remaining in the game.
The Lightning head to Shoreland Lutheran High School next week to take on the Pacers in their final game before the playoffs.