Lawrence runs over Princeton, 48-7

FootballLawrence snaps four-game losing streak with dominant performance

By: Nick Schaefer
   The Lawrence high school football team literally ran over Princeton High School in its 48-7 victory over the Tigers on Saturday to snap its four game losing streak.

"Juan
Juan Jurado (54) puts a big hit on the Princeton quarterback seconds after he released the ball. The Cardinals were dominant in their 48-7 victory in Princeton on Saturday.

Staff photo by Robyn C. Stein

   Lawrence took control of the game in its first two possessions. In their first drive, the Cardinals marched down the field and scored on a 5-yard touchdown run by Marcin Piegza.
   After forcing Princeton (0-6) to punt, Lawrence (2-4) took a 13-0 lead on an Orlando Kane gallop from five yards out. Kane seemed to be hitting his stride on this drive and was determined to have a big game.
   The Cardinal defense suffocated the Tigers’ offensive attack. Princeton did not get on the scoreboard until late in the third quarter.
   Kane was not the only running star for Lawrence. Sophomore Emir Davis had a solid game-rushing six times for 76 yards.
   "The offensive line really proved something today," said Davis. "They are young and they improve every day. They are the ones that create the holes for the running backs. They played really well today."
   The Cardinals kept on pounding the ball on the ground and Kane eventually reached the 1,000-yard plateau for the season on his 17th carry of the game.
   Personal statistics are good, but winning is the most important part of the game, according to Kane.
   "While my first goal is for the team to reach the states, the 1,000 yard mark is important too," added Kane. "My teammates were pushing for me, and I knew I could accomplish it."
   As if things were not bad enough for the Tigers’ defense, the Cardinals’ passing game was efficient as well.
   Junior quarterback Charlie Park threw for two touchdowns. Park tossed a 15-yard touchdown to senior wide receiver John Fuller in the second quarter. Fuller was able to escape from the defensive back and break a few tackles before he stretched the ball out with his right arm for the touchdown to give the Cardinals a 27-0 cushion.
   Midway through the third quarter, Park found Kane on a slant pattern, and Kane used his breakaway speed to give is team a 34-0 lead on a 50-yard touchdown. A second 4-yard touchdown run by Davis ballooned the Lawrence margin to 41-0.
   "I was able to get open in the middle of the field and then made some moves and ran full speed to the end zone," Kane said.
   After Tiger wide receiver B.J. Lawrence injured his wrist and was taken off the field in an ambulance, Princeton scored a touchdown on a deflected pass. Quarterback David Mostoller’s pass wasn’t the prettiest of passes, but Michael Chester caught the ball and scampered 67 yards for the touchdown.
   Lawrence dominated the ball possession in the fourth quarter, not allowing Princeton to run a single offensive play.
   Cardinal head coach Rob Radice was pleased with his team’s effort on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
   "I am happy that the kids were able to get the job done," Radice said. "The win was bittersweet though. I know exactly how Princeton feels because we have been on the other side and it doesn’t feel good."
   For photos of the victory Saturday and a look ahead at the game at Trenton this coming weekend, see the Oct. 18, 2001 edition of The Lawrence Ledger.