Lakeland College

Rough second half dooms Lakeland to loss in season finale

Athletics - posted on 11/12/2011

The Lakeland College football team saw its three-game win streak in the Cheese Bowl snapped, as the Muskies dropped their season finale, 28-23, at Concordia University Wisconsin on Saturday.

The Muskies finish the season 4-6 overal, 4-3 in Northern Athletics Conference play.

Lakeland got off to a promising start, jumping out to a 17-7 halftime lead behind two rushing touchdowns, the first by junior Adam Miller and the second by freshman Kendrick Burks. A Broc Lawry field goal late in the second quarter gave the Muskies a 10-point cushion at the break.

The second half was a different story, as the Muskies couldn't move the ball and turnovers would prove to be the team's downfall. The Falcons scored twice in the third quarter, their second following a fumbled punt at the 18-yard line.

On their first drive of the fourth quarter, Lakeland made a costly mistake as sophomore quarterback Dylan Van Straten's pass was picked off and returned for a 44-yard touchdown, giving Concordia, Wis., a 28-17 lead. A late score would bring the Muskies within five, but the comeback fell short.

Lakeland converted three of four red zone chances, but their one trip without points was the difference.

The Muskies offense totaled 299 yards, 120 passing and 179 rushing. Burks led all rushers with a game-high 91 yards on 18 carries and one TD, while Miller added 19 yards on seven carries and one TD. Van Straten finished the day with 53 yards rushing and 120 yards passing on 11 of 20 attempts including one TD and one interception.

Senior wide receiver Justin Groeneveld finished with a game-high 93 yards on six catches and one TD.

The defense allowed just 243 yards of offense, 147 passing and 96 rushing. With a short field and little momentum in the second half, the Muskies defense did all it could to slow the Falcons.

Junior linebacker Bruce Romagnoli led the team with 11 tackles, two for a loss while senior Tony Faller wrapped up a brilliant career, finishing with nine tackles.

Lakeland ends the season tied for fourth in the NAC with Concordia, Wis.

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