Lakeland College

Muskies fall to Pioneers; lose sixth straight season opener

Athletics - posted on 9/3/2011

When the weather let up, a lack of rhythm and missed opportunities doomed the Lakeland College football team to a 13-0 loss to Carroll University Saturday in Waukesha, Wis. The loss is the team's sixth straight to open a season.

Lakeland (0-1) could never get in sync on the offensive side of the ball. First-year starting quarterback Dylan Van Straten (Shiocton, Wis.) couldn't get comfortable in the pocket and was pressured all afternoon.

The Muskies defense did a great job at limiting the Pioneers to just two field goals and one touchdown on the afternoon, a 20 yard rush by Carroll running back Joe Beckstrand.

Carroll finished with 355 total yards, including 226 rushing, to 94 total yards for Lakeland. The Muskies did manage to play a clean game, with just one penalty for five yards, which is a positive for a young team. Unfortunately, the Muskies converted just five of 16 third-down situations.

Van Straten finished the game 4-23 for 28 yards and two interceptions. Senior running back Adam Miller (Marion, Wis.) was the team's leading rusher with 32 yards on seven attempts.

Senior Tony Faller (Oostburg, Wis.) let the team with 13 tackles, two sacks, 5.5 tackles for a loss, one pass break up, and three forced fumbles.

Ryan Young was 10-23 for 129 yards for Carroll, while Beckstrand led the rushing attack for the Pioneers with 120 yards on 22 carries and the game's only touchdown.

"The defense did a great job today," said Lakeland head coach Kevin Doherty. "They kept us in the game and held in the red zone. The offensive line struggled today and before we start to evaluate everyone else we need to solidify the line. We had too many holes today and our quarterback didn't have time. It all starts upfront."

The Muskies travel to Kenosha, Wis. to face rival Carthage College on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m.

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