Lakeland College

Muskies win as freshmen steal spotlight on senior day

Athletics - posted on 11/5/2011

A pair of freshman running backs stole the show on Saturday during Lakeland College's senior day, propelling the Muskies to a 33-7 victory over visiting Maranatha Baptist Bible College.

Lakeland had its first game with multiple 100-yard rushers in six years as Tarrel Jackson finished with 124 yards and two touchdowns, and Kendrick Burks totaled 103 yards and one TD for the Muskies (4-5, 4-2 NAC). It was the first time Lakeland has had two rushers hit the century mark since Ryan Maiuri (154 yards), Shannon Fitzgerald (138 yards, two TDs) and Brandon Erdman (124, one TD) did it in a 68-14 victory over Concordia University Chicago on Oct. 22, 2005.

Lakeland dominated the Crusaders (2-7, 0-6 NAC) for much of the game, leading 12-0 late into the second half behind an eight-yard TD run by Jackson and a Broc Lawry 25-yard field goal. The defense allowed a late score before half and the Muskies led 12-7 at halftime.

Lakeland scored early and often in the second half, including a 19-yard Jackson TD run to cap an eight play 60-yard opening drive. Burks added a three-yard TD in the third as well, followed by a Justin Groeneveld six-yard TD reception to give the Muskies a commanding 33-7 lead.

Lakeland finished the game with 470 yards of total offense, 182 passing and 288 rushing. The ground attack was led by the running back tandem of Burks and Jackson who had 227 combined yards and three TDs. Quarterback Dylan Van Straten completed 15 of 24 passes for 182 yards, one TD and one interception. Groeneveld led all receivers with nine catches for 93 yards and one TD.

"The offense played well," said Lakeland head coach Kevin Doherty. "We did a great job minus the mental mistakes. Hats off to the offensive line, they corrected their issues and opened up some holes. The guys ran really hard and the receivers made big catches to keep drives alive."

The defense put together a solid performance, allowing 122 yards of total offense including -13 rushing. Senior Tony Faller led the way with five tackles, one for a loss, a safety and one forced fumble. Freshman Kyle Mortensen and sophomore Tyler Oslund each had an interception.

"I'm proud of the way our guys played," said Doherty. "Our defense played solid the whole game, it was a great effort."

The Muskies gained a lot of momentum which they will look to carry into next Saturday's rivalry game at Concordia University Wisconsin. Kickoff of the annual Cheese Bowl is set for noon.

To hear what Faller and Bruce Romagnoli have to say about the game, click here.

To see what Jackson and Burks have to say about their performance, click here.

To view senior day festivities follow these links:

Seniors walk through teammates

Seniors and their parents

Team huddle

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