Lake Park holds off Glenbard East in see-saw game

Lake Park running back LaCurt Evans’ fourth touchdown of the game sealed a 37-35 victory for the Lancers over Glenbard East at home Friday.

The seesaw battle and explosion of offense began on the second play from scrimmage when Glenbard East running back Javonte Burnett broke free for a 59-yard touchdown.

The Lancers countered with Evans on their first possession as he set the tone for Lake Park’s big night by weaving his way 54 yards downfield to quickly tie the game.

“The blocking was there the whole time,” Evans said.

In the opening minute of the second quarter, it was Evans once again. This time the senior went 10 yards to give the Lancers a 14-7 advantage.

Glenbard East quarterback Joe Kotch and his pinpoint accuracy paid major dividends midway through the second quarter. Out of the shotgun formation, Kotch drove the Rams to the Lancers 2-yard line where Burnett blasted it in from short yardage.

Midway through the second period, Lancers quarterback Zack Gehant demonstrated how balanced the Lake Park offensive attack can be. He aired out a 70-yard touchdown pass to the waiting hands of junior Scott Filip.

“The team always came together,” Evans said. “We’re a tough team this year.”

Kotch hit receiver Mike Fahey on a 7-yard touchdown pass on fourth and goal late in the first half. In a game dominated by massive offensive numbers, the Rams recorded 16 first downs in the first 24 minutes of play.

Lancers kicker Eric Ryan drilled a 30-yard field goal and Lake Park took a 25-21 to halftime.

The third quarter proved both teams could play dominant defense. In a stark contrast to the first half, both offensives were held scoreless in the period.

The trend of dominant defense came to an abrupt end in the first play of the fourth quarter. Lake Park extended its lead as Evans scored his third touchdown of the game on a 29-yard run.

“(Chris) Burns sealed off the defense for me every time to open holes,” Evans said. “I just cut back and it was open.”

Glenbard East took over and scored a 20-yard touchdown pass when Kotch found Matt Ploke in the end zone. With six minutes left in the game, it was the first Glenbard East lead since the first quarter.

Evans proved to be too much for the Rams defense in the end. His fourth touchdown of the game with three minutes remaining gave the Lancers their first win of the young season.