LENA ­— A stout defense, big-play offense and opportunistic special teams are the hallmark of a good team, and Lena-Winslow had all three phases working.

“There were some of the usual first game blunders, but overall we played pretty well,” Lena-Winslow coach Ric Arand said. “Offensively we squandered some chances when our defense was giving us great field position all night long, but eventually we got it going.”

The Panther defense was indeed strong, not allowing a Thunder first down until five minutes remained in the first half.

“Holy smokes, they’re a good team,” West Carroll coach Dave Baisden said. “They do a good job of getting to the ball, especially their second tier. We missed some blocks against their second wall and with their linebackers, you can’t do that.”

The two teams engaged in a defensive struggle early in the game as neither offense could move the ball.

But Lena-Winslow’s special teams made its first big play of the night as Alex Holcomb tackled West Carroll’s punter in the end zone for a safety after a high snap.

“We have a freshman punter, but that wasn’t his fault,” Baisden said.

On the night, Lena-Winslow would score 18 points off of Thunder punting miscues.

“The special teams got us going and helped everyone relax,” Lena-Winslow’s Wes Ertmer said.

With the special teams and defense doing their part, it was the offense’s turn.

And led by the two-headed monster of running backs Ertmer and Ryan Werhane, the Panther offense began wearing down West Carroll.

“Our linemen and tight ends did a great job all night,” said Ertmer, who rushed for 191 yards and three touchdowns. “Ryan’s more of a power guy, where I was just following my blocks and going through the hole.”

GateHouse News Service