ROCKFORD — The Christian Life Eagles once again lost to Walther Lutheran, but coach Chuck Leonard said his team’s effort was the best he’s seen all week.

Walther Lutheran racked up 419 yards in total offense and pitched their eighth straight victory over the Eagles in a 35-6 win in Private School League action on Friday.

Last week, the Eagles lost to Aurora Christian 62-0.

“We ran the ball up and down the field tonight,” Leonard said. “We were horrific in practice this week. We looked into their eyes and there was nothing there. We got beat 35-6, but we saw their minds change a bit. A loss is a loss, but we think this could be a springboard for the rest of the year.”

The Broncos (3-1, 2-0 PSL) totaled 251 yards on the ground and was led by Brandon Sims with 17 carries for 167 yards and four touchdowns. The defense dominated the Eagles (0-4, 0-2) offense, shutting them out in the second half and holding them to just 40 yards passing.

“Sims is a good running back,” Walther Lutheran coach Bruce Tuomi said. “When you mixed it up, it opens up the passing. Offensively, we moved pretty good. They played pretty good. They played us tough.”

Jacob Bach led the Eagles’ ground game with 109 yards on 22 carries. Christian Life had 147 yards rushing.

Kyle Caudel recovered Bach’s fumble in the end zone to pull the Eagles to within one at 7-6 in the first quarter with 14.4 seconds left.

Christian Life hadn’t scored against Walther Lutheran in two previous matches.

“It was nice to get the points, but we’re still sad about the loss,” Bach said. “Hopefully, next week we can put more points on the board.”

Christian Life mounted an 11-play, 33-yard drive that stalled at the Broncos’ 9-yard line when Keith Elliot intercepted Chris Nied’s pass before halftime.

After eight years in the Private School League, Christian Life will participate in the Northeastern Athletic Conference next season.

- Brenda Young, rrstar.com