Lawrence-Nelson football team starting from left, back row; Decker Brown, Jerad Niederklein, Preston Hild, Jack Williams, Will Schaeffer, Rocky Miller, Jacob Kathman, Clay Williams, Cody Funk, Roy Davidson, Nolan Ostdiek, Cody Brockman, Carter Griffis, Caleb Griffis, Nolan Kawata, Josh HImmelberg, Brian Blevins, middle row: Bayln Bargen, Kolton Johnson, Connor Janda, Nathan Elledge, Caden Culbertson, Carson Vaughn, Kaden Grams, Aidan Zikmund, Riley Cannaday, Kole Thompson, front row: Nathan Pofahl, Gus Harrison, Grayhm Beck, Jace Hoelting, Ace Wolf, Brandt McLaughlin and Nathan Stokes.
They are all heading away from senior lineman, Rocky Miller (44), in this picture from the Superior game last Friday (and Saturday). The opening game of the season for Lawrence-Nelson and Superior saw the Raiders handling the under-manned Superior team 56-18. Miller is one of 15 Raiders listed on the roster as checking in at 200 pounds or more and was among the defensive leader in the game recording seven assisted tackles and three unassisted.
In the words of Lawrence-Nelson head coach, Brian Blevins, "It's been a weird 36 hours." That is one way to describe the leadup to and the actual playing of their season opening game against Superior at Superior Friday Saturday and Saturday. That is correct. The game was played over the course of two days under drastically different conditions.
Kick off time was moved back an hour on Friday because of excessive heat. Prior to kickoff, school officials and the officiating crew could be seen huddling together. Mother nature was about to demonstrate that there is a power greater than Friday night football. Superior elected to receive the kickoff as a smattering of raindrops began to fall upon Brodstone Field. Lightning was illuminating the sky to the southwest.
The Raiders didn't waste any time as they scored on their first possession to take a 6-0 lead. They scored again and held a 12-0 lead. Lightning filled the sky as the game was officially postponed more than 90 minutes after the kickoff and 2:45 remaining to play in the first quarter.
Play was scheduled to resume Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The weather had cleared. Cool temperatures prevailed. The field was wet and slippery. Game time was moved to 12:30 p.m. The Raiders had to change their game jerseys. They wore white on Friday night and the field conditions left them less than white. They donned their home black jerseys for Saturday's finale.
It didn't take long for Lawrence-Nelson to have the game under control. When time expired the Raiders had a win for their season opening effort.
The Raiders roster lists 15 players weighing more than 200 pounds giving them the ability to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. There are 28 players listed on the roster.
Conner Janda completed six of his 11 passing attempts for 98 yards and a touchdown. Carter Griffis was two for two in the passing department, good for 59 yards and two touchdowns.
Clay Williams grabbed five receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Cody Brockman landed one reception for 23 yards and a touchdown. Bayln Bargen nabbed a reception for six yards. Cody Funk reeled in one pass for three yards.
Janda was more than active on the ground, carrying the ball 24 times while covering 151 yards of wilted turf. He scored four touchdowns. Bargen picked up 101 yards with his 10 carries. Jack Williams netted 24 yards from his four carries. Grahm Beck listed nine yards for his 2 ground efforts. Griffis and Carter each gained three yards with their one carry each.
Janda was the top defensive stopper with eight solo tackles and four assisted tackles. Rocky Miller stepped up with seven solo shots and three assisted tackles. Nolan Ostdiek turned in seven solo tackles and two assisted tackles. Bargen collected four solo tackles and an assist. Riley Cannaday posted five solo tackles. Clay Williams had three solo tackles. Jack Williams made two solo tackles and added five assisted tackles. Funk landed two solo tackles. Griffis claimed a solo tackle and two assisted tackles. Brockman listed a solo tackle and an assist. Beck and Roy Davidson nailed a solo tackle each.
The Raiders open the home portion of their 2023 schedule Friday when they host the Falls City Sacred Heart Irish. Falls City Sacred Heart dropped their opening game 58-30 to Elmwood-Murdock. Kick off is scheduled for 7 p.m. but high temperatures are again in the forecast for game day.
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