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With National Signing Day less than a month away, a pair of Lakota football players made commitments to colleges this weekend, while another senior added an offer.

Jake Chestnut lead Lakota East in tackles in 2012 has committed to play football at Notre Dame College near Cleveland. Photo taken in playoff game against Moeller Nov. 10, 2012 by Joseph Fuqua II.

Joining Meadows on his visit to UK on Saturday was junior running back Mikel Horton, who has an offer to play football in Lexington. Horton, who has received interest from Louisville, Penn State and Michigan State, also has an offer from Indiana.

Horton, who is 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, rushed for 1,003 yards and 13 touchdowns on 202 carries this past fall.

His teammate, senior linebacker Mike Kelly also recently added an offer from the Naval Academy.

Kelly, who is 6 feet 1 and 220 pounds, has offers from all three service academies and Yale, Lafayette and other Ivy League schools.

Kelly, who was first-team all-GMC this past season, will officially visit West Point this weekend.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Jake Chestnut, Jake Chestnut Lakota East, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West sports, Mike Kelly, Mike Kelly football recruiting, Mike Kelly Lakota West, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton football recruiting, Mikel Horton Lakota West

It won’t be known until early Sunday morning when the final OHSAA Region 4 computer rankings are released, but Lakota East may have spoiled Lakota West’s season with a 33-21 upset win at Lakota West High School Friday night.

Heading into the game No. 6 in the region 4 computer rankings (top eight qualify for postseason), Lakota West could have locked up its first playoff berth since 2009 with a win over its school district rival.

Meanwhile, Lakota East, which entered the week No. 11 in the computer rankings, will have to wait and see if it qualified for the postseason for the first time in school history.

“I have to be honest, I have no idea what has to happen (to make the postseason),” Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes said. “When I was at Colerain (as an assistant coach), we were always working on the projections and we didn’t even do that this year because I wanted our kids to be worried about playing well tonight.”

Whether East makes the postseason or not, the 26 seniors and other Lakota East athletes that make up the roster are proud that they were able to snap a seven-game losing streak against Lakota West.

The win is also East’s first over the Firebirds since 2004.

“We really have a great group of seniors this year and we knew we had to do this because it had just been way too long of a streak,” Lakota East senior linebacker Jake Chestnut said. “As our coaches have been saying all week, ‘we have the right group at the right time, at the right point of history to break that streak.’”

After falling behind 7-0 early in the first quarter, Lakota East senior running Chamada Palmore evened the score with a 25-yard touchdown run. Palmore, who played for the first time since breaking his left knuckle in two places during a game against Sycamore on Oct. 5, finished with 69 rushing yards on eight carries.

“Chamada had worked so hard in the offseason and was so improved from last year. It was just a shame that he had to miss the last two games for us. You could just see the anguish on his face when he couldn’t play,” Haynes said. “I was just so happy for him when the doctor cleared him to get back out there.”

Palmore wasn’t the only runner out there for the Thunderhawks, as senior running back Will Mahone finished with 102 yards on 21 carries and junior quarterback Eric Eichler rushed for 71 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.

Eichler also scored through the air when he found senior Keith Brady for a 26-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter that put East ahead 21-7.

After Lakota West added a touchdown by way of a 16-yard pass from junior quarterback Malik Grove to junior wide receiver Tyler Jones late in the second quarter, Lakota East got on the board first in the second half when senior safety Rob Harpring returned a punt 56 yards for a touchdown to give East a 27-14 advantage.

West would add another score when Grove scored on a 1-yard run, cutting the lead to 27-21 in the third quarter.

However, trailing with 2 minutes left in the game, senior Nate Mays clinched the win for Lakota East when he intercepted Grove and returned it 25 yards for the touchdown.

For West, who started the year 8-0 for the first time in school history, the loss likely eliminates the team from postseason play and ends the 2012 season with back-to-back losses to Colerain and Lakota East.

“This team deserves a better fate,” Lakota West head coach Larry Cox said.

“I think we are a playoff team, but it is not looking good. That is a bitter pill to swallow because if we can take the No. 1 seed (Colerain) to the end of a game then we deserve to be there … but the system will not allow it.”

LW – Horton 13-yard run (Martin kick)
LE – Palmore 25-yard run (Smith kick)
LE – Eichler 3-yard run (Smith kick)
LE – Brady 26-yard pass from Eichler (Smith kick)
LW – Jones 16-yard pass from Grove (Martin kick)
LE – Harpring 56-yard punt return (kick block)
LW – Grove 1-yard run (Martin Kick)
LE – Mays 25-yard touchdown return (kick failed)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Bobby Brown, Bobby Brown Lakota East, computer rankings, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, Jake Chestnut, Jake Chestnut Lakota East, Justin Martin, Justin Martin Lakota West, Kole Gentry, Kole Gentry Lakota West, Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West High School, Lakota West sports, Luke Scott, Luke Scott Lakota West, Malik Grove, Malik Grove Lakota West, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton Lakota West, Nate Mays, Nate Mays Lakota East, Nick Bengal, Nick Bengal Lakota West, Ohio football computer ranking, Ohio football rankings, Tyler Cross, Tyler Cross Lakota West, Will Mahone, Will Mahone Lakota East

Lakota East 33, Lakota West 21 - final – Lakota East senior Derek Sasthav just intercepted Lakota West junior quarterback Malik Grove with 1:42 left in 4th quarter.

Lakota East 33, Lakota West 21 - 2:00 left in 4th quarter – Lakota East junior Nate Mays just intercepted Lakota West junior quarterback Malik Grove’s pass with 2 minutes to play. West now trails by 12 points with under two minutes to play.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 21 - 4:33 left in 4th quarter – Lakota East just converted a 4-and-2 from the Lakota West 43-yard line with a 3-yard run by senior Will Mahone. That play gives Mahone 101 yards on 20 carries. More importantly, the play gives East the opportunity to run more clock.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 21 - 8:21 left in 4th quarter – Lakota East was driving down the field, but junior Eric Eichler fumbled the snap which was recovered by senior defensive end Luke Scott at the Lakota West 20-yard line. However, the Firebirds just went 3-and-out.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 21 – 3:09 left in 3rd quarter – Lakota West junior Malik Grove scored on a 1-yard TD run. On the previous play, Grove connected with junior Tyler Jones on a 59-yard pass play.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 14 – 8:57 left in 3rd quarter – Lakota West drove down to the 3-yard line, but Lakota West junior Malik Grove threw an interception in the endzone on 4th-and-goal to Lakota East senior Tyler Schlensker.

Lakota East 27, Lakota West 14 – 10:24 left in the 3rd quarter – Lakota West went 3-and-out on the first possession of the second half. Lakota East senior Rob Harpring then returned the punt 56 yards for the touchdown. (more…)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Bobby Brown, Bobby Brown Lakota East, computer rankings, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, Jake Chestnut, Jake Chestnut Lakota East, Justin Martin, Justin Martin Lakota West, Kole Gentry, Kole Gentry Lakota West, Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West High School, Lakota West sports, Luke Scott, Luke Scott Lakota West, Malik Grove, Malik Grove Lakota West, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton Lakota West, Nate Mays, Nate Mays Lakota East, Nick Bengal, Nick Bengal Lakota West, Ohio football computer ranking, Ohio football rankings, Tyler Cross, Tyler Cross Lakota West, Will Mahone, Will Mahone Lakota East

Lakota East junior Nate Mays scores a touchdown in a win against Middletown this season. Lakota East and Lakota West both head into this Friday’s rivalry with a lot at stake. Photo taken by Barb Trimble of TrimPhotoAndVideo.com.

For the 15th time since Lakota High School split into two schools, students, alumni, faculty, parents and fans will pack a football stadium this Friday at 7:30 p.m. to witness Lakota East and Lakota West battle in one of the region’s top rivalries.

But there is more on the line than just football bragging rights.

There are principals who could end up having their faces drilled with pie or forced to wear the opposing school’s colors, depending on which Lakota school wins the annual food drive. There is also spirit week, as well as pizza parties and other prizes to win in the days leading up to the game.

“Even though we both will compete hard on the field Friday night and in the food drive, at the end of the day, the best of Lakota will shine through,” said Lakota West principal Gary Elgin Card, whose school will host the game this season.

Card is sweating the food drive, which produced more than 19,000 pounds of donated food for Reach Out Lakota last fall, because the losing principal will have to switch spiritwear after the winning school is announced at halftime. That principal will then have don those colors during the second half of the game and on the following Monday at school.

Lakota West senior wide receiver Grant Pence tries to avoid defenders in a 57-44 loss at Colerain last Friday. The loss was the first of the season for the Firebirds, who could lock up a playoff spot with a win against rival Lakota East this week. The Thunderhawks, however, could sneak into the postseason with a win and some help. Photo taken by Greg Loring.

When it comes to the game, If history is any indication of what could happen, Lakota East principal Suzanna Davis might be one who needs to worry as her Thunderhawks have lost seven straight to Lakota West and haven’t beaten the Firebirds since 2004.

It did appear last fall, that the streak was going to end until Lakota West quarterback Malik Grove threw a touchdown pass to then senior Kayuane Ross with 31.9 seconds left to go, giving West a 25-20 win.

Last season’s loss was the third time that Lakota East came up just short since its win in 2004, losing to West 30-27 in overtime in 2005 and by the score of 20-19 in 2008.

This season’s game will likely be even more meaningful, as playoff spots are on line. Lakota West (8-1 overall, 5-1 in the Greater Miami Conference), which is No. 6 in the OHSAA Region 4 computer rankings (top 8 teams qualify for postseason), needs a win to lock up its first playoff berth since 2009.

Meanwhile, Lakota East (6-3 overall, 4-2 in the GMC), which is No. 11 in the computer rankings, could possibly sneak in the postseason with a win and some help.

“Obviously, it is something we think about because our goal is play in Week 11, but I know some of that stuff is out of our hands in terms of what other teams do,” said Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes, who hopes to lead East to its first-ever postseason appearance. “So our focus needs to be on playing the best we can and winning this football game.”

In order to win the game, Lakota East will rely heavily on its running game, which is ranked second in the GMC with an average of 292 rushing yards per game. Leading the potent attack is senior Will Mahone with 963 yards and 15 touchdowns on 157 carries. The No. 2 back, Chamada Palmore, who has rushed for 479 yards and two scores on 62 carries, could be back after breaking his knuckles in a game against Sycamore on Oct. 5.

Ironically, Lakota West’s top rusher this season, Mikel Horton, led Lakota East in rushing as a sophomore last season. Horton, whose family moved prior to the school year, has rushed for 955 yards and 12 touchdowns on 187 carries this fall.

Horton is an exception, as many of these student athletes have stayed on the same team for their entire high school careers. On Friday, a total of 48 seniors combined between the two schools will take part in their last East/West game.

“These kids have all grown up playing together,” Lakota West head coach Larry Cox said. “This is sort of the end of football for a lot of them and something they would obviously like to hang their hat on.

“This game will be a heavyweight battle.”

Impact players

Lakota East Thunderhawks

• Jr.. QB Eric Eichler – 23-of-44 passes for 339 yards, 6 TDs and 1 INT, 470 rushing yards and 8 TDs on 111 carries
• Sr. RB Will Mahone – 963 rushing yards and 15 TDs on 157 carries
• Jr. RB Bobby Brown – 339 rushing yards and 2 TDs on 53 carries, 98 receiving yards and 1 TD on 7 catches
• Jr. OL Jarrett LaRubbio – offers from Akron and Pittsburgh
• Jr. WR/DB/KR Nate Mays – 185 receiving yards and 5 TDs on 12 catches, 25.5 KR average, 3 INTs
• Sr. LB Jake Chestnut – leads team with 52 total tackles (4 for loss) and 2 pass breakups
• Sr. LB Keith Brady – 32 total tackles (4.5 for loss), 1 sack, 2 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble
• Sr. RB Chamada Palmore – Been out last two weeks with injury, hopes to return – 479 rushing yards and 2 TDs on 62 carries

Lakota West Firebirds

• Jr. QB Malik Grove – 72-of-158 passes for 948 yards, 10 TDs and 6 INTs, 499 rushing yards and 10 TDs on 94 carries
• Jr. RB Mikel Horton – 955 rushing yards and 12 TDs on 187 carries
• Soph. RB Kole Gentry – 435 rushing yards and 6 TDs on 70 carries
• Jr. K/WR/TE Justin Martin – 84 yards and 2 TDs on 7 catches; made 9-of-12 FGs and 34-38 EPs
• Sr. OL Kyle Meadows – offers from top Division I programs including Florida State
• Sr. DL Luke Scott – 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 INT, leads team with 44 tackles
• Sr. DB Tyler Cross – 6 INTs (school record), 3 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick
• Sr. DB Nick Bengal – Played all season with two broken wrists – leads team with 8 pass breakups, also has 32 total tackles and a blocked kick

For game story, check back here on WestChesterBuzz.com

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Bobby Brown, Bobby Brown Lakota East, computer rankings, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, Jake Chestnut, Jake Chestnut Lakota East, Justin Martin, Justin Martin Lakota West, Kole Gentry, Kole Gentry Lakota West, Kyle Meadows, Kyle Meadows Lakota West, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West High School, Lakota West sports, Luke Scott, Luke Scott Lakota West, Malik Grove, Malik Grove Lakota West, Mikel Horton, Mikel Horton Lakota West, Nate Mays, Nate Mays Lakota East, Nick Bengal, Nick Bengal Lakota West, Ohio football computer ranking, Ohio football rankings, Tyler Cross, Tyler Cross Lakota West, Will Mahone, Will Mahone Lakota East

It was an odd day.

Union Elementary first grader Jeff Back didn’t understand why recess was being held inside on such a beautiful day or why so many of his classmates were being picked up from school by their parents.

A firefighter’s hat rests on names of firefighters at the south reflecting pool who died in the attacks at the World Trade Center, during the 11th anniversary observance at the World Trade Center Memorial, in New York, Tuesday Sept. 11, 2012. Associated Press.

Why wasn’t her mom picking her up?

What was so special about today?

It was Sept. 11, 2001.

It was a day not easily forgotten by Hannah Lee.

Lee remembers briefly watching the news coverage in her first grade classroom.

“The World Trade Center! I was just there,” said Lee, who went on a trip to visit relatives in New York City three weeks prior to the attacks.

Her teacher looked at her. The television was quickly turned off.

While she was only in first grade, Lee knew something terrible had just happened. She knew her uncle worked at the World Trade Center. She knew that her other uncle was a New York City fire fighter.

A lot of her family lives there.

She wondered: Are they ok?

Fellow first graders Keith Brady and Jake Chestnut remember their teachers whispering in the hallway.

Why were their teachers crying? (more…)

Posted in: News |

Tags: Tags: 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, 9/11 attacks, Anna Starr, Hannah Lee, Jake Chestnut, Jeff Back, Keith Brady, Lakota East, Lakota High School

Junior-to-be Eric Eichler took over the quarterback duties during the third game of season in 2011. He ended up rushing for nine touchdowns last year. Photo taken Barb Trimble of Trimble Photography.

Lakota East (4-6 overall, 2-5 in the Greater Miami Conference in 2011) kicks off the 2012 regular season in front of its home fans tonight at 7:30 p.m. when it hosts Western Hills (5-5 overall, 5-1 in Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference in ’11). The two schools faced off in the opener last fall with Lakota East winning that matchup, 28-6.

Western Hills: The offense is run through senior quarterback Cameron Washington, who is coming off a 2011 season where he threw for 783 yards and rushed for 516 more. His top target this season could be Tiantee Washington, who sat behind Division I recruit Josh Smith in 2011. The team also returns three offensive linemen. According to Tom Skeen of the Western Hills Press, the deepest part of the team is at defensive line – and the weakest part of the team is its depth. Last season, the Mustangs got off to a slow start – losing their first three games. After that, the team won five in a row before losing the final two.

Lakota East: With nine returning starters on offense, including junior quarterback Eric Eichler, who was a backup at this time last summer, Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes feels that his team should get off to a fast start in 2012. Eichler, who replaced Rob Harpring at quarterback in Week 3 last season, averaged just more than 42 rushing yards per game and had a total of nine rushing touchdowns in eight games. Overall, the team has almost 30 seniors. That senior leadership is most apparent on the defensive side of the ball, where linebackers Jake Chestnut (second team all-GMC, second on East in total tackles in 2011) and Keith Brady (sixth on East in total tackles in ‘11), along with defensive lineman J.T. Turner (led East in tackles for loss and in sacks in ’11) and free safety Harpring (converted quarterback) lead the way.

Bottom line: In the 28-6 win, in the season opener last year, Lakota East received much of its offense from fullback Mikel Horton, who rushed for 161 yards and 3 touchdowns on 22 carries. Horton has since transferred to Lakota West. However, the Thunderhawks do return four experienced running backs in seniors Will Mahone and Chamada Palmore, as well as juniors Bobby Brown and Nate Mays. The overall advantage in depth and experience should make East a favorite to win in Week 1.

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Bobby Brown, Chamada Palmore, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, J.T. Turner, Jake Chestnut, Keith Brady, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East game preview, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Sports, Nate Mays, Rick Haynes, Rob Harpring, Robbie Harpring, Will Mahone

Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes runs an offensive drill during a summer practice session July 31, 2012. Haynes is heading into his third season as the Thunderhawks’ head coach and has a combined 7-13 win-loss record. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

With nine returning starters on offense, including a junior quarterback who was a backup at this time last summer, Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes feels that his team should get off to a fast start in 2012.

“There is not a whole lot of teaching. There is some reviewing, but these kids are very, very smart, so they still remember all the things we talked about last year and their assignments,” said Haynes, who is entering his third season as head coach with a combined 7-13 record at Lakota East. “It is going to allow us to get started a little quicker than we had in the past.”

Getting off to a good start wasn’t the issue last fall, as the Thunderhawks won three of its first four games. The only loss, during that run, was at La Salle, 27-23, a game Lakota East led, 23-21, with about two minutes left in the fourth quarter.

The problem for East wasn’t the start, but sustaining that early season success, as Lakota East went on to lose five of its last six games.

“The coaches talked about it, whether we got tired or we were out of shape because we started off 3-1 and ended the season 1-5,” Haynes said. That is obviously something that we are going to address.”

• 2012 Lakota East football schedule
• Photos: Lakota East summer football practice

The team, which returns five starters on defense and features almost 30 seniors, responded by working this offseason on improving their strength and conditioning.

“I believe this is the strongest team we have had. It might be the strongest team East has ever had,” Haynes said. “The kids have done a great job in the weight room and I also think we are faster than we have been.

“We have great senior leadership.” (more…)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: 2012 Lakota East football preview, Bobby Brown, Chamada Palmore, Eric Eichler, Eric Eichler Lakota East, Issac Cosculluela, J.T. Turner, Jake Chestnut, Keith Brady, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East football preview, Lakota East Sports, Nate Mays, Rob Harpring, Robbie Harpring, Will Mahone

The Greater Miami Conference has honored 13 student athletes from the Lakota school district for their play on the football field this fall.

The conference released the names of its All-GMC teams in volleyball, soccer, cross country, golf and tennis earlier this month.

Senior defensive end Blake Bell, senior defensive back Dawson Fletcher and offensive guard Beau Odom, all from Lakota West, were named to the All-GMC First Team.

• Lakota fall sports athletes named to All-GMC team
• Lakota West wins thriller at Lakota East 25-20

Lakota West classmates senior linebacker Jordan Darland, senior running back Marcus Davis, senior offensive tackle Neil Recker, senior wide receiver Kayaune Ross and senior wide receiver Bubba Williams were honored as All-GMC Second Team members.

Also named to the All-GMC Second Team, from Lakota East, were senior defensive lineman Tim Bowman, junior linebacker Jake Chestnut, sophomore kicker Nick Gasser, sophomore fullback Mikel Horton and senior defensive back Joey Postlethwait.

Both Lakota football teams finished 2-5 in conference play this fall. Lakota East (6-4) finished with the better overall record, but lost to Lakota West (3-7) in the final game of the season.

(Photos are of Lakota West student athletes Blake Bell, Dawson Fletcher and Beau Odom, who were all named to the All-GMC First Team)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Beau Odom, Blake Bell, Bubba Williams, Dawson Fletcher, Jake Chestnut, Joey Postlethwait, Jordan Darland, Kayaune Ross, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West sports, Marcus Davis, Mikel Horton, Neil Recker, Nick Gasser, Tim Bowman

Lakota East (4-5 overall and 2-4 in the Greater Miami Conference) will host school district rival Lakota West (2-7 overall and 1-5 in the GMC) this Friday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the regular season finale for both programs. The Thunderhawks have not beaten Lakota West since 2004 and have lost six straight to their rival.

Lakota West: After showing promise of a quick turnaround in a close loss to Colerain and in a win against Hamilton this month, the Lakota West football program was shut out, 30-0, last week at Sycamore. As a team, the Firebirds could only muster 125 yards of total offense in the loss. In the two weeks prior, against Colerain and Hamilton, Lakota West gained a total of 644 yards on offense. The offensive spark during that time came from sophomore quarterback Malik Grove, who completed 22-of-36 passes for 308 and two touchdowns and ran for 72 yards and three touchdowns in those two contests combined. Last week, while splitting snaps with fellow sophomore quarterback Tyler Jones, Grove threw for 48 yards and rushed for one yard in the loss at Sycamore. While Grove has provided a spark late in the season, senior running back Marcus Davis has been consistent throughout the fall. Davis, who is averaging 108.9 rushing yards per game in 2011, needs 20 more yards to eclipse the 1000-yard mark this season. Defensively, Lakota West has totaled 14 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and six interceptions. As a team, Lakota West is averaging 247 yards per game of total offense and allowing 354 yards per game on defense

Lakota East: After a 3-1 start, Lakota East fans were hoping for a playoff run in 2011. However, since then, the team has lost four of its last five. Last week, the Thunderhawks lost to Princeton by the score of 33-7. In that loss, Lakota East could only manage 129 yards of offense and allowed 415 yards to the Vikings’ offense. The Thunderhawks offense has been unable to develop much of a passing game this season and is averaging a GMC-low 38 passing yards per game. The running game, which is supposed to carry the triple-option attack, is ranked fifth in the GMC with 215 yards per game. Lakota East does have a solid running trio in sophomore fullback Mikel Horton (603 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 126 carries), sophomore quarterback Eric Eichler (298 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 106 carries) and junior running back Will Mahone (536 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 82 carries). Senior defensive back Joe Postlewait, junior linebacker Jake Chestnut and junior J.T. Turner lead Lakota East on defense. Postlewait leads the team in total tackles (61) and interceptions (3), while Turner leads the Thunderhawks in sacks (3.5) and tackles for loss (8.5). As a team, Lakota East is averaging 253 yards per game of total offense and allowing 297 yards per game on defense.

Bottom line: Up until last week, Lakota West looked like it had finally turned the corner and was ready to compete in the GMC. Lakota East, on the other hand, has slowed down after its 3-1 start to the season. Defensively, Lakota West is ranked last in the GMC. The statistic is a bit misleading however, considering the Firebirds’ offense hasn’t spent much time on the field. Time of a possession has also been a big issue for the Thunderhawks, especially during the last five games. Defensively, Lakota East has also played much better than its conference ranking (fifth). With Lakota East sporting the better record and being at home, the Thunderhawks are the favorite. However, Lakota West has been improving late in the season and has had Lakota East’s number lately in this rivalry.

Note: Both schools are competing in a food drive for Reach Out Lakota this week. Community members attending this game can drop off items at the main entrance on gameday. Make sure you drop the items in the right bin – one will be marked for East siders and the other for West siders. Items needed include: Cereal; pancake mix and syrup; dry or canned pasta and sauce; macaroni and cheese; peanut butter and jelly; canned vegetables or fruit; pork and beans; canned tuna, meat and soup; rice; condiments; vegetable oil; sugar; flour; bar soap; disposable razors; shaving cream; shampoo and conditioner; deodorant; and cleaning supplies.

(WESTCHESTERBUZZ.COM WILL COVER THIS GAME AND PROVIDE A GAME RECAP ONLINE FRIDAY NIGHT AND IN THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER SATURDAY MORNING)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Eric Eichler, J.T. Turner, Jake Chestnut, Joe Postlewait, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West football, Lakota West sports, Malik Grove, Marcus Davis, Mikel Horton, Tyler Jones, Will Mahone

Both offenses struggled to score, so it was fitting that Lakota East junior linebacker Jake Chestnut scored the game’s only second-half touchdown on a 24-yard interception return.

The touchdown provided the Thunderhawks’ defense, which only allowed 115 yards of total offense and had four interceptions, some breathing room in the fourth quarter and led to a 17-8 win against Hamilton.

“It was a typical GMC football game,” Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes said. “They have a really good team, but our defense did outstanding.

“They (the defense) have played well four weeks in a row. We just need to get things turned around offensively.”

While the Big Blue offense struggled, the Thunderhawks’ offense did not perform much better – totaling just 222 yards on offense and committing four turnovers.

Prior to Chestnut’s interception, Lakota East trailed 8-7 in the fourth quarter before sophomore kick Nick Gasser drilled a 22-yard field goal with 8:57 left in the game.

Hamilton took an 8-7 lead right before halftime when senior Roblow Givens scored on a one-yard touchdown run with 1:10 left in the second quarter.

Givens didn’t play much offense in the second half, after Hamilton head coach Bob Jacoby said he was “dinged up” on a first-half ending interception. Givens did finish with 46 rushing yards on 13 carries.

Lakota East got on the scoreboard first when sophomore running Mikel Horton capped off a 7-play 30-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run with 9:22 left in the second quarter. Horton would finish the game with 120 rushing yards on 20 carries.

Horton’s touchdown drive began when senior defensive back Joe Postlewait intercepted Hamilton quarterback junior David Evans. Postlewait would intercept his second pass of the game in the second half.

On offense, Lakota East quarterback Eric Eichler made his first varsity start. The 6-foot-2 sophomore rushed for 83 yards on 25 carries, but did not complete pass in four attempts and threw two interceptions.

With the win, Lakota East improves to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the Greater Miami Conference. Meanwhile, Hamilton falls to 2-2 and 0-1 in the GMC.

Next Friday, Lakota East will play at Sycamore and Hamilton will host Princeton.

L– Horton 2-yard run (Ivan Thomas kick) – 9:22 in second quarter

H– Givens 1-yard run (Evans pass to Rowlette) – 1:10 in second quarter

L- Gasser 22-yard field goal – 8:57 in fourth quarter

L- Chestnut 22-yard interception return – 8:21 in fourth quarter

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: David Evans, Eric Eichler, Hamilton football, Jake Chestnut, Joe Postlewait, Lakota East, Lakota East football, Nick Gasser, Rick Haynes, Roblow Evans