LCC blasts Knights 58-7 in NWC opener

Van Wert independent sports

CONVOY — The Crestview Knights were victimized by Lima Central Catholic’s overpowering offense and stifling defense, as the Knights lost 58-7 during their home and season opener on Friday.

With the win, the Thunderbirds go to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the Northwest Conference. Crestview is now 0-1 in league play and 0-2 overall.

LCC amassed 558 yards of total offense, 333 yards of that on the ground, while holding the Knights to 142 yards of offense.

The T-Birds scored once in the first quarter, three times in the second stanza, three times in the third quarter and twice in the final quarter of play. LCC led 28-7 at the end of the first half, while the score was 44-7 at the three-quarter mark in the game.

T-Bird quarterback Tyler O’Connor was the big gun in the game, passing for two touchdowns and running for two more scores. Crestview’s lone score came on a 3-yard fumble recovery by Zach Burdette.

LCC dominated in the states, earning 24 first downs to just 5 for the Knights. Penalties also hurt Crestview, which was whistled for six of them for 46 yards. The T-Birds had just three penalties for 25 yards.

Ironically, the Knights led in time of possession, 24:05 to 23:55 for LCC.

T-Bird Jonathon Washington was the game’s leading rusher, with 10 carries for 131 yards and a touchdown. Crestview was led by Trevor Roop, who also carried 10 times, but for just 34 yards.

LCC’s Mykale Rogers was the top receiver of the game, with five catches for 89 yards and a touchdown, while Sam Huffman also had five receptions for 52 yards and a TD. Noah Gebert led the Knights with one reception for 38 yards.