LAKE FOREST, Ill. (WLCSports.com) - Wisconsin Lutheran College opened its 2024 season on Saturday with a 21-7 loss to Lake Forest in a non-conference game at Farwell Field.
The Warriors (0-1), who opened the season for the fourth straight year against the same opponent, allowed the second-fewest points in eight all-time meetings with the Foresters (1-0).
Both teams possessed the ball three times in the first quarter with nothing to show on the scoreboard. WLC thwarted a potential LFC score early in the second quarter when senior
Xavion Allen (Royse City, Texas) recovered a fumble on a 3rd-and-1 rush from the goal line. Lake Forest later finished a 12-play, 65-yard scoring drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Joshua Gasca to Tee Land with 2:19 remaining in the second quarter for a 7-0 halftime lead.
The Foresters took advantage of a short field by intercepting a pass on Wisconsin Lutheran's second possession of the third quarter. Three plays later, Gasca connected with Bode Rubright for a six-yard touchdown just past the midway mark of the third quarter.
The Warriors completed an impressive 10-play, 98-yard scoring drive early in the fourth quarter when junior
Bryce Barbian (Cudahy, Wis.) scampered for a five-yard touchdown. Barbian completed passes for 44 and 31 yards to sophomore
Emmitt Hawkins (Cudahy, Wis.) and junior
Jamil Gordon (San Marcos, Texas) on the drive.
LFC quickly answered the WLC score on its ensuing possession with a three-play, 65-yard drive that culminated with a Gasca 23-yard touchdown pass to Langston Metoyer. Wisconsin Lutheran drove into Lake Forest territory on its final two possessions of the game, but couldn't turn in any points.
The Warriors totaled 212 yards of offense, compared to 389 for Lake Forest. Barbian completed 16 of 33 passes for 199 yards. Hawkins caught five passes for 102 yards, while Gordon had four catches for 59 yards.
Gasca completed 21 of 32 passing attempts for 257 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, junior
Layson Handwork (Merritt Island, Fla.) recorded a game-high 12 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and a half sack. Senior
Savon Goodwin (New Orleans, La.) added 10 tackles and a tackle for loss.
WLC hosts first-time opponent Buena Vista (0-1) for its home opener at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Raabe Stadium. The first home game will also mark First Responders Day. Live coverage links can be found at WLCSports.com.
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