By Joe St. Henry
Review Special Writer
Lake Orion’s football team delighted a raucous homecoming crowd and got back on the winning track with a victory over Bloomfield Hills last Friday, 24-0.
An estimated 4,000 fans, fueled by cheerleaders from the high school and all three middle schools plus the Dragon marching band, cheered for Lake Orion as the team improved its record to 3-4 (3-3 OAA Red). It must win its remaining two games to have any chance to make the state playoffs.
The Dragons dominated the first half against Bloomfield Hills, scoring three touchdowns, and then added a field goal in the third quarter to finish the scoring.
The Dragon defense, meanwhile, limited the Black Hawk offense to a total of 217 yards and forced three turnovers, including a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
Senior defensive back Drew Casey intercepted two Bloomfield passes.
‘Drew played phenomenal,? said Coach Chris Bell. ‘He was all over the field on defense and catching punts for us, which is critical to field position. He’s finally heathy and you’re seeing it, both how he plays physically and his awareness on the field.?
Bell also pointed out the continued strong play of senior linebacker Bay Smart, noting the fact he made plays all over the field.
‘Bay recognizes things so fast and anticipates where the ball is going,? Bell said. ‘He isn’t the biggest player, but is a great athlete and tackler.?
On offense, the Dragon rushing attack was again led by junior Keith Fields, who finished with 113 yards on 25 carries. For the season, he has rushed for 1,085 yards and five touchdowns.
Against Bloomfield Hills, Lake Orion ran for a total of 203 yards. In addition to Fields? performance, junior Danny White accounted for 38 yards, while brothers Chris Wilson (27 yards) and Shawn Wilson (ten yards) contributed key carries in the second half.
The Dragons? first score came at the 4:31 mark of the first quarter, when sophomore quarterback Caden Prieskorn passed 15 yards to senior slot back Lajuan Broner who was wide open in the end zone.
Less than a minute into the second quarter, a Bloomfield Hill’s lateral pass was mishandled and junior defensive back Alec Mehl scooped the ball up and ran 14 yards to pay dirt to give Lake Orion a two-score lead.
The home team finished the first half scoring when it mounted a nine-play drive capped by junior Danny White’s six-yard run for a touchdown. Lake Orion led 21-0 at the break.
In the second half, the Dragons extended their lead with a 23-yard field goal by senior Luke Bevilacqua at the 3:03 mark of the third quarter. Lake Orion’s defense finished the job by keeping Bloomfield off the scoreboard during the remainder of the game, posting its third shutout of the season.
Prieskorn was 4-7 for the night, for 66 yards and the touchdown pass. He also rushed for 23 yards.
Bell said the quarterback continues to improve, especially with his progressions and determining where the ball should be thrown, plus other adjustments depending on the defensive alignment.
‘Caden made some big throws that set up our touchdowns,? Bell said. ‘It’s really starting to come together for him.?
This week the Dragons play their biggest game of the season against the Clarkston Wolves. Not only are they bitter rivals, but Lake Orion must win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Clarkston is 5-2 (5-1 OAA Red), coming off a shutout win last week versus Troy.
‘They started slow due to injuries to their starting quarterback, running back and a linebacker,? Bell said. ‘But they are heathier now and playing better, just look at their scores. But I think we match up well against them. It will come down to urgency and execution.?
The coach said his team needs no extra motivation in the annual rivalry game and expects the Dragons to raise their game.
‘Kids on both teams play differently,? Bell said. ‘When we go at each other, they play a little faster, hit harder and hold nothing back.?