Lake Orion opened their OAA Division I play on Sept. 12 with a 45-7 pounding of Waterford Mott at Dragon Stadium.
The Dragons continued to fine tune their offensive machine, spreading rushing and scoring duties around. Although Lake Orion has proven through their first three games that they can score, outscoring opponents 115-18, it has been the defense that has shut down opponents, and handing their offensive teammates exceptional field position.
Allowing an average of just six points per contest, the Dragon defense is up to their reputation for tenacious play. This year’s defense, led by University of Michigan-bound senior Roger Allison, proves to opponents that running the ball against Orion can be a hazardous proposition. Unable to run the ball effectively, Mott elected to go to the pass, only to suffer six quarterback sacks, an interception and a fumble.
Allison led the Dragons’ defensive effort against the Corsairs, collecting 12 tackles, including a quarterback sack. Mike Burch recorded 10 tackles and a sack, while Chase Moore had nine takedowns. Mike Swietana and Jay Sucaet had six and five tackles, respectively, with both registering two sacks.
The hit of the game was delivered by defensive back Mike Ripari, who leveled a perfectly timed hit on a Mott receiver to break up a sure first down reception, deep in Dragon territory. Ripari collected four tackles and an interception.
Offensively, the Dragons collected 308 total yards, 156 passing and 152 on the ground. Senior quarterback Nate Recknagel connected on nine of 20 passing attempts, for 156 yards and a touchdown.
Orion opened the scoring midway through the first quarter on a two-yard run by Allison, followed three minutes later by a nearly identical two-yard scoring run by Tom Paulsen. The Dragons closed the first quarter scoring with a 33-yard Recknagel field goal and a 7-0 lead.
Mott capitalized early in the second on a Dragon fumble at the Orion 10-yard line, scoring three plays later on a four-yard pass from Brad Quackenbush to Jeff Martinez. Lake Orion, however, was quick to answer with another Allison two-yard run and Recknagel’s extra point, making the score 24-7 at the half.
Less than two minutes into the third, Recknagel found Brian Hewitt open for a 43-yard touchdown, and Paulsen scored again late in the quarter on a 10-yard run. Adam Martin closed out scoring for the Dragons with a one-yard run midway through the final quarter.
Andy Miller led Orion’s rushing attack, picking up 45 yards on eight carries. Allison had 31 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries, Martin had 30 yards and a touchdown on five carries, while Paulsen carried four times for 24 yards and two touchdowns. Moore and Ryan Allison each had a carry for 11 and 12 yards, respectively.
The Dragons’ passing attack was nearly as balanced as its running game, with Hewitt pulling in three catches for 61 yards and a score, and Ryan Allison catching two passes for 47 yards. Ryan Kelly snagged three passes for 41 yards, and Paulsen caught a seven-yard pass. Recknagel was six for six on extra point kicks.
In week three Associated Press state rankings, the Dragons were ranked third in Division I, and also ranked first overall in Oakland County. They take an undefeated record up against Troy Athens at home on Friday. Game time is 7 p.m.