(Lenox, IA) – The Lenox Tigers were able to win over the Audubon Wheelers last week 33-8. In the first quarter of action, the Tigers were able to add on the first score of the game while Audubon answered back. After those two opening offensive drives, the Tigers were able to take the game into their own hands.
One player that was able to make a big impact in the game for Lenox was Gabe Funk as he passed for 43 yards and a touchdown. In the running game, the junior rushed for 88 yards and ran in for a touchdown to add two total touchdowns in the game. Funk was passing well downfield to Jordan Martin-England and Donald Bashor who ended up being part of two crucial plays early for the Tigers. Head coach Cole Bonde credits his offensive line for allowing Funk to play up to his level and make the game his own.
While being at the game, one player that looked impressive both offensively and defensively was Dalton Kitzman. The senior rushed for 56 yards and rushed in two touchdowns. Defensively, Kitzman led the team in tackles with 11.5 while also flying to the football and executing the little things successfully.
This week, Lenox is taking on Bedford who just recently beat Exira-EHK 44-28. Thursday will be a rematch between Lenox and Bedford as the Bulldogs beat the Tigers in September, 41-30, and Bedford continues their winning streak of 10 games. Coach Bonde is looking for his team to come out faster in this game and eliminate turnovers. If they are able to pull off those two goals, they may flip the script from week three.
Bedford is a team that likes to utilize the running game. They rushed for 327 yards in their last game against Exira-EHK and had five rushing touchdowns. Lenox only allowed Audubon to 151 rushing yards and held some of their best runners Evan Alt and Aaron Olsen to under 70 yards each in the last game, something that most teams couldn’t do all season.
The difference between week three and the quarterfinal in playoff action is that this Lenox team has not only gotten better athletically, but they have grown in their knowledge of the game. Both Dalton Kitzman and Jordan Martin-England rushed for just a combined 55 yards in the last game against Bedford, and they have only gotten better as the season has progressed.
Lenox travels to Bedford this Thursday as they take on the Bulldogs in the quarterfinal matchup. The kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
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