Poland Vs. Lakeview

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By Doug Chapin

Lakeview’s offense had no answer for Poland’s D as the (visiting) Bulldogs cruised to a 26-0 victory.

CORTLAND — The Poland High football team’s defense turned a highly-anticipated matchup of undefeated, state-ranked teams into a one-sided contest.

Poland, ranked No.1 in Division III in the first Associated Press weekly poll, contributed a touchdown of its own and held Lakeview (3-1, ranked No. 8) to 133 total yards in Friday’s 26-0 rout of its new All-American Conference opponent.

“We felt coming in it would be a game decided in the fourth quarter,” Poland coach Mark Brungard said. “Hats off to our defense and the plan coach [Ryan] Williams and the defensive staff put in, and that our kids executed. Obviously with a shutout, we’re very proud of them.

“Our offense persevered,” Brungard said. “It wasn’t always easy and we had a few mistakes, but we found a way to put three scores on the board, and the defense put one on the board. We ended up not making it a fourth-quarter game.”

Ben Moody, Lakeview’s outstanding senior running back, gained 35 yards on the first play from scrimmage, but was held to 24 yards on his 10 remaining carries.

Two plays after Moody’s big gain, Poland senior Brock Rubesa picked off a Justin Clark pass and raced 78 yards for a touchdown and a 6-0 lead just 1:16 into the game.

The visitors (4-0) dominated the second quarter, holding Lakeview to a pair of three-and-out possessions and picking off another pass.

In the quarter, Poland scored two touchdowns, held a net yardage advantage of 133-9 and had six first downs to none for Lakeview.

Quarterback Gannon Hulea ran 23 yards for one score and Clay Cooper busted in from 9 yards out for the other.

“We had some mistakes we need to shore up,” Brungard said, “but for us to come out against a real good team like this and shut them out, and put up three scores offensively, and to prevent any big plays in special teams … we’re very satisfied with this win.”

Poland did not score in the third period, but ran 18 plays from scrimmage to five for Lakeview. Luke Wollet’s 26-yard scoring run early in the fourth quarter iced the contest.

Hulea led Poland on the ground with 87 yards on six carries. Three other backs (Greg Sabol, Wollet, Cooper) gained at least 40 yards. Hulea connected on six of nine pass attempts for 95 yards, including three catches by Wollet for 68 yards.

Brungard said he is pleased with the progress his team has made.

“We feel like the first four teams we’ve played have all been good teams and presented some different challenges each week,” Brungard said. “Our kids have responded in a different way each week.

“Our defense runs well, is aggressive, and they hit hard. Our offense has steadily gotten better. Our quarterback has made good decisions all year, our skill guys do what they are asked to do. If we keep progressing we’re going to have a nice season.”

That season continues Friday against AAC Red Division opponent Niles. Lakeview begins AAC White Division play against Hubbard.