Manczko, Conant topple Lake Park
The start of the football season means a fresh, blank highlight tape, and Conant and host Lake Park got started Friday filling up their tapes.
The Cougars, however, had a few more highlights and went home 47-28 winners in the season opener. The team finished with 490 yards in total offense.
Conant coach Bill Modelski was pleased with the first Friday of offense but stressed it’s only Week 1.
“I thought offensively we did well. Time will tell where we’re going to be, but I’m pleased with the effort tonight,” he said.
Conant senior Tim Manczko scored 4 of the Cougars’ 7 touchdowns. Two were when he came in at quarterback when his team was in the red zone, and he also caught two passes from junior quarterback Danny Modelski, who threw for 3 touchdowns total and 205 yards.
“The win is a great start, but we have to get better each week. We have to watch film, work hard in practice and show that on the field,” Manczko said.
The Cougars jumped out to a 20-0 lead, but then the Lancers’ offense showed signs of life and what looked to be a sure blowout was just a 27-14 halftime score.
Modelski said Conant’s defense needs work, but he believes it will come through.
“I think it will be a strength by the end of the season. We’re short-handed right now,” he said.
The Lancers racked up 357 total yards of offense with 276 of that coming from quarterback Zack Gehant.
“That three-and-out to start the game I thought would give the defense some momentum. Our defense is very inexperienced,” said Lake Park coach Chris Roll. “We wanted the offense to control the ball early whether it was a shootout or a grind. The lack of offensive consistency early on put the defense in some bad situations.”
Lake Park finished with just 81 yards on the ground.
“I was expecting more of a running game in the second half, but by that time we had to pass,” Roll said.
Kevin Teglia caught 3 touchdown passes for the Lancers.