The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows football team was even through the first half but costly turnovers in the second half allowed Estherville-Lincoln Central to gain the edge in a 18-6 win on Friday, as aired on 104.9 KLMJ.
Following a CGD turnover on downs inside ELC’s 30, the Midgets took a 6-0 lead on a three yard touchdown pass and missed the PAT late in the first quarter. The Cowboys first half scoring opportunity was created by a Charlie Cambell sack and Cole Rothman fumble recovery at the ELC seven yard line. JD Morrical on the next play rushed for a touchdown to tie the game at 6-6 following a missed PAT with 1:04 left in the first half. ELC following an interception had a just over five minute drive capped off by a short touchdown run to move back ahead 12-6 in the third quarter. ELC made it a two score game at 18-6 with a pick six midway through the fourth quarter. The Cowboys had one final scoring chance late in the fourth after a ELC fumble on punt attempt at their own 22, but the Cowboys drive ended on an interception in the end zone.
The Cowboys defense kept the game close by collecting four turnovers (interception, fumble, two turnovers on downs) by ELC.
CGD Head Coach Caleb Vogel on creating opponent turnovers and the overall body of work by the defense.
“We gotta be tough, we gotta fly around, and we gotta be able to create turnovers,” says Vogel. “If you can create turnovers, I truly believe that could be a momentum for your offense, and that did happen last night at one point. There’s so many guys that stepped up on defense, if I had to give a game ball to anybody, I would just give it to the whole defensive line. I think we created a ton of pressure. Our linebacker core is getting the reads that they need to, the keys that they need to, they’re flying downhill and making plays happen. Then the guys on the back end, I’m just super happy with where we’re going. I think we’re gonna continue to get better. I know we’ll get better. I’m just proud of these guys. Defensively, we didn’t excellent job in my opinion.”
JD Morrical had 114 passing yards, 59 rushing yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. Huxley Lingenfelter added four receptions for 57 yards.
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows (1-4, 0-2 2A-2) will be at Forest City next week.
