The Leo Lions football squad turned in an amazing performance Friday night to snap a three-game losing streak while spoiling De La Salle’s homecoming game with a 46-13 victory.
The Lions got back in the win column with a dominant victory against host De La Salle (0-6; 0-3 CCL) after starting off the season 2-0 then losing the last three games.
The Lions wasted no time getting out front with a 67-yard touchdown run from Ellison Cox on the first play from scrimmage. The Lions then forced the Meteors to go three and out and posted a solid drive, capped by a five-yard keeper by quarterback Derrick Davis for his first score of the night.
After forcing a fumble, the Lions returned the favor with a fumble of their own and allowed the Meteors to score back-to-back touchdowns, which tied the contest at 13 all. The Meteors scored on 23-yard passing touchdown and a 27-yard run.
The Lions immediately tightened things up again and scored on a 66-yard touchdown run from Davis, who turned a broken play into a score to regain the lead for good. The Lions tallied on another forced Meteors fumble that Cox returned for his second touchdown of the day with just 20 seconds remaining in the half.
The Lions built on their 27-13 halftime lead with dominant defensive work, featuring a blocked punt that Dontae Felder he returned for a touchdown to open the second half. The Lions scored off another Davis QB keeper for a six-yard touchdown run. The defense remained stout forcing key turnovers. Robert Cunningham interception on 4th and goal and Michael Redmond later recovered a De fumble.
The Lions substituted freely in the 4th quarter and gave freshman Malik Anderson valuable time at quarterback. He had a 19-yard rush for a touchdown to end the Lions scoring.
This game also marked Davis’ debut at quarterback for the current season.
Davis is a member of the Leo Choir and missed valuable time at the start of the season due to the school’s commitment to NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” Back behind center, Davis and the Lions are looking ahead. Davis finished the game completing all four of his passes for 40 yards, along with five carries for 80 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
The Lions (3-3; 1-2 CCL) are looking to begin a new win streak as they make their return to the field they previously called home on 79th Street, the home field of rival St. Rita (2-4; 0-2 CCL) next Friday with a 7pm kickoff.
The Lions are two wins away from the five wins needed to reach the IHSA playoffs, and they are hoping this next game can be the first win of the two more wins needed.
Speak Your Mind