By Joe St. Henry

Review Sports Contributor

Lake Orion clinched an automatic berth in the MHSAA state football playoffs on Friday with a decisive homecoming game victory over Rochester, 46-7.

The win improved the Dragons’ season record to 6-1 (5-1 OAA Red) and moved the team to No. 8 in The Detroit News’ Super 20 state team rankings.

“Our guys have handled the last two weeks (both blowout wins) really well,” said Head Coach John Blackstock. “They prepared for these games like any other and took care of business. Now we’re in the playoffs. But we have things to correct during the final two games.”

Against Rochester, Lake Orion jumped in front on a 14-yard touchdown run by senior Drew Vanheck on their first offensive series and then exploded for 30 points in the second quarter to break the game open.

The Dragon scoring surge came on the ground and in the air, with senior Blaze Lauer connecting with Vanheck for a 31-yard touchdown pass and a 29-yard scoring scamper of his own. Senior Kobe Manzo scored twice on runs of 67 and one yard. The Dragon defense recorded a safety.

With the game in hand, several of the team’s reserve players received significant playing time in the second half. The defense picked up a second safety and junior Alwyn Mouzon’s touchdown run in the fourth quarter finished the scoring and triggered a running clock.

“We had another opportunity to develop some depth, by playing some other guys,” Blackstock said. “Plus, we played our starters just enough to give them the chance to rest for the final push.”

Lake Orion generated 487 yards of total offense, including 328 on the ground. Senior Marlon Robinson Jr. had 12 carries for 101 yards. Manzo finished with 94 yards and two scores. Sophomore Nasir Lardell finished with 43 yards rushing. Lauer finished 6-8 through the air for 159 yards.

The only thing that slowed down the Dragon offense was its own mistakes, including two fumbles and an interception. The team also was flagged 11 times for 100 yards in penalties.

“Nobody likes penalties, but they come from aggressive play,” Blackstock said. “I don’t want them to stop playing aggressive, but we can’t have those penalties in the big games.”

Lake Orion’s defense posted another dominating performance, limiting the Falcons to 107 total yards on offense, including minus-44 rushing. It has limited opponents to seven points or less in five of seven games so far this season.

The defensive unit got contributions from multiple players in grounding Rochester. Sophomore defensive lineman Joey Thede had three sacks and senior lineman Joe Cady accounted for two more. Senior Jesus Cruz also had a sack. Senior defensive back Kaiden Beck snagged an interception.

With a playoff spot in hand, the challenge now for the Dragons is to finish strong in hopes of securing a home game in the post-season.

“These next two games are huge, in terms of continuing to build momentum and the team’s confidence,” Blackstock said. “We can get better.”

On Friday, Lake Orion travels to Clarkston for another rivalry game. It has been a disappointing season for the Wolves, who have a 3-4 record after losing to Rochester Adams last week. With only eight games on its schedule, Clarkston must win this game to have any shot at the playoffs.

Blackstock knows Lake Orion has not beaten Clarkston since 2010. Still, he is excited once again to be playing the Wolves in another big game.

“These kids don’t care about the losing streak” Blackstock said. “This is 2019 and we’re playing Clarkston. You don’t need any other motivation than that. But a win would help us secure home field advantage in the playoffs.”