By Joe St. Henry

Review Sports Contributor

Lake Orion excised the demons of Clarkston’s nine-year stranglehold on their football rivalry by throttling the Wolves last Friday, 55-21.

The dominating victory improved Lake Orion’s record to 7-1 (5-1 OAA Red) with one game remaining in the regular season before the start of the MHSAA state playoffs. The loss knocked Clarkston out of postseason contention.

“Our kids took care of business like they have all season,” said Head Coach John Blackstock. “It was a slow build all week, from Sunday through game time on Friday. They did a great job handling the distractions surrounding the Clarkston game, which is so important to this community.”

Lake Orion’s head coach said the Dragons needed to start fast and they did just that, scoring on the game’s opening possession in just four plays.

The drive included senior Kobe Manzo’s 64-yard sprint deep into Wolves territory. Senior quarterback Blaze Lauer then finished the job with a 14-yard rushing touchdown.

Clarkston’s first possession ended with a blocked punt and Lake Orion senior Sanai Pillot returned it to the end zone for the Dragons’ second score.

After forcing the Wolves to punt again, the Dragons mounted a 12-play drive capped by Manzo’s five-yard touchdown run. At the end of the first quarter, Lake Orion led 20-0.

“We couldn’t have scripted the first quarter any better,” Blackstock said. “But we all knew there was a lot of football to be played.”

Clarkston’s offense got on track, but Lake Orion kept up the pressure. After the Wolves scored, the Dragons took less than a minute to punch back with a long kickoff return and three-play drive, capped by senior Mitch Howell’s 23-yard touchdown run.

Lake Orion’s dominance continued with a second blocked punt three minutes before half time. Manzo’s second touchdown from 19 yards out put the Dragons up 34-14 at the break.

It only got worse for the Wolves in the second half, with the Dragons stretching their lead to 55-14 before Clarkston scored late in the game.

Lake Orion’s offense generated 491 total yards. As it has all season, the Dragon rushing attack could not be stopped, gaining 391 yards on the ground.

The team’s rushing corps was led by Manzo’s 161 yards and two touchdowns. (Manzo now has 1,002 yards and ten touchdowns on 123 carries for the year.)

Senior quarterback Blaze Lauer ran for 96 and a score. Seniors Drew Vanheck and Howell each had 47 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Sophomore running back Nasir Lardell also scored his first varsity touchdown.

“Our offensive line played their best game of the year,” Blackstock said. “They really came off the ball and played physical with a chip on their shoulders,” Blackstock said. “They focused on their assignments and won the physical battle against some really good players.”

Lauer finished 7-10 passing with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Howell. For the season, Lauer has thrown for 800 yards and 11 touchdowns with only two interceptions.

“Blaze is one of the most competitive kids you will ever meet,” Blackstock said. “His biggest growth has been in his decisiveness. He’s playing fast, which has been huge for us.”

The Dragon defense, meanwhile, continued its strong play, limited the Wolves to 212 yards for the game. Lake Orion limited Clarkston to 84 yards rushing, less than three yards per carry. The Dragon defense also forced two Wolves turnovers – a fumble and interception.

“Our defense is playing so fast right now and making plays all over the field,” Blackstock said. “The play of our defensive line was key to the win. They all played great.”

Blackstock said senior defensive lineman Joe Cady led the unit’s effort. “He just plays so hard and his motor never stops.”

Junior Kade Manzo’s interception in the third quarter was highlight reel material. “I don’t know how he made that play. He found a way to lay out and stretch his body to catch the ball,” Blackstock added.

Lake Orion wraps up the regular season at home this Friday. Monroe (3-5) travels to Dragon Stadium for a non-league game.

“From what we know, having played them last year and watching them on film this year, they are a really tough group of kids,” Blackstock said. “They play a tough brand of football – a real physical game. They will want to win their final game of the season, so we can’t let up.”