By Joe St. Henry

Review Sports Contributor

Monroe traveled two hours north last Friday to provide Lake Orion with a final tune-up before the start of the MHSAA football playoffs this week.

The Trojans probably wished they stayed home, falling to the Dragons, 45-27.

As it has all season, Lake Orion scored early and often to overwhelm its opponent. The Dragons had a 38-point lead less than a minute into the third quarter before all of its starters were pulled.

The Dragons finished the regular season 8-1 (4-1 OAA Red and second place), their best regular season record since 2012. They have the best record of all the teams in their playoff district, giving them the opportunity for two home playoff games.

They open against Rochester Hills Stoney Creek (5-4) on Friday.

“It’s great to see the kids and our coaches rewarded for all the hard work they put in over the past year,” said Head Coach John Blackstock. “We’ve rejuvenated the community’s excitement in Lake Orion football.”

Lake Orion’s offensive surge against Monroe was fueled by its rushing game. The Dragons ran for 263 yards on the ground, led by senior quarterback Blaze Lauer’s 106 and a 71-yard touchdown on just three carries.

A gang of Lake Orion backs contributed to the rest of the rushing attack.

Senior Mitch Howell had 41 yards and opened the Dragons’ scoring with a touchdown on their first possession. His classmate Sam Staruch also scored in the first quarter on a short run.

Senior Kobe Manzo scored on runs of four and eight yards in the second quarter, finishing with 33 yards.

Senior Marlon Robinson Jr. ran for 33 yards and finished Lake Orion’s scoring splurge with a 16-yard run early in the second half.

Senior kicker Connor Ross contributed with a 24-yard field goal in the second quarter. For the year, he has hit 5-7 field goals, 44-49 extra points and 25 touchbacks on kickoffs. Ross also has punted the ball 16 times, averaging 39 yards per kick.

“Connor has played a key role in our success,” Blackstock said. “It’s huge having a player that can do the things he does on a consistent basis. When we’re in trouble he can flip the field with a punt and pin an opponent deep. On kick offs, the best kickoff coverage is a touchback and he’s doing that every game. Plus, he puts points on the board with field goals.”

Monroe generated nearly 300 yards of offense against Lake Orion’s defense, but was limited to one touchdown until late in the game when the outcome was all but decided.

A number of Dragon defenders contributed to the effort. Junior Kade Manzo had seven tackles and an interception. Senior Casey Coltrin also had seven tackles, including three for losses. Senior Joe Cady had six tackles, two for losses.

Going into the season, many high school football fans thought Lake Orion’s defense would be strong. Blackstock said the unit has lived up to the expectations, and more.

“They’ve made big plays and stops all season,” he said. “There will be no let up now. I can’t say enough about the job our defensive coaches have done.”

The Dragon rushing attack also has generated attention. The team has rushed the ball for 2,600 yards and 37 touchdowns. Blackstock said to expect plenty of the same in the playoffs.

“At this point, you dance with who you brought to the dance and our running game got us here,” Blackstock said. “This is who we are. But you always try to have some wrinkles in your back pocket. Nowadays, you have to mix it up a bit.”

While Rochester Hills Stoney Creek is the underdog in Friday’s game, Blackstock said his team will not take the Cougars lightly. He has great respect for their coaching staff.

“They’ve done a real nice job over the past two years rebuilding the program,” he said. “They play with a mindset of tough, physical football. I expect them to mix it up on offense, but focus a lot on grinding it out on the ground and try to keep us (Lake Orion’s offense) off the field. On defense, they’re fundamentally sound.”