The Lakeland Hawks(4-3) played host to the Moscow Bears(3-3) on Oct. 8, and it was clear who the better team was from the first play of the game. The Hawks won their fifth game and acquired 59 points en route to the shutout victory. 

The Hawks demolished the Bears in every way on both sides of the ball. Defensively, the Hawks didn’t allow a single point all game and forced two turnovers while only allowing 114 yards from scrimmage, as well as acquiring two defensive touchdowns. 

Connor Moore and Skyler Huber each had over five tackles, Moore with 5.5 and Huber with 7. Hutton Hegbloom returned a fumble for a touchdown in the second quarter. Shortly after, Richie Thomas returned an interception for a touchdown, adding to the powerhouse offense that Lakeland had all game. Hegbloom also had 4.5 tackles and two tackles for loss, along with his first career varsity touchdown. 

On offense, Devon Suko only attempted eight passes in a run dominant gameplan for Lakeland against the Bears veteran secondary. However, he threw for 87 yards and two touchdowns, one to Richie Thomas and one to Alden Waddington, who each seem to score once per game. John Cornish had another superhuman game rushing for 193 yards and four touchdowns on just 12 carries. 

Lakeland dominated every aspect of the game, acquiring 14 first downs on 353 total yards and managing 50% third-down efficiency. At the end of the game, to add to the eight touchdowns that the Hawks had already managed, Owen Forsman capped off the game for the Hawks by nailing a 47-yard field goal with room to spare. When asked about the kick, Forsman said, “It was awesome. In the moment I didn’t believe it. We had a great hoco game, and that was a good way to top it off.”

The Homecoming atmosphere of the game was electric, and there was not an empty seat in the Lakeland bleachers. The student section brought a level of energy that they haven’t all season, supporting their team as they trounced the Bears. Weekly spirit day winners, including David Tesch and Lincoln Wood, got to sit on a couch on the sideline of the game, and overall, the school spirit at the game was top notch. 

Homecoming king and queen Collin Kelly and Peighton Jensen were announced as the winners at halftime of the game. Lakeland will have an off week this week before a crucial game against Sandpoint on Oct. 22.