Lewis Cass football holds off Peru, 34-32

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The game was almost over before the half. Lewis Cass had charged into Peru with the intent to steamroll the Tigers on Sept. 5, and as the clock wound down to close the second quarter, the Kings had all of the momentum.

The score was 28-13, and Cass was swinging for the knockout. Someone forgot to tell Ryne Babbs to just lie down. The Peru senior stepped in front of a pass from the Kings' Cole Rush at the one-yard line and then took it 99 yards for a score. The Tigers went into the locker room with just a nine-point deficit to overcome.

Unfortunately for Peru, it just didn't have enough to stop the Kings. The two teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter, and the Tigers' defense fought mightily to keep them in the game. With the score standing at 34-26 going into the fourth, the outcome was still in doubt.

Peru gave its fans a reason to hope. The defense continued to hold, and with 3:41 left on the clock the Tigers found the endzone again. But a missed conversion left the score at 34-32 rather than a tie game, and the Kings held on to win.

Most of the game was played on the ground, with neither team showing much desire to pass. Peru found the most success in the air, as junior Aiden Sheets completed five of 11 attempts for 85 yards. Importantly, Sheets made the most of his attempts, connecting twice for touchdowns; once to senior Kouper Burks and once to junior Lukas Ulery. He did throw an interception that was picked off by LC junior Tyler Grist.

Rush completed three of five attempts for 45 yards and that game-changing interception.

The Tigers' running game was largely unstoppable. Babbs sprinted for 174 yards on just seven carries to go with his pick-six. Senior Isaiah Korba handled the bulk of the offensive work by rushing for 130 yards on 24 carries. He scored twice for Peru. He also lost a fumble.

Cass was led on the ground by senior Gavin Smith, who darted about for 103 yards on 23 carries. He scored one of four rushing touchdowns for the Kings. Juniors Eli and Tyler Grist each rushed for a score, as did junior Connyr Mack.

Lewis Cass (3-1) built on the victory and won again on Sept. 12, taking down Manchester at home, 18-14. They will travel to Rochester (3-1) this Friday.

Peru (1-3) stumbled again on Sept. 12, dropping a game at home against Northwestern, 39-30. The Tigers travel to Maconaquah (4-0) on Sept. 19, hoping to salvage a season headed south.

See additional photos from this contest, including galleries for both teams and the Peru crowd and marching band, courtesy of Adam Hartsough, on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.