Offensive line continues impressive
play in win over Colon
By Bruce Rolfe
A young and inexperienced Climax-Scotts varsity football team that went through some growing pains early, is beginning to show positive patterns, signaling maturity and growth continues.
As C-S moves past the half way mark of the regular season September 26 in a homecoming clash against Battle Creek St. Philip at 7 p.m., Panther Coach Tyler Langs is now looking for patterns of consistency.
One area consistency has been present, especially over the last three games, is the offense.
The Panther offense rolled up over 400 yards (467) in total offense for the fourth straight game, leading to a 77-46 win over Colon September 19 at Climax-Scotts Jr./Sr. High School.
The 77-point output is the most points C-S has scored since the 2019 team that advanced to the 8-man semifinal game, defeated Tekonsha 78-6.
Strong performances have especially emerged along the offensive line, where the quartet of Cooper Dinse, Cole Birkam, Hunter LaSala and Aaden Krick, have consistently opened up big holes for the C-S backfield.
“They’ve been the four all year. We try not to sub them out. Keep those four in so they’re getting into a good rhythm. And now you can start to see them work together and it’s starting to pay off,” explained Langs.
The offensive line has helped pave the way to rushing totals of 298, 459, 499 and 386 yards through the first four games.
“We say this at practice, our offensive line are the most important people on our team. We talk about that all the time. We can take pride in our offensive linemen. Today, you watch our offensive line, take pride in it and they have just gotten better, and better and better as the week goes on and we’re a young offensive line. It didn’t matter what running back. Our offensive line is moving some people.
Really proud of the offensive line,” adds Langs.
Senior Liam LaSala, who has benefitted often by the impressive work of the offensive line with 511 yards on 54 carries and nine rushing touchdowns entering the St. Phil game, emphasized how important the offensive line has factored into the teams’ success and his success personally.
“I love my ‘O’ line. I’d buy them a steak dinner if I could. They’ve improved so much since week 1. I could not be more grateful for all the work they put in. I love them all,” said LaSala.
Langs said he’s starting to see execution a little more consistently, indicating development continues, especially with the younger players.
“We started talking about that earlier this week at practice. We started saying, all you sophomores, you aren’t sophomores anymore. We’re getting into week four and five. It’s time to take some of those growing pains and let’s get rid of them and get into a better pattern. They’re trying and they’re working hard on that, they’re listening. We’ll address that Monday at practice and a little bit of film.
They’ll figure it out,” observed Langs.
A young and inexperienced Climax-Scotts varsity football team that went through some growing pains early, is beginning to show positive patterns, signaling maturity and growth continues.
As C-S moves past the half way mark of the regular season September 26 in a homecoming clash against Battle Creek St. Philip at 7 p.m., Panther Coach Tyler Langs is now looking for patterns of consistency.
One area consistency has been present, especially over the last three games, is the offense.
The Panther offense rolled up over 400 yards (467) in total offense for the fourth straight game, leading to a 77-46 win over Colon September 19 at Climax-Scotts Jr./Sr. High School.
The 77-point output is the most points C-S has scored since the 2019 team that advanced to the 8-man semifinal game, defeated Tekonsha 78-6.
Strong performances have especially emerged along the offensive line, where the quartet of Cooper Dinse, Cole Birkam, Hunter LaSala and Aaden Krick, have consistently opened up big holes for the C-S backfield.
“They’ve been the four all year. We try not to sub them out. Keep those four in so they’re getting into a good rhythm. And now you can start to see them work together and it’s starting to pay off,” explained Langs.
The offensive line has helped pave the way to rushing totals of 298, 459, 499 and 386 yards through the first four games.
“We say this at practice, our offensive line are the most important people on our team. We talk about that all the time. We can take pride in our offensive linemen. Today, you watch our offensive line, take pride in it and they have just gotten better, and better and better as the week goes on and we’re a young offensive line. It didn’t matter what running back. Our offensive line is moving some people.
Really proud of the offensive line,” adds Langs.
Senior Liam LaSala, who has benefitted often by the impressive work of the offensive line with 511 yards on 54 carries and nine rushing touchdowns entering the St. Phil game, emphasized how important the offensive line has factored into the teams’ success and his success personally.
“I love my ‘O’ line. I’d buy them a steak dinner if I could. They’ve improved so much since week 1. I could not be more grateful for all the work they put in. I love them all,” said LaSala.
Langs said he’s starting to see execution a little more consistently, indicating development continues, especially with the younger players.
“We started talking about that earlier this week at practice. We started saying, all you sophomores, you aren’t sophomores anymore. We’re getting into week four and five. It’s time to take some of those growing pains and let’s get rid of them and get into a better pattern. They’re trying and they’re working hard on that, they’re listening. We’ll address that Monday at practice and a little bit of film.
They’ll figure it out,” observed Langs.
Nyle Sattler (42), Dane Sattler (middle) and Aiden Klusman (right) take down this Colon ball carrier during action September 19 at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.
(Photo by Bruce Rolfe)
The Panthers, winners of their last three games, will take a 3-1 record into next Friday’s homecoming clash with Battle Cree St. Philip.
Led by senior Liam LaSala’s 202 yard and five touchdown effort, the Panthers rolled up 386 yards on the ground.
The first two quarters were filled with scoring.
Colon stunned the Panthers on the opening kickoff when Ayden Delp returned the opening kickoff 65 yards for a touchdown just 12 seconds into the game. Jabari Falls ran in the two-point conversion and the Magi enjoyed a quick 8-0 lead.
Undaunted, C-S came right back 52 seconds later when Liam LaSala scored the first of his five touchdowns with a 42-yard burst at the 10:56 mark. Dane Sattler ran in the two-point conversion, knotting the game at 8-8.
A bad snap over the punter’s head on a fourth and 10 play, resulted in a 21 yard loss and C-S started its next drive deep in Magi territory at the 26-yard line.
A 17-yard touchdown on a flip pass by Maddox Wyman to Mason Shannon gave C-S a 14-8 lead with 8:05 left in the opening frame. Liam LaSala ran in the two-point conversion, pushing the lead to 16-8.
Colon came right back, using 4:50 to move 55 yards, when Jeremiah West scored on a 14-yard touchdown run at the 3:02 mark to pull the visitors to within 16-14. The two-point conversion attempt failed.
C-S needed just four plays to respond, as LaSala ripped off a 50-yard touchdown run with 51.6 seconds left in the first quarter. Maddox Wyman’s pass to Hunter LaSala on the two-point conversion sent the home team into the second quarter with a 24-14 lead.
The C-S defense held Colon on a fourth and five and took over possession on its own 29-yard line.
Wyman scored on the first play from scrimmage on a quarterback keeper, racing 71 yards to the endzone with 8:24 left in the first quarter. Alex Wurtzel provided a big block on the play. A Wyman to Hunter LaSala pass on the two-point conversion gave C-S a 32-14 lead.
Colon responded by converting on a fourth and six play when Jeremiah West zipped a pass to Dalton Williams for a 14-yard touchdown strike with 2:42 left in the first half. West ran in the two-point conversion, pulling the Magi to within 32-22.
Sophomore quarterback Alex Wurtzel scored on a 12-yard run at the 1:12 mark and then completed a pass to Hunter LaSala on the two-point conversion, giving C-S a 40-22 lead.
A Magi fumble opened the door for C-S’ final score of the first half.
Liam LaSala followed a big 34-yard pickup by Mason Shannon and a two-yard gain by Wurtzel with a five-yard touchdown run with 22.6 seconds left in the first half. A pass from Wurtzel to Colton Selby tacked on two more points for a 48-22 C-S lead.
Colon surprised the Panthers when West completed a long pass to Dalton Williams covering 50 yards for a touchdown with 8.1 seconds left in the first half. West passed to Ayden Delp on the two-point conversion, pulling Colon to within 48-30 at halftime.
An eight-yard touchdown run by Wurtzel at the 6:15 mark followed by a Liam LaSala two-point conversion run and a nine-yard pass play by West to Delp with 3:10 left in the third quarter (the two-point conversion attempt failed), sent C-S into the final stanza enjoying a 56-36 advantage.
A remarkable one-handed catch by Mason Shannon for a 32 yard pickup set up C-S’ next score, a four-yard burst by Liam LaSala with 10:03 left in the game. Wyman ran in the two-point conversion for a 64-36 C-S lead.
Liam LaSala scored his fifth touchdown of the game at the 7:11 mark on a 49-yard touchdown run and the Panther senior kicked the extra point for a 71-36 advantage.
Maddox Wyman closed the scoring when the C-S junior intercepted a pass near mid-field and zig zagged 48 yards for a touchdown with approximately 5:00 left in the game (there was a running clock). The extra point kick was no good.
Wyman finished 2-for-2 passing for 24 yards, 71 yards rushing and five tackles besides the interception touchdown return.
Mason Shannon had three catches for 56 yards, Alex Wurtzel was 2-for-3 passing for 54 yards and added 36 yards rushing.
Easton VanMiddlesworth had 10 tackles including seven solo tackles, Wyatt Deeds had nine tackles including six solo tackles, and Bryce Birkam had eight tackles, including five solo tackles, one tackle for a loss and one quarterback sack from his defensive end position.
Colon finished with 108 yards rushing and 208 yards passing.
Led by senior Liam LaSala’s 202 yard and five touchdown effort, the Panthers rolled up 386 yards on the ground.
The first two quarters were filled with scoring.
Colon stunned the Panthers on the opening kickoff when Ayden Delp returned the opening kickoff 65 yards for a touchdown just 12 seconds into the game. Jabari Falls ran in the two-point conversion and the Magi enjoyed a quick 8-0 lead.
Undaunted, C-S came right back 52 seconds later when Liam LaSala scored the first of his five touchdowns with a 42-yard burst at the 10:56 mark. Dane Sattler ran in the two-point conversion, knotting the game at 8-8.
A bad snap over the punter’s head on a fourth and 10 play, resulted in a 21 yard loss and C-S started its next drive deep in Magi territory at the 26-yard line.
A 17-yard touchdown on a flip pass by Maddox Wyman to Mason Shannon gave C-S a 14-8 lead with 8:05 left in the opening frame. Liam LaSala ran in the two-point conversion, pushing the lead to 16-8.
Colon came right back, using 4:50 to move 55 yards, when Jeremiah West scored on a 14-yard touchdown run at the 3:02 mark to pull the visitors to within 16-14. The two-point conversion attempt failed.
C-S needed just four plays to respond, as LaSala ripped off a 50-yard touchdown run with 51.6 seconds left in the first quarter. Maddox Wyman’s pass to Hunter LaSala on the two-point conversion sent the home team into the second quarter with a 24-14 lead.
The C-S defense held Colon on a fourth and five and took over possession on its own 29-yard line.
Wyman scored on the first play from scrimmage on a quarterback keeper, racing 71 yards to the endzone with 8:24 left in the first quarter. Alex Wurtzel provided a big block on the play. A Wyman to Hunter LaSala pass on the two-point conversion gave C-S a 32-14 lead.
Colon responded by converting on a fourth and six play when Jeremiah West zipped a pass to Dalton Williams for a 14-yard touchdown strike with 2:42 left in the first half. West ran in the two-point conversion, pulling the Magi to within 32-22.
Sophomore quarterback Alex Wurtzel scored on a 12-yard run at the 1:12 mark and then completed a pass to Hunter LaSala on the two-point conversion, giving C-S a 40-22 lead.
A Magi fumble opened the door for C-S’ final score of the first half.
Liam LaSala followed a big 34-yard pickup by Mason Shannon and a two-yard gain by Wurtzel with a five-yard touchdown run with 22.6 seconds left in the first half. A pass from Wurtzel to Colton Selby tacked on two more points for a 48-22 C-S lead.
Colon surprised the Panthers when West completed a long pass to Dalton Williams covering 50 yards for a touchdown with 8.1 seconds left in the first half. West passed to Ayden Delp on the two-point conversion, pulling Colon to within 48-30 at halftime.
An eight-yard touchdown run by Wurtzel at the 6:15 mark followed by a Liam LaSala two-point conversion run and a nine-yard pass play by West to Delp with 3:10 left in the third quarter (the two-point conversion attempt failed), sent C-S into the final stanza enjoying a 56-36 advantage.
A remarkable one-handed catch by Mason Shannon for a 32 yard pickup set up C-S’ next score, a four-yard burst by Liam LaSala with 10:03 left in the game. Wyman ran in the two-point conversion for a 64-36 C-S lead.
Liam LaSala scored his fifth touchdown of the game at the 7:11 mark on a 49-yard touchdown run and the Panther senior kicked the extra point for a 71-36 advantage.
Maddox Wyman closed the scoring when the C-S junior intercepted a pass near mid-field and zig zagged 48 yards for a touchdown with approximately 5:00 left in the game (there was a running clock). The extra point kick was no good.
Wyman finished 2-for-2 passing for 24 yards, 71 yards rushing and five tackles besides the interception touchdown return.
Mason Shannon had three catches for 56 yards, Alex Wurtzel was 2-for-3 passing for 54 yards and added 36 yards rushing.
Easton VanMiddlesworth had 10 tackles including seven solo tackles, Wyatt Deeds had nine tackles including six solo tackles, and Bryce Birkam had eight tackles, including five solo tackles, one tackle for a loss and one quarterback sack from his defensive end position.
Colon finished with 108 yards rushing and 208 yards passing.
C-S Varsity Football
A Look Ahead ...
September 26 B.C. St. Phil Home 7 p.m. Homecoming
Oct. 3 Athens Home 7 p.m.
C-S JV Football
A Look Ahead ...
Sep 29: Concord Home 6 p.m.
A Look Ahead ...
September 26 B.C. St. Phil Home 7 p.m. Homecoming
Oct. 3 Athens Home 7 p.m.
C-S JV Football
A Look Ahead ...
Sep 29: Concord Home 6 p.m.
C-S Cross Country
A Look Ahead ...
10/1 Mendon Away 5 p.m.
10/11 Pittsford Away TBD
10/14 Heritage Christian Away TBD
A Look Ahead ...
10/1 Mendon Away 5 p.m.
10/11 Pittsford Away TBD
10/14 Heritage Christian Away TBD
C-S Varsity Volleyball
A Look Ahead ...
Sept. 27: Marcellus Away TBD
Sept. 30: Colon Home 7 p.m.
Oct. 2: White Pigeon Home 7 p.m.
A Look Ahead ...
Sept. 27: Marcellus Away TBD
Sept. 30: Colon Home 7 p.m.
Oct. 2: White Pigeon Home 7 p.m.
C-S Volleyball JV
A Look Ahead ...
Sept. 30: Colon Home 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 2: White Pigeon Home 5:30 p.m.
A Look Ahead ...
Sept. 30: Colon Home 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 2: White Pigeon Home 5:30 p.m.
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