GIBSONTON — Lennard matched its win total for the past two seasons and defeated its neighborhood rival in convincing fashion before a packed house. The Longhorns scored on their first three possessions to take a 21-0 lead and never looked back. Their defense forced five turnovers and recorded three sacks.
Drive of the game: East Bay fumbled on its first play from scrimmage, and Diontae Johnson recovered. On the next play, freshman quarterback Devin Black (9-of-16 for 226 yards) lobbed a perfect deep ball to Johnson, who caught it in the end zone for a 14-0 lead less than five minutes into the game.
Play of the game: On East Bay’s first possession after cutting its deficit to 21-7 midway through the second quarter, the Indians drove to the Lennard 12-yard line, but Lennard lineman Rowdy Driggers pounced on a loose ball to seize back momentum.
Star of the game: Johnson caught four passes for 131 yards and a touchdown, recovered a fumble and averaged 42 yards on two punts.
Stats of the game: East Bay fumbled seven times. Lennard recovered four.
Final word:“Now everybody knows we’re for real. We’re here to stay.” — Lennard running back Jahryn Bailey (15 carries, 74 yards, two touchdowns)