Staff Report

Lapel starts fast, rolls past Blackford in sectional opener

HARTFORD CITY — Lapel scored 28 first-quarter points and never looked back Friday night, defeating Blackford 50-7 in a sectional football opener.

The Bulldogs established a 28-0 advantage in the opening 12 minutes, then added two more touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 42-0 halftime lead triggering a running clock to start the third quarter.

Lapel continued its scoring after the break, adding eight third-quarter points while keeping Blackford off the scoreboard. The Bruins scored their lone touchdown in the fourth quarter after the Bulldogs had built a 50-0 cushion.

Jack Miller led Lapel’s ground attack, rushing for 87 yards and three touchdowns on just six carries. The Bulldogs finished with 230 rushing yards on 15 attempts and scored six touchdowns on the ground.

Quarterback Max Lockhart completed six of seven passes for 105 yards and a touchdown, helping Lapel finish with 351 yards of offense. Krayson Riggs, Mac Henn and Deacon Spitz rambled for TD for the Dogs.

Blackford’s Brady Bannister rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries, providing the Bruins’ offensive highlight.

Lapel improved to 9-1 and advanced to face Alexandria-Monroe in the sectional semifinals. Blackford finished its season 1-9.