They’re back. The Luther Lions football team pulled off a win for the home season opener for the 2019 season on August 30. It was a packed house for a nail-biter battle. Although the Lions had the first score, the Meeker Bulldogs were up 20 – 12 by the end of the first quarter and held the lead at half-time.
“Both sides played really well; and we had some self-inflicted wounds,” said Head Coach Shawn Meek. He also said the big plays like an interception from Coleman Stastny at the end of the game and a fourth down and five touchdown from Peyton Wilson sealed the victory.
It was a big game from Quarterback Wilson. Sidelined with injury last season, Wilson had a strong showing; among his plays were a 31-yard pass to junior Drew Scheer to put the first six points of the season on the scoreboard.
Other scorers were Senior Tyler Becker, Stastny and Reed Wilson while Elijah Scott and Cole Mills helped the offensive gains. Defensively, Coach Meek gave a shout out to Colby Chartney as “disruptive,” and a nod to Defensive Coach Zack Smith’s leadership with some big stops that helped keep the Bulldogs scoreless in the third quarter.
During the Saturday morning film review, Coach Meek said the coaching staff was impressed with the hard work of Senior Gus Sumner. He was on the field every minute of the game, and held up with a “significant workload on his shoulders.”
The game also signaled a return to the field for Meek as head coach. He stepped away after leading the Lions to an undefeated season in 2016, and spent a year in Kingfisher. He returned to Luther a year later as the middle school principal. He is beginning his second school year as high school principal and was named head football coach last spring.
Meek said obviously this first win is huge for momentum building and confidence. He also used the word resiliency when reflecting on the ups and downs of the game and the team bouncing back with strength, courage and energy. Meek also noted that four receivers caught touchdowns showing how the ball was spread around during the game.
The hometown crowd also fired up the team, he said. “We appreciate the crowd! The fans were definitely into it and that gives energy to the kids and they feed off of it.” The Luther band and cheerleaders also helped the Lion Prideland.
Final score, 39 LUTHER LIONS – 36 MEEKER BULLDOGS.
The Lions are home for the next two Friday nights. Next week’s match is against Community Christian School from Norman. Several restaurants will be open to feed fans before the game including DJ’s BBQ, Farmstead Cafe, Our Town Eatery, Sonic and Chicken Shack. Main Street Nutrition also has extended hours until 6 pm for teas and shakes. And Brew 66 will have a coffee and donut fix during its open hours. For after the game, Our Town and Chicken Shack have late hours.
Special Thanks to Apryl Campos for sharing her pictures from The Touchdown Club, Doug Wilson for the stats and Stan Shelton for writing assistance.
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