A balanced offensive attack by Lawrence backed visiting Burr Oak against the ropes in the first quarter en route to a 58-8 victory Friday in the first round of the Michigan High School Athletic Association 8-Man Football playoffs.
In their first postseason appearance in school history, the Bobcats (5-5) were down 32-0 after the first quarter. Head coach Ryan Stephens’ team gave up another touchdown before it found the end zone on a 75-yard run by Aruturo Hernandez-Gonzalez. Logan Mount ran in the 2-point conversion.
“We were not able to gain momentum after big plays on offense and were not able to come up on the run on defense and fill holes against a highly athletic and physical Lawrence team,” Stephens said. “Nonetheless, the Bobcats ended the season 5-5, making their first playoff experience ever, and losing only five seniors. This season was another stepping stone for the growing Bobcats, who have much to look forward to next year with many returning players.”
Derek Gribler rushed 10 times for 197 yards and three TDs for Lawrence (8-2), and quarterback Connor Murney completed 4 of 5 passes for 132 yards and three scores.
James Saylor was 5-of-12 passing for 29 yards and an interception. Brent Everitt rushed 11 times for 43 yards, Saylor’s 15 takes went for 25 yards and Mount carried the ball three times for 105 yards. Everitt added nine tackles and Arturo-Hernandez-Gonzalez had 11 tackles and a forced fumble.