It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.
The Lindbergh Flyers were a prime example of this in the squad’s 42-14 win over the Fox Warriors Sept. 8.
“I think we did come out a little flat,” Lindbergh head coach Nathan Norman said. “It’s hard to replicate the kind of offense that they (Fox) run during the week.”
Fox got on the scoreboard first, as Cameron Underwood took a handoff 55-yards for a touchdown run. The kick failed, giving Fox a quick 6-0 lead early in the first quarter.
The Warriors weren’t done there, as they surprised Lindbergh with an onside kick, getting the ball right back on offense. The very next play, Underwood connected with Kyle Gast for a 51-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion was good, giving Fox an early 14-0 lead.
Norman said his team just needed to get a feel for the Fox offense and settle down.
“When you get to the game, the game speed is just a little different,” he said. “If all 11 guys aren’t on the same page and doing their job, then there are little flaws and that’s what happened to us early in the game.”
Lindbergh must have ironed out the kinks after that because Fox never saw the endzone again.
The Flyers took the next offensive possession right down the field and scored on a 26-yard touchdown pass from Owen Norman to Chris Marko. Zach Earley’s extra-point attempt was good, bringing the score to 14-7 in favor of Fox at the end of first quarter.
Lindbergh tied the game with 9:30 to play in the second quarter, as Norman scored on a 1-yard touchdown run. Earley knocked the extra-point through to tie the game at 14-14.
The Flyers took the lead for good with just 7 seconds to go in the first half when Norman connected with Terrell Watts on an 11-yard touchdown toss. Earley’s extra-point was successful, giving Lindbergh a 21-14 halftime lead.
In the second half, the Flyers continued their scoring barrage, as Norman broke loose for a 45-yard touchdown run with 5:52 to go in the third quarter. Earley was again good on his extra-point attempt, giving them a 28-14 lead.
On the Flyers next offensive possession, the team once again hit the endzone. This time, Victor Wheaton scored on a 3-yard touchdown run. Earley added the extra-point, bringing the score to 35-15 Lindbergh.
Norman would add his second rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Flyers quarterback scored on a 1-yard run with 5:22 to go in the final quarter. Earley’s extra-point completed the scoring at 42-14 in favor of Lindbergh.
Norman finished with 19 carries for 170 yards and two rushing touchdowns. He also completed 6-of-8 passes for 81 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
“Owen had a big night,” Norman said. “Our offensive line is getting better each week. He ran the ball hard and did a good job.”
Lindbergh fell to Pattonville the following Friday on Sept. 15, making the Flyers 2-2 so far for the season.
Norman said his team is focused on improving each week, no matter who the opponent is.
“We just try to focus on getting better at what we do every single week,” he said. “Our kids have done a nice job at buying into that. We can’t necessarily worry about who we’re playing. We have to worry about getting better every single day at practice.”