LE win: ‘Big one in the right direction’

Published: Saturday, September 11, 2010 8:29 AM EDT

KINNIKINNICK — Logan Elm played a strong first half on defense and survived a few second-half mistakes to pick up its first win of the season 21-14 at Zane Trace on Friday night.

"A win was so important with this young group we have this year. We had to get it so that we could make them believe in themselves," LE coach Scott Bartholomew said. "I think this one will be a big one in the right direction."

The Braves (1-2) stopped the Pioneers at the 3-yard line in the first quarter and held them to 42 first-half yards while scoring on a 20-yard run by Anthony Vagnier and an 8-yard pass from Vagnier to Tanner Smith to lead 14-0 at halftime.

"They came out that first half and played really well and played really focused," Bartholomew said. "They came in at halftime — and we’ve had the lead the last two weeks — and they lose a little bit of that focus.

"They’re still learning how to do those things in the second half. We lost a little bit of our edge there and they put some plays together on us."

Zane Trace’s second possession of the second half covered 90 yards with quarterback Colton Whitehouse going the final 19 for a touchdown. In the middle, the Pioneers picked up 25 yards on three Logan Elm penalties.

Logan Elm came back with a 57-yard drive keyed by a 16-yard pass from Vagnier to Cory Heeter and a 29-yard pass from Vagnier to Seth Stonerock. The pass to Stonerock was spotted just inches shy of the goal line so Vagnier pushed it in the next play.

Zane Trace came back with a 77-yard drive keyed by a 37-yard run from Bobby Cowman and it ended with a three-yard scamper from Whitehouse to make it a 21-14 game.

Logan Elm started the next possession from its own 20 and moved down to the ZT 9 looking to add some insurance points as the game clock was closing in on five minutes. A personal foul pushed the Braves back to the 25 and two plays later, trying to get rid of the ball under pressure, Vagnier was intercepted by Jason McCoy.

"We’ve had three games and had five personal fouls," Bartholomew said. "I told the kids that I can’t remember where three, four, five personal fouls in the first couple weeks had such an impact on the game.

"We have to become a more disciplined football team with our behavior."

Despite the setback, the LE defense came through. While Whitehouse broke off one first-down run, the Braves held him in check the next three plays forcing a punt.

LE’s John Moore was back to receive the punt but took a hard hit after he caught the ball and didn’t get up.

The game was delayed for more than 10 minutes while medical staff attended to Moore and took measures to make sure he was taken care of properly before being transported for further medical attention.

When the game resumed, the Braves were able to pick up two first downs to run out the clock and notch the win.

Vagnier was the workhorse for the Braves carrying the bal 25 times for 94 yards and going 11-21 passing for 128 yards.

"It’s to the point where we needed to win. Our kids were working real hard and giving us a great effort in practice but kids will eventually go the other direction if you don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel," Bartholomew said. "Getting a win helps these kids feel like they are getting better. Anthony had to step up tonight and we told him that this week — and he did. And he did a great job."

Heeter picked up 77 yards on 11 carries and had 31 yards on three catches.

Stonerock had 37 yards on a pair of grabs and Nick Hart had 29 yards on two catches.

With the first win under their belt, the Braves return home to open MSL Buckeye Division play against Amanda-Clearcreek (2-1) next week.

"Its a big game and (Friday’s win) gives us some confidence that, ‘Hey, we can win a game’ and I’m really excited for the kids," Bartholomew said.