The Luxemburg-Casco Spartans battled but could not overcome turnovers in dropping a 31-20 decision to the Xavier Hawks on Friday night. 

 

Xavier scored on their second possession on an eight-yard run by Cole Hietpas to take a 7-0 lead.  The Spartans responded after a nice kickoff return by Tatum Klaubauf that gave them great field position, but an interception by Brenden Bruen was returned 70 yards to set up a four-yard touchdown run by Matt Potter to give the Hawks a 14-0 lead.

 

Luxemburg-Casco then cut the lead to 14-6 when Andrew Klass followed up a 31-yard gain with a four-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter.

 

In the next series, Xavier benefited from a roughing the passer penalty that extended their drive, which culminated with Potter's 29-yard touchdown run, making the score 21-6. 

 

Xavier would add a 28-yard field goal by Ethan Bires to take a 24-6 lead into halftime.

 

Spartan quarterback Landon Derenne pulled L-C within 24-13 on a seven-yard run in the third quarter, but that would be as close as the Spartans would get.

 

The Hawks added a one-yard run by Potter in the third quarter to increase the lead to 31-13 before Derenne connected with Jacob Coisman on an exciting 65-yard touchdown pass to get the Spartans.

 

Turnovers were a problem for Luxemburg-Casco with three interceptions and Xavier fumbled once late in the game.

 

Luxemburg-Casco (0-2) will now play Denmark next Friday night in the NEC opener for both teams.  The next broadcast on 104.1 WRLU will be the Kewaunee Storm hosting the Oconto Blue Devils next Friday in the Packerland Conference opener. 

 

 

 

(Photo by Ron LeCloux)