ST. PAUL — Missed scoring chances proved costly Friday to Crest High in a 50-44 loss to St. Paul.
The Lancers saw at least three golden opportunities to score come up empty in the contest, including a heart-breaking fumble in the final seconds inside the St. Paul 10.
The fumble capped an astounding sequence of plays that started when Crest’s Ryan Golden gave the Lancers one final chance to tie or take the lead.
Golden punched the ball loose from a St. Paul runner as the Indians were attempting to run out the clock with 50 seconds left.
The Lancers recovered deep in their territory, and promptly marched to midfield with 17 seconds when quarterback Ethan Godderz followed with a deep pass to Golden, who had one St. Paul defender draped over him as he rumbled inside the Indian 10. But another St. Paul defender swooped in and ripped the ball loose for the fumble.
“St. Paul was very disciplined and they just made fewer mistakes than us,” Crest head coach Nick McAnulty said. “That was the difference in the game.”
Crest also missed out on scoring chances in the first half.
The Lancers saw two touchdowns erased due to penalties on their opening drive of the game. (The drive ultimately stalled and Crest earned no points.)
Then, with 6 seconds left to go in the half, Crest was at the St. Paul 1, but had to fall on a muffed snap as time expired.
“That’s a lot of missed opportunities to take control of the game, and it ended up costing us tonight,” McAnulty said.
Holden Barker continued his torrid play at running back, rushing for 242 yards and three touchdowns. Godderz rushed for 145 yard and two scores, while racking up seven tackles on defense.
Cody Nolan added eight tackles and two sacks.
Crest (2-2 overall and 0-1 in district play) looks to bounce back next Friday at home against Waverly.
