Pekin line controls scrimmage

DONNELLSON - Pekin head coach Brent Blakely said Friday's 37-31 road win over Central Lee had enough action that people who attended got their money's worth.

The physical football game had highs and lows from turnovers that lead to points, goal-line stands, an onside kick recovery, and injuries,

'Many times, I felt we were turning it around and something would happen,” Blakely said. 'Penalties and big plays really kept us from keeping the football more and keeping them from putting points on the board.”

Mistakes would happen, but the Panthers kept getting up every time.

'Our kids buckled down and never gave up anything easy,” Blakely said. 'We were resilient until the end and it paid off. The onside kick was probably the biggest play that allowed us to have a chance to win in the end.”

Central Lee led 13-7 after the first quarter, but Pekin led 14-13 at the half. It was 25-22 for the Hawks after three and Pekin held a 15-6 edge in the final quarter.

Micheal Jones and Mason Juhl had big nights for Pekin due to their teammates.

'Much of the credit goes to our offensive line,” Blakely said. 'I felt they were solid most of the night.” The linemen that gave Pekin a push all game are Cael Lyle, Brady Latcham, Gage Gillam, Blake Juhl and Gage Farriar. 'In this kind of heat and the style of football we play, these guys showed the ability to control the line of scrimmage.”

Simeon Buie's ability to place the ball on kickoffs and making PATs were important for Pekin.

'Simeon had never played football before and he definitely got caught up to speed on what all can happen in a game,” Blakely said. 'Orion Weber and Dylon Krueger were guys that were flying all over the field making plays.”

Mason Juhl, Cael Baker, Blake Juhl, Latcham, and Lyle all provided important contributions on defense.

'Our defense controlled scrimmage and made enough plays when we needed them most,” Blakely said. 'We struggled to keep Central Lee's athletes from making some great plays.”

Pekin needs work on conditioning, less penalties and missed assignments.

'We showed a lot of courage and never quit,” Blakely said. 'Most importantly, the things we struggled with are correctable things.”

Pekin hosts Belle Plaine Friday.