The Mendon Hornets played host to the Lawrence Tigers in their first-ever 8-man playoff game on Friday evening. Lawrence entered this game with a 7-2 record, and they showed the ability to score throughout the regular season. Mendon stepped up to the challenge, taming the Tigers in a 56-12 win.
In the opening quarter, Mendon scored three touchdowns to create a 22-0 advantage. First, Evan Lukeman powered across the goal line from five yards out on their opening possession. After recording a stop, Chris Dupree added a 4-yard touchdown and two-point conversion run. Dupree rounded out the quarter scoring with a 56-yard sprint to the end zone.
Mendon ran their lead up to thirty-eight points in the opening minutes of the second quarter. Evan Lukeman found the end zone on a 5-yard carry, and Dupree connected with Gabe Haigh on a 59-yard touchdown strike.
Lawrence finally got in the end zone on a 59-yard score of their own, but that was it for the first half. Mendon would quickly respond with two touchdowns. Evan Lukeman’s 56-yard touchdown sprint was followed up by Connor Oatley’s 89-yard dart down the sidelines. This gave Mendon a 50-6 advantage.
In the second half, the running clock was in effect. Mendon managed another touchdown on their initial possession of the half, a 73-yard score by Lukeman. Lawrence would round out the scoring with a 13-yard touchdown toss to Jamin Rodriguez.
Mendon outgained Lawrence 477-198 in this game, with 418 yards coming on the ground. Evan Lukeman (171 yards), Connor Oatley (113) and Chris Dupree (104) all broke the century mark in this victory. As a result of this win, the Hornets will get their highly-anticipated rematch in the Regional Finals with the Martin Clippers.
