O’Neill scores three TDs as LRS Broncos dominate TOR, 42-14

Three times in the second quarter Connor O’Neill danced into the end zone for a touchdown, effectively breaking the back of the TOR Nighthawks during the first round of the WIAA 2B State Playoffs at Jimmie Snider Field. LRS won the game 42-14.

The LRS Broncos expected stiffer resistance from the Nighthawks. While TOR wasn’t as impressive as originally billed, they did put together some big plays and gave the Broncos fits at times. The LRS defense came up with big plays at key times to consistently prevent the Nighthawks from finding their way into the end zone. TOR didn’t score until late in the fourth quarter once LRS was using its reserves and there was a running clock.

The Broncos opened their scoring assault with a 37-yard touchdown run by Cort Ruzicka in the first quarter. The point after attempt failed.

In the second quarter, O’Neill set to work picking his way through the Nighthawks’ defenders. He scored on a five-yard run. He followed that by making the two-point conversion on a running call.

On the next offensive series, O’Neill took the football 36 yards for a touchdown. Dylan Hartz then scrambled into the end zone for a two-point conversion.

O’Neill scored a third time on a one-yard jaunt. The two-point conversion pass attempt was incomplete.

Tyler Frederick stunned the Nighthawks just before the end of the first half, snaring an interception and then sprinting into the end zone for a score. Matt Leffel delivered the point after kick.

With a 35-0 lead, the Broncos rolled into the intermission with plenty of momentum.

“We took advantage of some early mistakes and got on them quick,” head coach Greg Whitmore said. “I guarantee you that if we played them 10 times, it would not be that easy every time. I think clearly the better team won. It was one of those games you love as a coach.”

The Broncos came out hot in the third quarter, and Hartz put the nail in the TOR coffin with a 50-yard quarterback keeper for six points. Leffel delivered the point after kick.

“Scoring on the first play of the third quarter was huge,” Whitmore said. “Having a running clock really helps out a lot and it’s not very often that you’re going to get that.”

New rules for 2B football call for a running game clock anytime a team achieves a 40-point lead in the second half.

The Broncos didn’t need to use the passing game much, Hartz completed five of six attempts for 58 yards. On the ground, the team tallied 198 yards rushing. Hartz had 63 yards on eight carries. O’Neill picked up 60 yards on nine carries and Ruzicka led the team with 67 yards on seven carries.

O’Neill caught four passes for 53 yards.

“Connor is a tough player to stop when he gets in the open field,” Whitmore said.

The defense produced big plays when it had to. Frederick had the interception and Ryan Whitmore picked up a TOR fumble.

Jarradd Morley finished the night with two solo tackles, one first hit, three assists and two tackles for a loss.

Hartz collected two first hits, two solo tackles, one assist and one tackle for a loss.

The Nighthawks did move the ball frequently, recording 298 yards of total offense.

Whitmore hopes to change that this Saturday when they meet DeSales in the state quarterfinals. The game will be played in Spokane at Gonzaga Prep, starting at 5 p.m.

“We like to feed off of our defense,” Whitmore said. “To make deep runs into the playoffs you have to have a strong defense. You have to be able to get other teams off the field.”

DeSales will create new problems for the Broncos as they come in as a passing team, one that has effectively dominated its opponents. Two DeSales receivers combined for 200 receiving yards in a big win over White Swan.

“They have the best quarterback in their district,” Whitmore said. “Our defensive game plan will have to be a little different. They are capable of big plays. We will need to put pressure on the quarterback and force him out of his comfort zone.”

Whitmore plans to make some personnel changes in the defense.

“We will have to play them man-to-man and change up personnel just a bit because we have to stop the pass.”

The DeSales defense will be pesky, but Whitmore said he thinks the Broncos will be ready for them.

“They look like they have a really nice defensive line, front seven,” he said. “They are not quite as big as TOR but they are athletic and tough up front.”