LUCAS — Reed Mager knows his strengths and weaknesses as a runner.
The 6-foot, 190-pound Hillsdale back runs hard, but isn’t the fastest, according to the junior’s self-evaluation. His vision is another strong suit that compliments his conservative running style.
The good news is the Falcons have a handful of athletes they can plug-and-play at the running back position — ultimately one for every type of situation, Mager said following Friday’s 28-7 win over Lucas.
“It’s good to have this dynamic,” he said. “We have a running back for any situation on the field — wherever we’re at and whatever situation we’re in.”
Hillsdale (2-0) flexed its backfield strength on the road against the Cubs (1-1), piling up 273 rushing yards on 42 carries. The Falcons’ senior quarterback Kael Lewis led all rushers with 108 yards, followed closely by freshman Mason Sloan (83 yards).
Mager also had his fair share of carries, along with seniors Mikey Shenberger and Knox Lewis.
Friday’s success on the ground is a testament to the effort displayed by the Falcons’ offensive line, Mager said, a position group which includes one senior out of 19 athletes listed as linemen.
“They did great (tonight),” Mager said. “They worked hard in the offseason.”
Out of Hillsdale’s 23 total first downs, 18 were earned on the ground (and five through the air). Along with 100-plus rushing yards (and a rushing TD), Lewis completed 10-of-17 passes for 99 yards, a touchdown and one interception.
Known for years for its gritty and old-school style, the Cubs didn’t just crawl into hibernation welcoming the two-time defending state runners-up into their den.
Mager said the Falcons prepared mentally throughout the week knowing a physical game was waiting for them.
“We just hit harder (tonight) and stopped that early,” he said.
Falcons’ run game still a work in progress
Hillsdale coach Trevor Cline said the Falcons matched Lucas’ physicality Friday.
Cline was also impressed with the ability of several inexperienced players to compete in a tough road atmosphere — which Bob Wine Field presents.
With a new-look offense on the field for Cline’s bunch this season, he knew finding ways to run the ball successfully would be a priority this season.
“We have to make sure when we’re given opportunities we take advantage of it. Some plays we did tonight, some plays we didn’t,” he said. “That’s also part of breaking in a new (offensive) line.
“As those guys continue to progress, they’ll take care of business.”
Cubs late push not enough to overcome three-score deficit
Starting the second half on defense down two scores, Lucas had every opportunity to pack it in and ride out the remaining two quarters. Down 21-0 to start the fourth? All the more reason.
But that’s simply not how the Cubs roll, no matter the opponent.
Third-year Cubs coach Jim Sweat said most of the game was played like a one-possession situation.
Lucas did have opportunities, after scoring less than a minute into the fourth, to trim Hillsdale’s lead back down to a TD after getting stops on defense. The Cubs ultimately could not capitalize.
“The kids played hard tonight,” Sweat said. “We’re not much for moral victories down here in Lucas, but this was a team (Hillsdale) that’s played for two state championships in a row and they’re a well-coached program and they play hard.
“We’ve got to get better and that starts with me.”
Lucas, now a member of the Northern 10 Athletic Conference, begins league play next week when it hosts Carey (0-2). The Blue Devils fell 34-7 in Week 1 against Marion Local and lost Friday to Galion, 21-17.
Below are photos of the Hillsdale and Lucas high school marching bands. (Credit: Hayden Gray)
