The Forester football team won its Midwest Conference opener Saturday night, a 14-13 decision at Lawrence University. Senior tailback Alec Howe led the visitors with 121 yards rushing on 20 carries.
Lake Forest freshman tailback Charlie Quinn added 36 yards on six carries and scored on a 20-yard carry. The Foresters' other touchdown was scored by sophomore wide receiver Mike Rantis, who caught two passes for 50 yards in the game. Senior quarterback Mike Lewis completed eight of 17 passes for 75 yards, the touchdown to Vidas, and no interceptions.
The Forester defeanse was led by senior linebacker John Dillon's game-high nine tackles and senior cornerback Ed Dobernig added eight stops, including seven solos. Dillon and senior defensive end Jake Rotkvich each had a sack and the team made five additional tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
All the scoring occurred in the first half, beginning with a 14-yard pass from Lewis to Rantis with 6:51 remaining in the opening quarter. Howe had a 20-yard run and Rantis a 36-yard reception during the 6-play, 76-yard drive.
Lawrence tied the score on its next possession and took the lead on a touchdown run by the quarterback less than five minutes into the second period. The extra point, however, was blocked by senior Taylor Holzmeyer and would prove to be the difference in the game.
After three-and-outs by both teams, the Foresters traveled 50 yards in seven plays, including 20 by Quinn on his way to the end zone with 4:48 on the clock. The extra point by senior Jon Gurchak was good and the visitors had regained the lead.
Lake Forest sophomore safety Pat Clark blocked a potential go-ahead 19-yard field goal with 2:41 to play in the contest and senior cornerback Nick Waters blocked A 42-yard field goal attempt by the Vikings' kicker on the last play of the game.
The Foresters are now 2-0 on the season while Lawrence fell to 0-2. It was the conference opener for both teams.
Lake Forest will host Grinnell College next Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
