The Lake Forest College football outscored host Wisconsin Lutheran College 21-0 after halftime and prevailed 27-10 in Saturday's season opener.
The Forester defense forced four turnovers in the game, beginning with junior Dante Esposito's first career interception inside the visitors' 5-yardline in the final 30 seconds of the first half. Junior defensive back Danny Baker recovered a fumble at the Forester 16 and picked off a pass at the 10 to end back-to-back Warrior drives in the third quarter. Senior linebacker Nick Pawlicki forced a fumble recovered by senior defensive lineman Jacob Finch on Wisconsin Lutheran's first offensive play in the fourth.
Junior linebacker Javan Ah Quin led Lake Forest with a career-high nine tackles while Baker and senior linebacker Dominic Johnson added eight apiece.
The Forester offense did not commit a turnover and senior quarterback Tre Stewart was effective in his first start since transferring to the College. He completed 16 of 26 passes for 229 yards and a pair of touchdowns while also rushing for 77 yards and another score. He was one of five players on the team with at least 68 yards from scrimmage.
Junior running back Armani Brown led the visitors with 79 yards on 15 carries and senior Damon Bonds covered 68 yards on his 12 carries. Bonds also scored on an 18-yard run in the third quarter. Junior wide receiver A.J. Jackson caught a touchdown pass for the fifth game in a row, out-jumping a Warrior defensive back for a 14-yard score to break a scoreless tie eight minutes into the contest. he finished with six receptions for 72 yards on the evening while senior tight end Cooper Tomlin grabbed five passes for 73 yards. Freshman wideout Trevor Land hauled in Stewart's other touchdown pass less than two minutes into the third quarter on a 48-yard play that give the Foresters the lead for good.
After prevailing in the team's only non-conference game of the season, Lake Forest will begin Midwest Conference play at home against Lawrence University next Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The Forester will also celebrate Heroes Day and honor current and former members of the military and first responders.