Saving the best for last: Lehman ends season with 28-20 win

Paul Matthews (pictured) rushed for 60 yards on seven carries, Paul Brown scored three touchdowns, and sophomore quarterback Jeremy Schilhab had 207 total yards in Lehman’s 28-20 win over Clemens Friday night at Shelton Stadium. (Photo by Cyndy Slovak-Barton)

By KEFF CIARDELLO

The Lobos saved their best for last as the Lehman football team won its District 27-4A finale 28-20 over Clemens at Shelton Stadium Friday night.

It was the first district win for Lehman, which finished the season 2-8 overall and 1-6 in 27-4A. Clemens finished the season 0-10 and 0-7.

“We talked about all week how we wanted to finish strong for the seniors,” said head coach Todd Raymond. “This also gives our young guys some momentum going into the offseason. I’m super proud of the way the kids played tonight.”

Sophomore Jeremy Schilhab started the game over junior Paul Matthews after seeing significant playing time last week in a loss to Lockhart. Although most of his production came via his speed out of the draw, Schiluab showed off his ability to handle the passing duties as well with 128 yards through the air.

“(Schilhab) came in these last few games and has done a really good job,” said Raymond. “It’s something for us to build on going into next season. It really allows people to see the diversity our offense has when he is out there running around and stretching the field.”

Despite not starting at quarterback, Matthews was on the field often at running back, wide receiver and quarterback throughout the game.

A blocked punt on the Buffaloes first possession set up the Lobos first drive inside Clemens’ 20-yard line. Five plays later, Paul Brown scampered around the edge and into the end zone for an 8-yard score.

The Lobos tipped the Buffaloes next punt attempt to put themselves in Clemens territory again. A long touchdown run was negated by a holding penalty. Lehman made up for it a couple plays later when Conner Baird hauled in a 69-yard Schilhab pass. One play later, Schiluab scored from 1-yard away and the Lobos led 14-0

Junior running back Paul Brown found the end zone again in the second quarter on a 1-yard dive, and Brown would score his third touchdown of the game on the Lobos first drive of the second half, this time on a 4-yard run that gave Lehman a 28-7 lead.

“I came into this game wanting to win for the seniors,” said Brown. “I’ve played with a lot of them for years so I wanted to do my job right. We went out and had fun instead of hanging our heads like we could have. I’m glad we all found something to play for and were able to send out our seniors with a win. We played as a team tonight.”

Clemens gained momentum in the third quarter when the Lobos failed to convert on fourth-and-5. The Buffaloes scored two unanswered touchdowns to get within eight points of the Lobos’ lead but that’s as close as they got.

“Clemens did a great job,” said Raymond. “They battled back and made it a lot closer than I thought it was going to be. I felt we left some points out there, offensively. I got cocky and should have punted it when we were up. I didn’t and that let them get back in it a bit. We finished strong, tough, and in the end that’s what matters.”

Brown finished with 86 yards on 18 carries for the Lobos. Schilhab threw for 128 yards and added 79 more yards on the ground for Lehman, and Baird had two catches for 90 yards in the season-ending contest for the Lobos. Matthews finished with 60 yards rushing.

J.J. Elkins completed 15 of 28 passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns for Clemens.