by Moses Leos III

Fourteen unanswered third quarter points provided the Akins Eagles momentum to power past the Lehman Lobos 31-10 Thursday at Burger Stadium. 

Turnovers and miscues hindered Lehman (0-4, 0-2), which dropped its tenth consecutive game in a row dating back to the 2014 season. The Lobos’ last win came against Akins on Sept. 19, 2014. 

The Lobos’ struggles began on the very first play from scrimmage. An errant snap over the head of starting sophomore quarterback Jeremiah Brown allowed Akins to gather the ball at the Lobo 1-yard-line. Akins needed two plays to punch in a score, topped off by a one-yard touchdown run by running back Kenan Lockhart. 

The Eagles led 6-0 before the Lobos responded back. Brown, who was making his first start, led Lehman on a nine play drive, capped off by a seven yard touchdown pass to Tyler Henderson. 

But Akins countered by orchestrating a 10-0 run midway through the second quarter. Guiding the Eagle offense was the duo of quarterback Michael Gonzales and wide receiver Jermaine Thomas. The two connected five times for 100 yards during the Eagles’ 10-point run. It was highlighted by a 13-yard touchdown pass from Gonzales to Thomas to give the Eagles a 17-7 lead. 

The Lobos fought back, led by the running attack of Brown and running back Bryan Mendoza. The Lobos benefitted from Brown’s speed and agility and Mendoza’s ability to power past defenders. 

It led to the Lobos manufacturing a eight play scoring drive to close out the first half. A Penniel Rodas 44-yard field goal cut the Akins lead to 17-10. 

But Akins reclaimed the momentum in the third frame. It was kick started after the Eagle defense forced a Lobo interception. Akins offense took advantage and padded their lead via a 12-yard touchdown pass from Gonzales to Thomas. 

Akins captured momentum for good after a blocked punt deep in Lehman territory on the ensuing drive. Akins tallied the final score on a two yard touchdown run by Lockhart.