By By ERIKA PICKLES and SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
BATTLE CREEK – A 19-point second quarter lifted host Battle Creek Lakeview to a 26-0 opening night victory over Niles on Friday.
Neither team was able to dent the scoreboard in the opening quarter, however, Lakeview scored three times in the second quarter to take a 19-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Both teams failed to score in the third quarter, while Battle Creek capped the scoring with a fourth quarter touchdown.
Niles finished the night with 235 yards rushing, including 172 yards on 23 carries by Ben Brandstatter.
Asaad Ali added 28 yards on six carries, while Seth Jordan finished with 23 yards on five totes.
Niles was just 1-of-9 through the air. Andre White had the lone reception for the Vikings.
Defensively, Brandstatter led the team with seven tackles.
Mike Dodd and Trevor Ernsberger each had six stops. Conrad Muhumuza recovered a fumble for the Vikings.
Niles returns to action next Friday night as it hosts Sturgis in another Big 16 non-divisional contest.
Niles coach Dan Brawley was unavailable for comments following the game.
Niles 0 0 0 0 – 0
Lakeview 0 19 0 7 – 26
L – Laubengayer 5 run (Jake Labrecque kick)
L – Price 10 run (pass failed)
L – Bouyer 54 pass from Martin (run failed)
L – Martinovich 2 run (Ryan Jozwiak kick)
Records
Lakeview 1-0; Niles 0-1