By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
STEVENSVILLE – The Lake-shore Lancers posted a 17-7 victory over visiting Niles Friday night in Big 16 football action.
The win brings Lakeshore to 5-3 on the season, while Niles falls to 3-5.
The Lancers put the first three points on the scoreboard when Kai Peng kicked a successful 35-yard field goal, however, it was the Vikings who hit paydirt first when Ben Brandstatter ran in a 5-yard touchdown at the 8:22 mark of the second period. Colin Freas' kick was good, bringing the score to 7-3.
Exactly two minutes later, Lakeshore's Brian Nekic scored from 5-yards out to put the Lancers back on top, 10-7 as Peng's PAT was good.
Neither team was able to score again in the first half.
The third period was very uneventful as once again the teams struggled to get points on the board.
It wasn't until the 1:26 mark of the fourth period when Lakeshore sealed the deal with a Nekic 48-yard touchdown. The extra point by Peng was good, posting the final score of the night.
For the Vikes, Ben Brandstatter was held to just 91 yards on the night on 29 carries. Quarterback Cameron Sly completed nine passes on 18 attempts for a total of 108 yards.
D.J. Wolnik had four receptions for 81 yards. He had one 38-yard reception. The Vikes ended the night with 267 total yards. Niles had 15 first downs, while Lakeshore had 10.
The Lancers ended the night with 160 total yards.
Niles is back in action next Friday for its last game of the season as it travels to Benton Harbor.
Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
Niles … 7
Lakeshore … 17
L – Kai Peng 35 field goal
N – Ben Brandstatter 5 run (Colin Freas kick)
L – Brian Nekic 5 run (Peng kick)
L – Nekic 48 run (Peng kick)