LAUREL – The Laurel Locomotives did it on offense, defense, and special teams Saturday.
In the first half alone, Laurel blocked two punts, recovered a fumble, and had two long touchdown runs to seal a 38-12 win over Lewistown in both teams’ 2018 season opener.
The Golden Eagles were driving for the opening score in the first quarter when Laurel forced and recovered a fumble inside its own red zone. On Lewistown’s next possession, Laurel got a hand on the Eagles’ punt, giving the Locomotives the ball in plus territory. On the next play, Ethan Renner took a reverse pitch 46 yards for the game’s first touchdown.
On Lewistown’s next punt attempt, the snap went over Gage Clinton’s head. He recovered the ball, but was hit as he tried to get the kick off and fumbled. Jaxon Wittmayer recovered it on a bounce and returned it to the end zone for a touchdown and a 14-0 Laurel lead.
Cameron Younger provided a spark early in the second quarter. The Locomotive running back broke two tackles at the line of scrimmage and raced 47 yards for Laurel’s third touchdown, putting the game out of reach.
Laurel is now 1-0 in the Eastern A, while Lewistown falls to 0-1. The Locomotives travel to Miles City next Friday, Aug. 31 for a 7 p.m. game. Lewistown will host Havre at the same date and time.
