On 2nd-and-8 from their own 36, the Wildcats hand off to junior running back Trevor Codak, who breaks downfield but fumbles as he’s tackled. The home crowd erupts as the Lancers recover the ball. But the fumble was disallowed as Codak was down before he fumbled, allowing Eureka to retain possession.
A couple plays later, Codak rushes for a 6-yard touchdown, extending the Wildcat’s lead to 30-15 with just 2 minutes left in the 4th.
Lafayette hosted bitter rivals Eureka in the Battle of 109, Oct. 11. Both teams came into the game with perfect 6-0 records, but the Lancers winning streak would come to an end, as the Wildcats beat them 30-15.
The Lancers outplayed the Wildcats, 15-7, in the 2nd half, but due to Eureka’s clock management, they were able to hold off Lafayette.
Lafayette started the game strong with an interception by sophomore defensive back Jeremey Williams, but Williams was tackled in the endzone after stepping out of it leading to a safety and 2 point lead for the Wildcats.
After this the Wildcats capitalized on the mistake with a 76-yard punt return, followed by a touchdown making the score 9-0 in the 1st.
By halftime, Eureka led Lafayette 23-0, as the Lancers only real scoring chance came late in the 2nd quarter, where senior kicker Jake Ference had his field goal attempt blocked.
Lancers’ Field Goal attempt is Blocked by the Wildcats. The Eureka Wildcats will take over at the 19 yard line. pic.twitter.com/O1OnHaRTp2
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) October 12, 2024
Lafayette came back strong in the 3rd quarter, with senior quarterback Jack Behl leading a 60-yard touchdown drive, which was capped off by a 17-yard receiving touchdown by a senior wide receiver and Northwestern commit Robby Preckel, making the score 23-7.
TOUCHDOWN LANCERS!!! QB Jack Behl Finds #1 Robby Preckel in the Endzone who still holds on despite the Eureka defender holding him. pic.twitter.com/o6kNetbMrr
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) October 12, 2024
The next drive ended scoreless for the Wildcats as they turned over possession on downs at Lafayette’s 22.
The Lancer’s quickly scored again, after Behl connected with junior wide receiver Brady Micek on a 39-yard touchdown throw. Lafayette’s two point conversion would be converted by senior wide receiver Patrick Boyette to make it an 8-point game.
QB Jack Behl throws a DOT to WR Brady Micek who makes the amazing catch for the LANCER TOUCHDOWN!!!!! 23-13 Wildcats with 10:08 to go in the half. pic.twitter.com/bVD3jVimZC
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) October 12, 2024
#17 Patrick Boyette holds on for the 2-PT conversion!! 23-15 Lancers still trailing in Q4 pic.twitter.com/NnzPrPMGZz
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) October 12, 2024
Eureka led by Codak and senior left tackle Jack Lange would score on the after a long drive to ice the game at 30-15.
With less than two minutes left in the game, Lafayette would turnover the ball, and the Wildcats would win the Battle of 109 and the Mayor’s Trophy after a two year losing streak.
Behl finished the game with 294 passing yards and two touchdown passes. Both of his touchdowns and 204 of his yards came during the second half.
Both teams look to make a deep playoff run, so the potential rematch is possible.
For Lafayette, this was their last home game of the regular season. Their matchup is against Lindbergh Oct. 18, and they will finish the season on Oct. 25 versus their other rivals Marquette.
Coach Manne reflects on the loss and how it impacts the team’s attitude. pic.twitter.com/Jg2kIWsXJC
— The Lancer Feed (@thelancerfeed) October 12, 2024
