After shutting out Northwest last week and getting shut out by McCluer North the week before, the Lancers faced an unexpected Homecoming challenge from Fox (0-5).

But senior Tyler Manne hauled in a pair of long touchdown catches in the fourth quarter to help the Lancers win 26-17 and improve to 5-1 on the season. It was Manne’s second straight game with two touchdown receptions.

“We underestimated our opponent, but really played better in the second half,” junior offensive lineman Niles Burdell said.

Things started slowly as neither team could find an offensive rhythm in a scoreless first quarter. The Warriors contributed to the slow pace by running the ball 35 times while attempting just seven passes.

Of their 91 passing yards, most came on a 63-yard touchdown pass by Tyler Thompson in the third quarter to tie it at 7-7. They took a 10-7 lead when Nick Bartollota hit a 30-yard field goal later on.

The Lancers got even with a 33-yard kick by junior Daniel Manees to make it 10-10

Then, following a 60-yard rushing touchdown by Fox’s Cameron Blanton that tied the score at 17-17, Manne got past the opposing secondary for a 39-yard score. It was junior quarterback Matt Goro’s second touchdown pass, the first being a 4-yard strike to junior John Voit in the second quarter.

The Lancers quickly forced Fox to punt on its next possession, only to have a big return by a penalty. Just a couple of plays later, senior Will Dupont took a reverse hand-off and found Manne on the goal line from 37-yards out to take a 24-17 lead.

A late safety would make it 26-17.

The Lancers take onOakville (3-3) at home on Oct. 7.