Burros top Knights on Homecoming

Published 10:00 pm Friday, September 18, 2015

Alden-Conger quarterback Kaleb Bendickson tries to turn the corner as Lanesboro's Chris Freese attempts to keep him contained Friday on Homecoming at Alden. — Micah Bader/Albert Lea Tribune

Alden-Conger quarterback Kaleb Bendickson tries to turn the corner as Lanesboro’s Chris Freese attempts to keep him contained Friday on Homecoming at Alden. — Micah Bader/Albert Lea Tribune

ALDEN — Despite compiling 115 yards of total offense and making 11 first downs, the Alden-Conger football team was unable to find the end zone.

The Knights fell 46-0 Friday against Lanesboro on Homecoming at Alden.

Defensively, Alden-Conger (1-4, 1-4 South East) was led by four players with seven or more tackles: Gavin Steele, Jacob Wallin, Lucas VanEngelenburg and Josh Majerus.

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“Gavin Steele had one of his better games of the year, and Jacob Wallin did again as well,” said Knights coach Chad Mattson. “(Wallin) is the one constant we’ve had on both sides of the ball.”

Kaleb Bendickson led Alden-Conger from the pocket by completing 6-of-14 passes for 67 yards and an interception.

“We got a little work in on our passing game, which is something we needed,” Mattson said. “(Bendickson) started to grasp a few things.”

VanEngelenburg posted a team-high 11 carries for 44 yards. He also led the Knights with two receptions for 28 yards.

Leading Lanesboro’s backfield was Steven Rein and Collin Scott. Rein rushed for a game-high 116 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Scott added 107 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.

Alden-Conger began the season on Aug. 25 with a 56-32 home win victory over West Lutheran. Then, the gauntlet began.

In their second game, the Knights faced Spring Grove, the No. 2-ranked team in the Associated Press 9-Man polls. Next, Alden-Conger hosted Grand Meadow, the No. 1-ranked team and the back-to-back defending state champs.

After shutout losses against Spring Grove and Grand Meadow, the Knights lost 46-24 at Houston.

Lanesboro (2-3, 2-3 South East) faced Spring Grove and Grand Meadow in the first three weeks and started 0-3. The Burros rebounded with a 62-20 win on Sept. 11 at West Lutheran.

Next, the Knights will play at 7 p.m. next Friday at Randolph (3-2, 3-2 South East). The Rockets are coming off a 45-6 loss Friday at Spring Grove.