ARCADIA — Last season’s opening-week loss to Hamilton Heights didn’t define Lapel’s eventual sectional championship-winning season.
Lapel coaches, players and fans are hoping that statement rings true again this year.
The Bulldogs opened the 2023 football season with a 27-14 loss on the road at Hamilton Heights on Friday.
The Huskies opened up the scoring with a four-minute drive to start the game, capped off by a Bodie Derrer 18-yard passing touchdown to Keaton Weaver.
Following a Lapel punt, another long Hamilton Heights drive was thwarted by a Rylie Hudson interception in the red zone.
The interception was the beginning of a big night for the junior safety and wide receiver.
After a Carson Fetting 10-yard rushing touchdown gave the Huskies a 14-0 halftime lead, Hudson and the Bulldogs fought back in the second half.
A Logan White reception midway through the third quarter set up quarterback Devin Craig to hit Hudson for the Bulldogs’ first score of the season. The 22-yard strike brought Lapel back within one score, 14-7.
On their next possession, though, the Huskies answered. Another long drive was capped off by an Owen Vanhaaren 16-yard touchdown run.
With around five minutes to go in the game, Craig and Hudson connected once again, this time from 10 yards to bring the Bulldogs back within striking distance again, 20-14.
Two interceptions by Hamilton Heights, and one returned for a touchdown, in the closing minutes sealed the Bulldogs’ fate.
Along with the two touchdowns and first-half interception, Hudson led the Bulldogs with 13 tackles and added one tackle for loss.
Senior Jayden Rodriguez had three tackles for loss and two sacks to lead the team in both categories. Another senior, Matt Carpenter, had two tackles for loss and a sack.
Craig completed 14 of his 28 pass attempts for 194 yards and two touchdowns.
Logan White caught two passes for 77 yards, and Nick Witte accumulated 67 yards.
On the ground, the Bulldogs were led by Jack Miller with 35 yards.
Lapel returns home Friday to take on Frankton (0-1) at 7 p.m.
