Lancaster kept punching, but second-half turnovers do in the Gales
COLUMBUS – In a game that went back and forth, Lancaster kept swinging against Hamilton Township, but the Golden Gales ultimately did themselves in with too many turnovers in the second half.
Three Lancaster turnovers led directly to touchdowns for the host Rangers, and they took full advantage of the miscues to pull away for a 57-36 victory. The score was tied at 36-36 midway through the third quarter, and after Hamilton Township (2-0) scored to take the lead for good, the Gales (1-1) fumbled the ensuing kickoff, which led to another score, and then an interception tacked on more points as Hamilton Township scored the final 21 points of the game.
Game-changer
Lancaster seemed to be in great shape late in the first half after the Gales went on a 99-yard scoring drive. Gunner Richards capped the drive off with an 11-yard touchdown run, giving Lancaster a 21-14 with 5:24 left in the half.
On the Rangers’ ensuing offensive possession, the Gales’ defense had them backed up and facing a third-and-18 from Hamilton Township’s own 12-yard line, but the Rangers not only converted the first down, they would go on to score a touchdown three plays later. A two-point conversion pass gave the Rangers a 22-21 lead with 4:06 left in the half.
Lancaster fumbled on its first offensive play after getting the ball back, and the Rangers turned it into a touchdown to give them a 29-21 lead at halftime.
Week 2 scores: See how Fairfield County high school football teams fared in Week 2
Stats that matter
Lancaster’s defense had no answer for Hamilton Township quarterback Josh Woods, who completed 26 of 33 passes for 357 yards and four touchdowns, and he added a rushing touchdown. Running back Nadr Langston finished with 160 yards rushing on 20 carries and three touchdowns. The Rangers finished with 581 total yards.
The Gales finished with 357 total yards, including 314 yards rushing. Richards led the ground game with 127 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns. Xavier Goss had 95 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries and Cole Dickerson added 89 yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns.
Lancaster looks to rebound against Indians
Lancaster will return to the friendly confines of Fulton Field next Friday night as they host Canal Winchester in a non-conference game. The Indians improved to 2-0 after an overtime win over New Albany.
Tom Wilson is a sports reporter for the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. Contact him at 740-689-5150 or via email at twilson@gannett.com for comments or story tips. Follow him on Twitter @twil2323.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Lancaster battled all night against HT, but turnovers cost the Gales in 57-36 loss
