Wednesday October 21st 2009

Written by Derek Gless

GRAND RAPIDS—Lowell turned the ball over seven times in a 27-6 loss to the East Grand Rapids Pioneers. East Grand Rapids is the top ranked team in division three.

The Red Arrows took a 6-0 lead in the first quarter on a 9-yard run by sophomore quarterback Gabe Dean. The big play on the five play 60 yard drive was a 43 yard pass reception by senior Derek Cornish. Lowell failed convert on the extra point after a miscue on the snap.

On the Pioneer's next possession East Grand Rapids would move the ball down to the Lowell seven yard line before junior quarterback Ryan Elble stumbled while handing the ball off, resulting in a fumble and a turnover to Lowell.

On the very next play, after a solid hit by an East Grand Rapids defender, senior Austin Graham fumbled the ball. AJ McEwen scooped up the fumble and took it into the end zone. Kicker Bobby Aardema would miss the extra point.

The Pioneers would take the lead just before the half. After the Lowell defense forced an East Grand Rapids punt the Red Arrows fumbled the ball back to the Pioneers on the return. East would capitalize on the turnover going 30 yards in five plays for a touchdown. Elble hit senior Kirk Spencer in the corner of the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown to give the Pioneers a 13-7 lead at the half.

East Grand Rapids extended their lead early in the third quarter when Spencer returned a Lowell punt 70-yards for a touchdown. The extra point gave the Pioneers a 20-6 lead.

Spencer would come up big on the next Lowell possession after the punt return, intercepting Dean and taking the ball down to the Red Arrow ten yard line.

Lowell's defense would hold, forcing a turnover on downs at their own three yard line.

On the very next play Dean would pitch the ball back to Cornish who attempted a pass down the Lowell sideline. The pass was intercepted by senior Josh Drummond and returned 15 yards for a touchdown. The touchdown gave the Pioneers a 27-6 lead.

The Red Arrows threw two more interceptions before the game was over and the Pioneers won 27-6.

Lowell's defense played very well, holding the Pioneers to 159 totals yards.

The Red Arrow offense totaled 243 yards behind Dean who completed 8-of-20 passes for 151 yards.

Austin Graham led the Red Arrows on the ground with 85 yards on 22 carries. Cornish caught four passes for 103 yards.

The Pioneers were led by Spencer with 74 yards rushing on 27 carries. Quarterback Ryan Elble completed 9-of-14 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.

Lowell faces Northview (5-3) on Friday in the final week of the regular season.