Lake Park’s big play passing offense overpowers East Aurora

Lake Park just wanted to end the season on a high note. East Aurora wanted to find something to build toward the future.

With both schools playing for pride, Lake Park used a big play offense to subdue the Tomcats 42-8 Friday night in Aurora.

The Lancers (4-5, 3-3 Upstate Eight Valley) jumped out to a 28-0 lead at halftime. Lake Park opened the scoring with a six-play, 75-yard drive that ended with quarterback Zack Gehant throwing a 16-yard touchdown strike to Scott Filip.

Curtwan Evans (four carries, 87 yards) exploded for a 60-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter.

Receiver Kevin Teglia broke the game open with two spectacular scoring receptions from Gehant. Teglia scored on a 68-yard bomb and a 24-yard screen pass. In producing season totals of 52 catches, 1,009 yards and 17 touchdowns, Teglia set school records. He ended the season in style with the five catches for 148 yards and the two touchdowns.

“The first [score] was just a fade down the sideline, and the second one was a bubble screen,” Teglia said. “Guys made two great blocks and I had one guy to beat. It was great to get the record, and I’m emotional right now. The linemen all year were giving Zack the time, and [the records are] for both of us.”

Peter Iwanicki picked off a Victor Garcia pass and returned it 28 yards for a Lancer defensive score to start the second half. After an errant punt snap that Lake Park recovered, Zach Thomson scored on a two-yard run.

East Aurora (0-9, 0-6) salvaged some pride by responding with an 11-play, 80-yard drive. Marcus Massey finished with 173 yards on 30 carries. He impressed during the drive, carrying the ball 11 time that he finished with a four-yard scamper for the touchdown. He added the two-point conversion. He had a 49-yard run in the fourth quarter.

“It was the last game of the season, and I tried to do it for the seniors,” said Massey, who will return next year. “I couldn’t have done it without the linemen.”

First-year coach Kurt Becker and his staff, looking to continue the rebuilding effort next year, also recognized senior lineman Federico Diaz.

“This was a successful season for us,” Diaz said. “There were victories for us–maybe not on the scoreboard. We built something that will be remembered here. I’ll remember this for the rest of my life.”