LEBANON NOTEBOOK

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Lindsay does it all

Saturday, December 5, 1998

BY DAVE SCHUTTE
Enquirer contributor

Joe Michael celebrates. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

MASSILLON, Ohio -- Held to 40 yards rushing on eight carries, Lebanon High senior Kelton Lindsay more than made up for it on defense against Chardon in the Division II state championship game.

Lindsay intercepted two passes, knocked down three passes and recovered a fumble.

But, the biggest play of all was the game-winning touchdown reception with 46 seconds remaining on a hook-and-ladder play. "We tried it early in the game, but the pass was too high," the Ohio State-bound senior said.

On the play, quarterback Brady Merchant fired a strike to David Linville at the Chardon 38. Hit immediately, Linville managed to lateral the ball to a streaking Lindsay who ran untouched for the touchdown.

"David was wrapped up and I wasn't sure he would get the ball to me," Lindsay said. "I usually jog behind the receiver but when I got it, I turned it on."

Alonzo Jones eludes a Chardon defender for a second-quarter TD. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

GOTTFRIED GETS TWO PICKS: Throughout the season, Andrew Gottfried came close to intercepting a pass, but failed to do so.

But, the senior linebacker came up big when it counted, intercepting Chardon quarterback Ryan Davis twice, including the game-saving grab with less than 30 seconds remaining.

"I didn't have time to think when I saw the ball coming," Davis said. "All I wanted to do was grab it, hold on and not fumble it."

WILLIAMS A WINNER: Although Mike Williams saw little action in the game, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound special team lineman may have been the happiest of all the Warriors to be at the state championship game.

"I've always wanted to be part of the team but couldn't because of my weight," Williams said. "This season was my last chance and I took it on myself and lost over 100 pounds in nine months to be ready."

Line coach Richard Pare couldn't believe what he saw when Williams reported for conditioning drills in early August.

"When Mike was a freshman, he weighed 315 pounds," Pare said. "He couldn't run from sideline to sideline. Last year, he was up to 340 pounds and played very little for the junior varsity team."

FANS SUPPORT: More than 2,600 tickets for the state championship game were sold at Lebanon but at least 4,000 fans showed up for the game.

A reception honoring the football team will be held 3 p.m. Sunday at Lebanon.

Thrilling day for Lebanon fans
More online at www.lebanonwarriors.com
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