Indian Lake’s football team struggled to get any type of momentum going Friday as visiting Anna slowly secured a 27-0 victory in a regular season finale for the Lakers.
It was also the end of an era for Indian Lake head coach Dave Coburn who is retiring from coaching after 24 years with the Lakers’ football program.
Coburn, a consummate professional, always fielded a competitive team, was a true role model for his players and earned the respect from many in the area. He led the Lakers to three state playoff appearances and five Central Buckeye Conference Mad River division titles.
“It’s family for me,” said Coburn. “The most important thing is the coaches I have coaching for me. The loyalty they’ve displayed over the years is unmatched. That loyalty built a family and the program we have.
“I’m indebted to the Indian Lake community, to the players and to the coaches for a great 24 year career. I’ll forever be indebted to them for making me feel at home and making me feel a part of this community.”
Friday’s game was a wet and muddy battle that saw Anna out gain Indian Lake 314-83 in total offense. The Lakers finish the season with a 4-5 record, while the Rockets are now 3-6.
“The biggest thing the weather conditions played a big part,” said Coburn. “I thought Anna handled those conditions better than we did.
“We played well, even on defense. We haven’t given up 27 points many times this year, just against Graham. But on fourth down we played very poorly. I wish we could have done a little more to be in the game, but we just didn’t have our ‘A’ game tonight.”
Anna took advantage of an Indian Lake fumble midway through the first quarter. The Rockets eventually turned that into a score when quarterback Kohlten Carey scrambled 17-yards for a touchdown. That put Anna ahead 7-0 with 5:08 left on the clock.
Another Indian Lake miscue helped set up Anna’ next score during the second quarter.
The Lakers botched a punt deep in their own territory. That gave the Rockets the ball on Indian Lake’s 16-yard line. A handful of plays later, Carey raced into the end zone on an 11-yard run. The extra point kick failed for a 13-0 score with 4:12 left in the half.
Anna managed to find pay dirt one more time in the second quarter. The Rockets converted two key fourth-down plays to help Brandon Axe toss a 10-yard TD pass to Zach Ambos. That score put the Rockets ahead 20-0 with three seconds before halftime.
A gritty second half saw neither team score in the third quarter.
Anna sealed the game with one more touchdown in the fourth quarter. Brandon Axe punched in a 1-yard run with 6:26 remaining in the game for a 27-0 score.
Elijah Slagle highlighted Indian Lake’s offense with 35 rushing yards and 20 receiving yards. Caleb Wurster competed two passes for 24 yards.
Anna’s Carey finished the game with 96 rushing yards and two scores on 31 carries and completed four passes for 40 yards.