The Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Thunder ended a 45-game winless streak spanning back to 2005 Friday night, defeating the West Central Area Knights at home 21-14.

The Thunder pounded the ball all night long rushing 60 times for 224 yards.

In the first quarter, the Thunder had little trouble moving the ball down the field, scoring on a reception by senior Lenard Bennett. Bennett got separation from the West Central Area defender, catching the ball over his shoulder in stride and marching it into the end zone. An extra point put the Thunder up 7-0.

LPGE added to its lead with a touchdown run late in the second quarter to go up 14-0 over the Knights.

Before halftime, the Knights scored a touchdown after forcing the Thunder to go three-and-out from inside thier own five yard line. A successful two point conversion pass would bring the halftime score to 14-8.

On the first play after the kickoff, the Thunder fumbled the ball away giving the Knights a opportunity to take the lead. The Knights were able to get good field position and use a few penalties to march down the field to for a touchdown, but a failed two-point conversion left the game tied 14-14.

The LPGE offense proved to be too much for West Central Area.

The Thunder offense continued to pound the Knights on the ground. LPGE got into the end zone and kicked the extra point to take a 21-14 lead.

This lead proved to be enough decisive.

The Thunder defense limited the West Central Area offense to 58 yards rushing and 70 yards passing on the game.

Austin Kaiser battled some injuries throughout the game to lead all rushers with 88 yards on 16 carries. Ben Frieler carried the ball 17 times for 59 yards and Cody Stewart added 47 yards on 17 carries.

“The boys played hard, they took the line of scrimmage back,” coach Gary Graham said after the game.

The Thunder will host the Osakis Silverstreaks Friday.

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