The Warriors slash the Cardinals
Cardinals fall in non-conference play
By: Xander Foster
Last week's game between Lincoln Lutheran and Doniphan‑Trumbull was one of those down-to-the-wire gridiron contests. The Warriors came away with an 18‑16 victory, handing the Cardinals their first loss this season.
“We played really well. We needed to learn what it was like to play a 4 quarter game against a good team. We were able to do that. We learned a lot about ourselves and what we can be. Like always, we have some things to clean up and get ready for the next week, but I really like where we are as a team through 3 games," said head coach Mr. Jordan Conner.
From the very start, the game was closely played. Neither team led by more than a few points for very long, and momentum shifted back and forth. For Doniphan‑Trumbull, the loss was a rare setback after starting the season undefeated.
Lincoln Lutheran's victory was fueled by senior quarterback Henry Prokop's spectacular all-around performance, which included both running and passing. He ran for more than 180 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown. He gained an additional 90 yards through the air and another score. His dual-threat playmaking was the difference in a close battle.
“Stopping Prokop was challenging because he was a downhill runner, and we needed to rally to the football,” said senior safety Jack Poppe.
On Doniphan‑Trumbull's side, things were not a complete loss. Seniors Taylon Bennett and Poppe both scored in the 3rd. Bennett's efforts, in particular, were impressive—he was a mainstay of the Cardinals' offense throughout the battle.
“The first half was rough, but after halftime we fixed things up and had a great second half,” said senior quarterback Parker Volk.
This loss broke Doniphan‑Trumbull's perfect streak, dropping the team’s record to 2‑1. Lincoln Lutheran, on the other hand, is now 3‑0, picking up not only the win but also a morale boost after beating a tough opponent.
The narrow two-point margin—18-16—emphasized how evenly matched these two teams were. It was at times a defensive struggle, a game of will, and one in which execution at the end was more important than any big-play blowout.
“Close games like this are a good reminder that it’s the little things, the consistency in every play, that are important, especially when it comes down to the wire,” said senior wide receiver Harrison Windfield.
This game will surely be a learning experience for Doniphan‑Trumbull. Losing early in the season can rebuild a team—identifying where margins are thin and where they must shore up gaps. For Lincoln Lutheran, it's affirmation: that they're playing well presently and that they can finish off close, pressure-filled games.
“Weaknesses are the wrong word. Details. Pad level. Angles. Understanding what 4th quarter pressure is. Those are the things we discovered about ourselves that we need to clean up,” said Conner
The Cardinals will travel to Cross Country to take on the Cougars on Friday, Sept. 19th at 7:00 p.m.