By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
The Cair Paravel Lions endured a test of their character Friday night, matched in just their third game of 11-man football with the ninth-ranked team in Class 2A.
Cair Paravel senior quarterback Jase Pavlik attempts a pass in Friday's 46-0 loss to Council Grove. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Cair Paravel senior Ben Roeder (5) carries the ball in Friday's 46-0 loss to Council Grove. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
The Lions survived a similar test a week earlier, hanging with even higher-ranked Osage City. But Friday’s battle with Council Grove – Cair Paravel’s first home game as an 11-man team – ended in a 46-0 defeat at Washburn University’s Yager Stadium.
The Braves suited up 46 players Friday to just 18 for Cair Paravel. Facing a difference in size at essentially every position across the field, the Lions looked for positives to take away following the defeat.
“(Opponents like this) definitely show your weaknesses,” said Cair Paravel coach Doug Bonura. “I told the guys I’m proud of them. We didn’t quite play the game that we wanted to play. I don’t know if that’s because of (Council Grove) or because of us yet. That’s what film tells us. But I’m proud of the way they played.”
“But we’ve got to figure some things out, because it’s not going to be easy this year. Nothing’s easy.”
The Braves came out firing to start the contest. But after surrendering two quick touchdowns, the Lions’ defense stiffened. The highlight of the first half for the home team was holding Council Grove out of the end zone on three consecutive series.
When it appeared the Lions might make it to halftime trailing just 13-0, a long Braves’ pass put them in scoring position with less than two minutes remaining. Ace Monihen blasted in for a 2-yard touchdown.
After two plays on the ensuing drive, Monihen scooped up an errant pitch in the Lion backfield and dashed 29 yards for the Braves’ fourth touchdown of the half to lead 27-0.
With a few key players hobbled in the first half, the Lions scrambled to hold things together after halftime. A running clock brought on a speedy end to the 46-0 defeat.
Monihen scored on two short runs and an interception return to lead Council Grove. The Braves exercised their passing attack, throwing the ball 23 times despite holding a commanding lead. Sophomore quarterback Luke Stewart completed passes to seven different receivers. Senior Levi Waring took two of Stewart’s throws into the end zone.
After the final whistle, Bonura huddled the team and discussed how they would move forward.
“We celebrate what we do well. We still played relatively hard,” Bonura said. “We said this is about growing and getting better.
“That’s what life is about. Sometimes the odds are against you – size, speed – but you just keep battling. You never give up. If you’re going to quit here, what else are you going to quit on in life?”
The Lions will take another crack at a Flint Hills League opponent when they travel to Mission Valley next Friday. Cair Paravel’s lone victory thus far came at West Franklin in the season opener.
COUNCIL GROVE 46, CAIR PARAVEL 0
Council Grove (3-0, 3-0) 13 14 13 6 -- 46
Cair Paravel (1-2, 1-2) 0 0 0 0 -- 0
Council Grove – Waring 30 pass from Stewart (Goodell kick)
Council Grove – Monihen 1 run (kick failed)
Council Grove – Monihen 2 run (pass failed)
Council Grove – Monihen 29 fumble return (Dody pass from Stewart)
Council Grove – Doornbros 30 interception return (Goodell kick)
Council Grove – Dody 20 interception return (pass failed)
Council Grove – Waring 12 pass from Stewart (kick failed)
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing – Council Grove: Monihen 10-94, Goodell 8-78, French 3-4, Doornbos 5-47, Sherwood 1-1, Waring 1-3. Cair Paravel: Roeder 1-(minus)2, Pavlik 4-(minus)14, Bonura 10-38, Hastert 3-(minus)4.
Passing – Council Grove: Steward 9-21-0 132 yards, Monihen 0-2-1 0 yards. Cair Paravel: Pavlik 4-7-1 56 yards, Hastert 1-7-2 4 yards.
Receiving – Council Grove: Waring 2-42, Kepley 1-7, French 1-42, Dody 2-12, Samuels 1-14, Gant 1-9, Goodell 1-6. Cair Paravel: Roeder 3-52, Marichal 1-4, Hastert 1-4.
Punting – Council Grove: none. Cair Paravel: Bonura 3-29.7.
