Debbie McFarlin

Daniel Lions Ethan Whtie and fellow teammate take down Seneca Bobcats Chris Robinson #28 in the second quarter.

SENECA — Seneca Bobcat coach Ron Duncan said earlier in the week that he “hoped his team could play well” in its game against the Daniel Lions Friday night.

The 61st edition of the historic rivalry turned into a bruising defensive battle with the Lions earning a hard fought 14-0 victory at Bobcat Stadium in Seneca.

With players like defensive lineman Lucas White, a returning starter, hobbled with an ankle injury and not playing at 100 percent, Duncan lamented the rash of injuries that have cast a pall on the Bobcat’s season. But, White and Jalen Hunter turned in inspired play as a tough Bobcat defensive front stifled the run up the middle and forced the Lions to run wide and pass down field in order to move the ball.

“We may be playing one of the toughest schedules in the state,” Duncan said. “We certainly have had more than our share of broken bones and knee injuries this season,” he said.

Seneca used James Hunter at quarterback to start the game. He moved the Bobcats down field with his running and ball handling skills, but was unable to get the ball over the goal line. Daniel used eight men in the box to control the line of scrimmage and thwarted the Bobcats in the red zone repeatedly.

Seneca punter Seth Rothell kept the Bobcats in the game early and pinned the Lions deep in their own territory with several good angle kicks out of bounds and away from Daniel return men.

As time was running down in the second quarter Daniel went to the passing game and moved the ball down the field with several passes in the flat to the wide receivers. Then quarterback Justin Walker hit Deandre Hopkins on a 62-yard slant route that went all the way for the only score of the half.

At the end of the first half the score was Daniel 7, Seneca 0.

Daniel had 16 carries for 43 yards and Seneca had 24 carries for 58 yards in the first half. Seneca running back Chris Robinson had 15 carries for 49 yards in the first half, while Daniel’s Michael Wingard was held to 6 yards rushing in 10 carries.

As the second half began Daniel moved the ball with a balance of passing, reverses and hard running up the middle.

Midway thought the third quarter Walker hit Marquez McDowell on a 14-yard pass route for the touchdown and the final score of the game.