LAKEPORT — The Clear Lake Cardinals certainly have a flair for the dramatic when it comes to playing the Pierce Bears.
Jameson Holder”s 35-yard touchdown pass to Erik Jameson with 18 seconds remaining lifted the Cardinals to a 14-7 non-league varsity football victory on Friday night in Lakeport. A year ago in Arbuckle, the Cardinals scored with eight seconds left to beat the Bears 19-13.
Jameson”s touchdown catch should have locked up the game for the Cardinals (1-0) in their season opener, but there was plenty of excitement yet to come. Pierce returned the ensuing kickoff to the Clear Lake 10-yard line and took three cracks at winning the game from there. Two incomplete passes set up the game”s final play, a run that was stopped at the 2-yard line as time expired.
“Oh God, I lost my voice,” Clear Lake coach Milo Meyer said of a dramatic end to what was otherwise an ugly night for the Cardinals, who turned the ball over three times, snapped a ball over the head of their punter and committed 135 yards in penalties.
The most costly penalty by far for the Cardinals was a clip that negated a long Mike Zimmerman touchdown run in the first half.
“It (the clip) was 20 yards behind the play,” Meyer said.
Zimmerman did score on a 10-yard run in the third quarter, which together with his extra-point kick pulled the Cardinals even at 7.
Clear Lake”s game-winning drive came after Pierce pushed the ball inside the Cardinals” 20, elected not to go for a field goal, and then turned the ball over on downs.
Holder marched Clear Lake down the field, including a 35-yard run on a third-and-eight play. He connected with Jameson on the very next play for a touchdown, an out-and-up pass that Jameson caught in the end zone.
Zimmerman rushed for 97 yards on 13 carries.
Clear Lake”s defense was anchored by inside linebacker Chaz Ballew, who had 13 unassisted tackles.
While pleased to come away with a win, Meyer was anything but pleased with the efforts and attitudes of a handful of his starters.
“I”ve got some real attitude problems,” Meyer said.
