Prep football: West Branch upsets third-ranked Lisbon

LISBON — The key to playing through a heat wave is being cool under pressure. West Branch figured out airing it out was for the cool in them.

The Bears (1-0) scored first and used a strong team defensive performance to upset Class A third-ranked Lisbon, 28-20, in the season-opening game for both teams.

Quarterback Lucas Lamont, in his first varsity game, led a potent offensive attack for the Bears. He finished the game with 166 yards passing and three TDs.

On the third play from scrimmage, Lamont connected with Aaron Barnes on a slant and the sophomore wide receiver took it 64 yards for a touchdown.

The Lions took the ball right down the field and answered. Logan Richard hit Cameron Jorgenson from 7 yards out.

The big plays continued for the Bears. Junior receiver Mason Hayes grabbed the ball 20 yards out and scampered the last 35 for the second Bear touchdown.

Lisbon got another short touchdown pass from Rickard to Connor Woodward.

Yet another big play from the arm of Lamont, this time to his cousin Tyler Donovan from 45 yards. After that, it was the Bear defense that took over. Limiting the Lions to less than 70 yards of offense in the final two and a half quarters.

West Branch's final touchdown came from running back Michael Gould from four yards out. The hard-running senior eclipsed the 100-yard mark.

Woodward scored a late touchdown to complete the scoring for the Lions.

West Branch Coach Butch Peterson has won 25 of 31 season-opening games.

Lisbon travels to Alburnett next week, while the Bears will entertain Durant at the Little Rose Bowl in West Branch.