Benet Academy emerged victorious on Friday night, edging out Lena‑Winslow High School by a 34‑28 margin in a contest that doubled as the head‑coach debut for James White. The win not only gave White his first victory at the high‑school level but also set the tone for a season that many expect to be competitive.
A Coach’s First Victory
White’s preparation paid off as his aggressive play‑calling and strategic conversions kept the team ahead throughout the game. The win was especially meaningful because it came against a program that had been the reigning 1A state champion just a year earlier.
The opening quarter saw Alex Mitchell hand the ball to Hawke Lawler, who burst through for a 40‑yard touchdown that put Benet on the board first. The early score set a confident tone, but Lena‑Winslow answered with a long pass from Brody Cox to Cooper Knoup that moved the ball deep into Benet territory.
Ian Geiseman’s subsequent touchdown, followed by a successful two‑point conversion, gave Benet an 8‑7 lead. John Ericson later added another rushing score, extending the advantage to a seven‑point cushion by the end of the first quarter.
Turning Points in the Second Half
The third quarter saw Ian Geiseman strike again, and a connection between Mitchell and Giovanni Sanderlin produced a second touchdown for Benet. A two‑point conversion by Mitchell to Tyler Lakis tied the score at 28‑28, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
With just minutes left, a fumble shifted possession. Mason Elliot recovered the loose ball for Benet, and the team capitalized on the turnover to push the final score to 34‑28. The play underscored the importance of ball security and highlighted the resilience of White’s squad.
White’s first win as a head coach will be remembered not just for the final tally but for the way his team executed under pressure. The victory over a former state champion provides a psychological boost and signals that Benet is poised to contend in the weeks ahead.