Notre Dame runs past Lipscomb Mustangs, 34-7

Football
Football

Notre Dame hosted the Lipscomb Academy Mustangs in the first round of the TSSAA Division II-AA playoffs Friday night and eventually romped to a 34-7 victory.

Despite the decisive final margin, the Fighting Irish led only 14-7 at halftime, and coach Charles Fant's message to his team was clear. He was not pleased with their preparation for the game and preached a message of cleaning up their act before next week's game.

"We play the game the right way here. And I feel like, at times, when kids get to a certain part of the season, they kind of rest," Fant said. "What I told them at halftime is, 'Look, guys, you've got to do what we ask you to do. You go through the process.'

"We have three penalties where we rough the passer. We're coming off the field and our offense gets the ball. We give them an opportunity. Those are the things that - each round you go - get you beat. We've got to go out, do our work and everything is going to be fine. That was our message."

The negatives were offset, however, by the rushing attack Notre Dame uses. Senior Akil Sledge and junior Cameron Wynn paved the way for the Fighting Irish, running for multiple touchdowns each along the way. Sledge finished the first half with seven carries for 135 yards, including his first touchdown on a 68-yard run with 2:35 remaining in the first quarter to put Notre Dame ahead 14-0.

"It was great watching them. I think we almost had 200 yards or so in the first half," Fant said. "But you look at it, and we only had 14 points. But because you can run the football, you can win championships.

"With those two, one week it's one player, then it's the other. Now Cameron has been consistent. It's great to see Akil Sledge having a great game again at the running back position. Those two guys were just phenomenal tonight."

Next Friday, the Fighting Irish will look to continue their march through the playoffs when they host Grace Christian from Knoxville.

Contact Thomas Black at sports@timesfreepress.com.

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