LOWER LAKE 15, MIDDLETOWN 13

The battle for the NCL I-North title was exactly what most expected it to be -- a close, hard-fought game that revolved around defense.

Middletown's Tyler Owen went in with about 5:40 left to cut the score to 15-13. But Lower Lake (6-3-1, 3-0-1) ground out a couple of first downs, and when the Mustangs got the ball back they were 92 yards from the end zone with only a couple minutes left. It wasn't enough time.

Jake Sanders had 156 rushing yards on 30 carries for Lower Lake. Owen finished with 138 yards on 29 attempts. Lower Lake had a pair of interceptions, while Steven Arson (15) and Mike Deacons (13) led the Trojans in tackles. Middletown fell to 6-4, 3-1.