Lawrence North beats Lawrence Central in IHSAA football: Turning point, top performers

INDIANAPOLIS – For the first time in 11 years, rivals Lawrence North and Lawrence Central opened their respective high school football seasons against each other in Week 1 .

An opening night tradition in years’ past, the annual battle for the Dwain Bell Trophy was moved to Week 3 after the 2013 season.

On Friday night, the rivalry didn’t disappoint, as Lawrence North added to its all-time series lead (29-14) with a 33-26 victory over Lawrence Central.

IHSAA football scores: Week 1 roundup, highlights, stats from across Central Indiana

Play of the Game: Indiana recruit Davion Chandler put his athleticism on display for two crucial catches, measuring 30-plus yards. His third of six receptions unfolded on a one-play drive midway through the second quarter in a jump-ball situation. Chandler elevated and hauled in a 33-yard TD pass from quarterback Tanner Aspeslet. Chandler added another clutch jump-ball, securing a 34-yard first-down catch on 3rd-and-22 in the fourth quarter down the right sideline during LN’s final drive.

Top Performer: Aspeslet came to play in the season opener. The senior quarterback completed 13-of-19 pass attempts for 213 yards and three touchdowns. He rushed for 32 yards. Aspeslet connected with three different receivers for TD passes of 22, 31 and 33 yards.

Turning Point: With the game still in doubt, the Lawrence North defense seized the momentum in the first half. Lawrence North led 14-7 as both teams traded blows before a forced fumble created by senor Marcus Jackson, which he lateralled to senior Dalone Lunsford, went for a 30-yard touchdown. LN scored two TDs on consecutive LC series spoiled by turnovers, beginning with Jackson’s big play.

LAWRENCE NORTH 33, LAWRENCE CENTRAL 26

LN – Damario Moore 22 pass from Tanner Aspeslet (Nick Kurowski kick)

LC – Dalen Lewis 19 pass from Terry Walker III (Cooper Jordan kick)

LN – Monshun Sales 31 pass from Aspeslet (Kurowski kick)

LN – Dalone Lunsford fumble return, (2pt failed), 5:35

LN – Davion Chandler 33 pass from Aspeslet (2pt failed)

LC – Caron Parks 8 run (Jordan kick)

LN – Izayveon Moore 1 run (Kurowski kick)

LC – Chyron Harrison 3 run (kick blocked)

LC – Walker III 10 run (kick blocked)

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Lawrence North beats Lawrence Central in IHSAA football: Turning point, top performers