Bison drop opener to Lions

Carlisle's Ben Wilson (44) leads the Bison onto the field prior to their game with the England Lions at Gaylon Gibbs Field on Friday. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

ENGLAND — It was not a good opener for the Carlisle Bison football team.

The Bison had several chances to score in the first half but trailed 34-0 at halftime in a 41-0 loss to the England Lions on Friday at Gaylon Gibbs Field. With the win, England retains the "Battle of the Beast" 

Carlisle got the ball to start the game and moved it from its 25 to the 44 but was forced to punt. After a long return, England drove only 38 yards in three plays. Zach Montgomery scored on a 4-yard run with 9:03 left in the first quarter. Brock Miller kicked the extra point to make the score 7-0. 

The Bison then got the ball at their own 31. After a 6-yard loss on a bad pitch, Bison quarterback Ty Golleher gained 12 yards before Devon Kendrick ran for 7 yards and a first down. However, the Bison turned the ball over on downs.

Four plays later, England quarterback Brayden Brazeal threw a 67-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Iverson with 4:50 left in the first quarter. Miller's PAT made the score 14-0. 

Carlisle had its best possession of the first half the next time it had the ball. Golleher had a long kickoff return, giving the Bison the ball at the England 42. 

The Bison then drove to the England 14. They eventually turned the ball over on downs at the England 20. 

Carlisle forced the Lions to turn the ball over on downs on their next possession. The Bison then drove to the England 19 but a penalty led to Golleher thrown an interception in the end zone with 6:26 left in the first half.

The Lions then scored three more touchdowns in the first half to lead 34-0 at halftime. Iverson scored on a 21-yard run with 5:54 left. Brazeal threw a 60-yard touchdown pass to B.J. Thompson with 2:56 and Malik Coleman scored on a 5-yard run with 1:33 left. 

Carlisle appeared to get on the board in the third quarter when Tyler Teel broke away for a 31-yard touchdown run. The play was called back for an illegal shift penalty on the Bison. 

England's last touchdown came on a  31-yard fumble return with 6 seconds left in the game.

Kendrick led the Bison with 63 yards rushing on 10 carries. Golleher had 57 yards on 10 carries. Teel had 35 yards on 7 carries. 

The Bison will travel to DeWitt to take on the Dragons this Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Carlisle's Cody Edge brings down England's Darius Clarkson. 

Carlisle quarterback Ty Golleher gains yards against England.