The Vermilion Ironhawks grabbed an early lead and held off Central Lakes for their first victory of the community college football season.
Vermilion prevailed 3929 last Saturday at Brainerd, evening its record at 1-1 and giving head coach Zuriel Cook his first win at the helm.
The Minnesota College Athletic Conference victory didn’t come easily - as Central Lakes erased three double- digit deficits and came to within four points late in the game.
The Raiders also had opportunities with the ball and to take the lead in the final six minutes, but Vermilion quarterback Landon Robertson helped seal the deal for Vermilion.
Robertson, who was named MCAC Offensive Player of the Week, had a hand in six Vermilion touchdown and ran 25 yards for a score with 3:38 left, essentially clinching the Vermilion win.
The game started with some fireworks as well, as Robertson hooked up with receiver Reggie Miller on Vermilion’s first play from scrimmage.
The two connected for a 70-yard Vermilion touchdown just 11 seconds into the contest.
Vermilion led 13-7 after one quarter and 27-16 at the half, as a Robertson-to-Miller 19-yard strike gave the Ironhawks a key score right before the halftime gun.
Robertson’s third touchdown pass came late in the third quarter on a 17-yard completion to Antwan Taylor.
Vermilion racked up 428 yards of total offense, with Robertson going 14-for-34 through the air for 304 yards.
The quarterback also ran for 58 yards and running back Gene Harris had 66 yards on 10 carries, including a 57-yard scamper.
Miller (four catches, 123 yards) and Johnathan Brantley (three catches, 73 yards) were Vermilion’s top receivers.
On defense, Vermilion’s Elijah Stozek was named MCAC Defensive Player of the Week after recording nine tackles in the contest.
Devin Hogan and Sean Timson had six stops each, while Quinton Borders and Bryant Gregory each finished with five tackles.
Vermilion overcame 21 penalties totaling 189 yards to escape with the win.
The Ironhawks host Rochester at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, in the first of three straight home games at Ely School Stadium.
