ST. LEON, Ind. - La Salle's defense came of its second straight impressive performance and shut down East Central, 13-0, in Indiana on Friday night
The Lancers defense allowed only 129 total yards - all on the ground - and just four first downs. The Lancers handled Colerain 7-3 last week.
Seniors Zach Rumpke and Craig Willis made big plays on defense. Rumpke forced a fumble, and Willis intercepted a pass.
This is the second straight meeting the Lancers shut out East Central. Last season La Salle won 31-0.
The La Salle offense started off slowly and managed only one TD. That came in the second quarter when sophomore Cameron Porter found the end zone on a 1-yard run. Porter had 19 rushes for 109 yards after rushing for 66 yards last week against Colerain.
La Salle kicker Jake Siebert extended the lead in the third and fourth quarters with field goals of 30 and 39 yards. Senior quarterback Griffin Merritt threw only 12 passes but connected on six for 65 yards. He also rushed for 43 yards on 10 carries.
East Central senior Jayden Williamson led the team with 52 yards, senior Logan Storie added 33 yards, junior Alex Maxwell had 29, and Eric Rosemeyer rushed for 17..
This is the fifth straight season the Lancers opened 2-0. La Salle will host West Clermont in the third of five non-conference games before opening GCL play Sept. 29 versus Moeller.
