Senior staff writer
Lutheran fought undefeated No. 2 Linton-Stockton almost evenly for all but the final nine minutes Friday.
The visiting Saints trailed 20-14 in pouring rain and windy conditions and any chance of a first trip to the state finals ended with two lost fumbles and an interception that was returned for a 65-yard touchdown. Linton-Stockton turned the Saints’ mistakes into three scores.
Lutheran scored in the second quarter on a 10-yard pass from Zach White to Baily Barham and in the third quarter on Alton Jones’ 70-yard run.
The Saints were held to only four first downs and 189 yards offense.
The Saints won seven games in a row before facing Linton-Stockton. Lutheran completed its fourth straight winning season under coach Dave Pasch.