Swifts edge out Lions, 59-54

The Nazareth Swifts claimed a victory over the Roby Lions, 59,54, in a battle for the win.

The Swifts took charge of the first quarter with a Luke Betzen touchdown on an 8-yard rush and extra points, giving them an 8-0 lead.

The Lions bounced back in the second quarter scoring on a rush and extra points, tying the score 8-8.

Swifts Betzen scored on a 14-yard rush and extra point by Brett Heitschmidt on a 3-yard pass from Kaden Cleavinger, putting the score at 15-8.

Roby came back scored on a 53-yard rush, closing the Naz lead to 15-14.

The Swifts answered with touchdown by Trent Gerber on a 16-yard pass Betzen and extra points by Gerber to again widen the lead, 23-14.

Naz Cleavinger scored on a 37-yard pass from Betzen, with extra points from Betzen, pushing the lead to 31- 14.

The Lions ended the second quarter with a 75-yard return for a touchdown and extra points, sending the teams into halftime with Naz leading 31-22.

The third quarter, the Swifts continued to hold their ground.

Betzen scored on a 33-yard rush and extra points, to widen the lead to 39-22; Cleavinger added another touchdown on a 39-yard pass from Betzen, with extra points by Betzen, pushing the score to 47-22.

Roby scored on a 45-yard pass and extra point, pushing the score to 47-30.

Nazareth added points on a Betzen field goal, 51- 30 and Roby scored on a 47- yard rush, ending the third quarter with the Swifts up 51-42.

Roby took charge in the fourth quarter, but not enough to take the win away from Nazareth.

The Lions scored on a 52- yard rush, a 31-yard rush and a 51-yard rush, with Nazareth adding one touchdown by Gerber on a 31-yard rush and extra points by Betzen, giving the Swifts the win, 59-54.

Nazareth came through with 19 first downs, 191 yards on rushes and 161 yards on 9-of-15 passing attempts. The Swifts had no penalties.

Swifts passing leaders were Luke Betzen with three completions on four attempts for 92 yards and three touchdowns; Luke Schulte, four of nine completions for 59 yards; and Kaden Cleavinger with two of two completions for 10 yards and one touchdown.

Betzen led the rushing for Nazareth with 14 for 149 yards, followed by Brett Heitschmidt with 12 for 36 yards; and Cleavinger with four for 21 yards.

Top Naz receivers were Cleavinger with three for 81 yards; and Trent Gerber with six for 80 yards.

Swifts defensive leaders were Gerber with five tackles; Betzen with 4.5 tackles; Brett Young, Chance Hockstein and Cleavinger, each with three tackles; Will Young with 1.5 tackles; Bradyn Bullard with one tackle; and Tell Bagley and Owen Dyer , each with 0.5 tackles.