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Behind another 300 yard rushing game by Tech. Sgt. Eric Walton, the Kaiserslautern Pikes survived an offensive shootout against the Albershausen Crusaders, 35-34. The Crusaders had an opportunity to take the lead with two minutes left, but the go-ahead field goal hooked left, which allowed the Pikes to run out the clock and move to 4-0.
The Pikes defense struggled all day against the passing attack of the Crusaders, who took the opening drive down for a quick 7-0 lead.
However, on the very first play for the Pikes, Walton took a handoff for 70 yards to tie the game. This was the theme for the rest of the game as the Crusaders dominated time of possession while the Pikes used their power running game to rip off big chunks at a time.
Head Coach Jason Nowlin said he felt a sense of relief afterward.
“This is a team game. If the defense gives up 34 then the offense needs to score 35,” he said. “Our defense saved us at Ravensburg with a second half shutout that allowed our offense to get back on track, so I guess you can say
the offense returned the favor.”
Walton continued his impressive season with more than 300 yards and four touchdowns. Walton now has amassed over 1,100 yards in only four games to go with his league leading 13 touchdowns.
“Obviously we are lucky to have Eric. He is a guy who hasn’t played football for 10 years but you wouldn’t know it with the way he runs,” Coach Nowlin said. “He has a great combination of speed and quickness.”
The Pikes return home on Saturday against Ravensburg at Pike Stadion. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Pikes Stadion is located at Schulzentrum SÜD, Im Stadtwald, Kaiserslautern.
(By Head Coach Jason Nowlin)
