Lafayette’s first significant play on offense came with just more than 8 minutes to play Friday night.

Held in check by a Smithville defense that allowed just 33 points through four games, a Diego Bernard-David Green connection went for 16 yards — Lafayette’s first play of 10 yards or more.

On the play, Warriors defensive end Jake Fisher left the field with a shoulder injury. Backed against the end zone on a fourth-and-goal at the 6, Fisher returned and chased down the shifty Bernard for Smithville’s fifth sack of the game to clinch a 14-6 victory on Scott Marriott Field at Alumni Stadium.

“We saw that play a couple times,” Fisher, a sophomore, said. “He (Bernard) is a fast quarterback, good player, and I saw him not give the ball then rolling around.

“I had to make that tackle. I got it.”

Lafayette’s drive began with Green’s catch. An 11-yard run by Trey Washington advanced the chains on third down. Three plays later, his 13-yard dash gave Lafayette a goal-to-go situation.

Washington’s fifth run of the drive pushed the Irish to a fourth-and-goal from the 1. An offensive lineman flinched, sending Lafayette 5 yards further from pay dirt.

Despite a lack of offensive production, the Fighting Irish’s chance came on a play action. On a play that would decide which team would remain undefeated, Fisher handed Smithville a 5-0 start and 3-0 Midland Empire Conference record.

Bernard finished 3-for-11 for 31 yards through the air. His longest run of the night was 4 yards.
 

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