GRAND ISLAND – Friday was a new start for the Lexington Minutemen football team as they traveled to Grand Island to take on district rival Northwest.
The Minutemen looked to get on the right track after a 40-7 beat down at the hands of the Gering Bulldogs last Friday night, as both sides of the football couldn’t find an answer.
Friday night was an example of what the offense could possess, as the duo of Tyler McKeone and Alex Hovie helped the Minutemen rack up over 500 yards of total offense, as Lexington found their offensive stride, dominating the Vikings 51-29.
“I think the kids played harder and faster,” head coach Phil Truax said. “I think they made some big plays, so I was pleased with that.”
The Minutemen drew first blood in the first quarter, when quarterback Tyler McKeone sprinted in from eight yards out, however the extra point was blocked, leaving Lexington with a 6-0 lead.
Northwest answered on the next drive, as the running back, Bockman, scored on a one yard run, making the extra point and giving the Vikings a 7-6 lead.
Things looked grim to start the second quarter as he scored his second touchdown of the night, as Bockman ran in from eight yards, as Northwest increased their lead to 14-6.
Then it was show time.
Sophomore Jeremy Callahan connected with Hovie on a 73-yard strike to get Lexington within two, then McKeone scored on the two-point conversion to even things up at 14-14.
After an Edwin Contreras field goal, Hovie found the endzone once again, scoring on a 13-yard run, giving Lexington a 24-14 lead at the half.
To start the second half, the Minutemen slammed on the gas, as McKeone found running back, Patrick Berke, from 26 yards, giving Lexington a 30-14 lead.
Northwest attempted to stay in the contest, as quarterback Krosschell found his receiver from 11 yards out. A two-point conversion made the score more exciting at 30-22.
On the very next kickoff, the speedster, Hovie ,showed a flash of greatness, streaking 85 yards for the touchdown. Another failed conversion put Lexington on top 36-22.
At the end of the third quarter, Lexington put another touchdown on the board from a McKeone pass, this time converting the two point try, all but sealing that game at 44-22.
Both teams would find the end zone one more time in the fourth quarter, as Lexington wound out the clock to claim their first victory of 2010.
Many Minutemen had a career night, as McKeone once again ran and threw for over 100 yards, running the ball 14 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing 9 of 18 for 144 yards and one touchdown.
Alex Hovie was Lexington’s top performer Friday night, completing a hat trick of touchdowns, with a rushing, passing and special teams touchdown. Hovie finished with 257 yards of total offense for the Minutemen.
“He’s a great athlete,” Truax said. “A guy who’s got that type of speed, you have to get the ball into his hands, because if he can get to the perimeter, then he’s going to go.”
Berke also was more successful running the football in Week 1, rushing for 91 yards and also catching five passes for 67 yards.
Defensively, the Minutemen are still looking for their niche, as they gave up 325 yards of offense against a young Viking offense.
In two games, the Lexington defense has gave up an average of 400 yards and allowed 69 total points.
The Minutemen will finally get to play for their home crowd this Friday, hosting Scottsbluff. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Jon Soflin contributed to this report.

• Lexington Minutemen

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