CHERRY TWP — Clarion-Limestone's long throws led to a 40-15 victory over Moniteau Friday at Moniteau's home field.

The Lions completed four passes over 35 yards that kept the Warriors defense on their heels.

Clarion-Limestone's first touchdown strike came on a 73-yard pass from Andrew Louder to Conner Keith with 6 minutes, 15 seconds left in the first quarter to put the Lions up 6-0.

Louder finished with 303 passing yards, including 201 in the first half, and threw for three scores.

In the second quarter, Louder scored two rushing touchdowns.

Moniteau coach Wade Vogan said Clarion-Limestone maintained a high intensity and executed well, something he felt his own team lacked.

“It's a reality check,” he said. “They're going to see the film, and the film doesn't lie.”

Following Louder's second rushing touchdown, Moniteau got a spark from Dalton Anderson, who returned the kickoff 73 yards. Wyatt Ifft then scored on a 8-yard run to cut the score to 21-14.

Louder answered with another touchdown pass, a 55-yard toss to Himes, that gave the Lions a 28-14 halftime lead.

Lions coach Dave Eggleton said Louder nearly added to his total with several close misses on incomplete passes.

“He made some great decisions tonight,” Eggleton said.

Entering the second half, Moniteau seemed mixed with hot and cold players. Quarterback Derek Boben began completing passes, and both Ifft and full back Shonn Kline kept their feet moving with positive yards.

While the offense picked up speed, the Warriors slowed themselves down with turnovers.

Moniteau lost two fumbles and threw an interception. Two of their three turnovers were on opportune drives. The turnovers and a few key penalties kept the Warriors off the scoreboard in the second half.

With Moniteau struggling to convert, Clarion-Limestone scored two more touchdowns. Conner Keth began running in the backfield in the second half and ended the third quarter with a 70-yard run.

Louder threw one last 53 -yard pass to wide receiver Sam Leadbetter.

Eggleton said his offensive line helped provide Louder with plenty of time to set up his throws, and the defense was able to shoot gaps and cut off Moniteau's runners. He said they looked for Moniteau's I-formation, and adjusted to make the stops.

“(The defense) held they're own against a pretty good O-line,” Eggleton said. “We were swarming the ball tonight.”

Kline believes the team needs to work on finding each other and putting together a team that wants to fight.

“(We) definitely can't come out like this again,” Kline said. “(We) definitely need to come together and show some heart.”