Connelly’s big game helps Wylie East hold off Lakeview Centennial

Wylie East senior quarterback Jon Connelly (2) celebrates a touchdown with senior wide receiver King Baribe (4) during the Raiders’ 28-21 win over Lakeview Centennial on Friday from Wylie ISD Stadium. Connelly finished with 158 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Baribe contributed a receiving touchdown. Photo by Oladipo Awowale / C&S Media

By David Wolman

sports@csmediatexas.com

Wylie East senior quarterback Jon Connelly finished with 158 rushing yards and two touchdowns and helped the Raiders to run out the clock on a 28-21 win over Lakeview Centennial on Friday from Wylie ISD Stadium.

The Raiders never trailed but had to survive a resilient Patriots team and also overcame eight penalties and two turnovers.

Lakeview Centennial made it a one-possession game, 28-21, after quarterback Dakari Jernigan completed a nine-yard touchdown pass to Damien Johnson with 10:24 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Patriots got the ball back with 4:06 remaining and had a chance to tie the score after the Raiders came up short on a 27-yard field goal attempt.

However, Wylie East’s defense delivered a crucial stand, forcing Lakeview Centennial to punt after going three-and-out on offense. Runs of 24 and 13 yards by sophomore Jonathan Utubor and a 10-yard scramble by Connelly on the ensuing possession allowed the Raiders to run out the clock on Lakeview Centennial (0-3 overall, 0-1 District 9-6A).

Wylie East outgained Lakeview Centennial 464-269 in total yardage, with the Raiders’ rushing attack leading the way. The Raiders churned out 368 rushing yards and averaged 8.56 yards per carry.

Utubor finished with 61 yards. Senior Keve’yon Thorne had 96 rushing yards on 10 carries.

Senior wide receiver King Baribe had a 29-yard touchdown reception.

Wylie East takes a 3-0 record into its bye week.