WALLED LAKE — For a third consecutive season, Walled Lake Western captured the KLAA Lakes Conference title Friday, this time with a convincing 28-3 win over visiting Hartland.

The Warriors, who remain unbeaten at 8-0, turned in several timely stops defensively, keeping the Eagles out of the end zone despite numerous trips to the red zone. 

“The only reason they got the three points were because of self-inflicted wounds there,” Western coach Mike Zdebski said. “They had opportunities for a few more, but our defense played pretty solid and stayed on top of things for the most part. When something didn’t go well, we regrouped enough. We had some individuals make some very big plays in big moments.”

Interceptions in the fourth quarter by senior Jackson Neracher and junior Kameron Ford ended two Hartland drives prematurely, while the Warriors also forced a turnover on downs when the Eagles had reached their one yard line early in the second half.

Western led 14-3 at halftime and extended that margin further on its opening drive of the second half when senior Jake Prokes scored on a 1-yard run.

Prokes produced a handful of explosive runs to provide yardage in big chunks for the Warriors, including a 54-yard dash to the end zone in the second quarter. 

“He’s had a great season and maybe an all-state season. As long as we continue to win, I think he’ll receive those accolades,” Zdebski said of his running back. “His vision in the run game has improved significantly. He understands what the offensive linemen are doing up front. He knows where the seams will be, so he can anticipate and jump into those seams. He’s made tremendous strides.”

The Warriors’ passing game struggled, as frigid temperatures played a role on several key drops that stalled drives. 

“It was tough because we had wide-open guys all over the place, but we were a little bit off, which happens when you get (cold and windy) nights like this,” Zdebski said.

“It was nice that we were able to run the ball. Maybe we can learn from this and know how to prepare when it’s cold out. (We need to) secure the ball a little bit more and keep your eyes on the ball a little longer.”

Quarterback Kyle Thomas opened the Warriors’ scoring on a short shovel pass to Ford in the first quarter. A late 17-yard touchdown run by Ford produced the game’s final points.

Walled Lake Western will face Detroit Delta Prep Academy next Friday for a chance at the program’s first undefeated regular season since its last state title-winning team in 1999.

Hartland (5-3), which won the KLAA West division to reach the Lakes title game, will play Salem in Week 9, needing another win to clinch a playoff berth.

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