Splan is all-state; seven Cardinals named all-conference
Lonnie Splan was one of the finest running backs ever to suit up at Onaway High School. Earlier this week, he was named honorable mention all-state for the second consecutive season.
Splan, who earned three varsity letters in football, led the 2005 Cardinal squad to the playoffs. It was only the third postseason appearance in school history and it could not have happened without the senior?s heroics.
Splan carried the ball 132 times for 1,514 yards and 21 touchdowns his senior season. He also established anew single-season school record with 29 total touchdowns and five kick returns for touchdowns.
His season, however, went beyond the stats. Numbers could not capture the highlight reel spins, jukes, hurdles, sidesteps, and stiff-arms that captivated Cardinal fans in 2005.
Splan scored five touchdowns in a season-opening win against Gaylord St. Mary and he scored five in the regular season finale against Central Lake, a game the Cards needed to win to get into the playoffs.
He also returned not one, but two, kickoffs for touchdowns in the playoff game against eventual state-champion Traverse City St. Francis, proving he can dazzle against even the strongest competition.
Defensively, Splan recorded 35 tackles from his cornerback position and picked off four passes, tying him for the team lead in that category. He returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns.
Splan was one of eight Cardinals named to All-Ski Valley Conference teams. Seniors Ben Rieger, Justin Bruder, and Eric Bentley, and junior Andrew LaLonde joined him on the all-SVC first team.
Rieger, a receiver, led the team with 15 receptions for 401 yards and seven touchdowns. A corner on defense, he recorded 35 tackles, recovered two fumbles, and picked off four passes, one of which he returned for a TD.
Bruder, a guard, was a key member of the offensive line who opened holes not only for Spl
Eric Bentley, a linebacker, led the team with 112 tackles and six sacks. He also rushed for 380 yards and five touchdowns and threw a pair of touchdown passes.
LaLonde, a safety, recorded 65 tackles and picked off a pass. He also rushed for 190 yards and a touchdown, and had 38 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Junior linebacker TJ Bentley was named all-conference second-team, while senior defensive lineman Mark Miller and junior defensive end Billy Boughner earned all-SVC honorable mention honors.
TJ Bentley was second on the team in tackles, with 70, and also caught two TD passes while Boughner was third in tackles, with 69. Miller recorded 43 tackles and was among the most consistent players on the line.