Homecoming night at Indian Lake High School ended with the Lakers searching for answers, as North Union controlled the first half and held on for a 21-7 victory Friday night.

Indian Lake struggled to contain the Wildcats' energy early, as North Union established control on the ground and built a three-score advantage before halftime. The Lakers' defense settled in after the break, but the offense could not find enough rhythm to mount a comeback.

North Union struck first with 8:22 remaining in the opening quarter. Wildcats quarterback Nickolas Hajjar capped the drive himself, punching in a 2-yard rushing touchdown. Greyson Bledsoe added the extra point to give North Union a 7-0 lead.

The Wildcats extended their advantage midway through the second quarter. With 4:39 remaining before halftime, Hajjar again found the end zone, this time from 1 yard out. Bledsoe's second extra point of the night pushed the North Union lead to 14-0.

Indian Lake finally answered late in the half.

With 2:58 remaining in the second quarter, quarterback Brady Golliday connected with Colin Bendler for a 28-yard touchdown, giving the Lakers a much-needed spark heading into the locker room. Rush Hurley converted the extra point, cutting the deficit to 14-7.

However, North Union answered before halftime.

With just 14 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Hajjar moved the Wildcats down the field before connecting with Wyatt Arver on a 4-yard touchdown pass. Bledsoe's extra point gave North Union a 21-7 advantage heading into the break.

From there, the Laker defense dug in.

Indian Lake kept the Wildcats off the scoreboard throughout the second half, giving the offense an opportunity to close the gap. Despite the defensive effort, however, the Lakers were unable to generate the points needed to make it a one-score game.

North Union's first-half production ultimately proved to be the difference, with the Wildcats' three touchdowns before halftime standing as the only points they would need.

For Indian Lake, the 21-7 defeat puts an end to a Homecoming night that began with plenty of excitement but ended in disappointment. The Lakers will look to regroup quickly as they return to the road next week.

Indian Lake will travel to Springfield Shawnee looking to bounce back and get back into the win column.