CEDAR FALLS, IOWA (KCAU) – #1 Central Lyon/George Little Rock defeated #5 Spirit Lake 28-14 in the Class 2A semifinals of the IHSAA football State tournament.

“We just stick with it, we know there’s never a doubt in our locker room and we know that we’re going to get there and we’re going to dominate,” CL/G-LR senior quarterback Reece Vander Zee said.

“Proud of our guys and the way they battled back and to stay consistent throughout those three quarters there to ultimately get the win,” CL/G-LR head coach Curtis Eben said.

“Just the character of these guys and how much fun that was. I just told them I know that it’s an emotional day, it’s your last game. All these seniors, it’ll be their last day to be with them collectively as a team. They’re just so much fun to be around. They worked hard every day and cared a lot about each other,” Spirit Lake head coach Josh Bolluyt said.

The Lions look to defend their title in the 2A State championship against #2 Van Meter on Nov. 17 at 10:00 a.m.