On paper, Lisbon looked like a major mismatch for Louisa-Muscatine.

Sometimes, the paper doesn’t lie.

The Lions blanked the Falcons 48-0 on Friday night in Letts, running the Falcons’ losing streak to 29 straight games (last win was against Van Buren on Sept. 25, 2020).

“We knew we needed to push the boys this week,” Lis – bon coach Dylan Hastings said. “Get our mind right. See that growth. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep getting better. And we did that in all three phases of the game.”

It was pretty obvious from the start. Senior running back Tiernan Boots took the opening kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown.

Then on offense, Boots had six carries, and four of them went for touchdowns. He finished with 157 rushing yards.

“He’s a special running back,” Hastings said. “Hard-nosed and elusive and athletic. He has that strength as well and is difficult to bring down.”

In addition to Boots’ five touchdowns, Daylin Schaefer had a 29-yard interception return, and Dakota Clark connected with Grayson Wollum on a 20-yard touchdown pass.

Leading 48-0 at half, the Lions barely had the ball in the second half, and the continuous clock kept things moving. The second-team defense gave up yards, but no points.

“That’s our goal every week,” Hastings said. “I told our JV guys before the game; you’ll probably get on the field. The shutout goal is for the varsity, but you are fully capable as well. They did not want to let the seniors and juniors down, and they rose to the occasion.”

Things should get more difficult this week, when the Lions host Columbus (1-1) on Friday, Sept. 13, at Walmer Field.

The Wildcats are one of the bigger threats in Class A District 5. Lisbon beat them 34-28 last year in Columbus Junction.

“They are a program that has been building and developing over the last few years,” Hastings said. “They have good running backs and strong offensive linemen. They are good at what they do. They are going to bring it at you.”