Father Gabriel Richard High School running back Nick Pauze was an unheralded backup fullback on last year’s school record-setting offense, which averaged nearly 30 points per game.

Pauze spent most of his time on offense blocking, and hardly ever got carries.

The senior had a coming-out party against Lake Fenton on Saturday, rushing for 207 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries as the Fighting Irish defeated the Blue Devils 19-13.

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Most of Pauze’s gains came on runs to the left side, where senior left tackle Drew Diedrich -- a transfer from Skyline High School -- was creating huge running lanes.

“No one thought we’d be able to replace the offensive guys we lost last year, but we had a lot of new guys like Drew Diedrich come in,” said Pauze who was named team MVP of the Big Day Prep Showdown at Eastern Michigan’s Rynearson Stadium. “I gotta give all the credit to the O-line and my fullbacks.”

Lake Fenton took over on downs on its own 26-yard line after stopping Pauze on 4th-and-1 with 57 seconds remaining in the game. Despite being outgained 331 to 200 in total yards, Lake Fenton had a chance to drive the field and take the lead.

But Gabriel Richard's defense was able to hold strong and stop Lake Fenton’s attempt at a game-winning drive.

“The only thing I’m really upset about is that last play on offense, 4th-and-one you’ve got all your horses in, game on the line and we couldn’t get it,” said Gabriel Richard coach Brian Lemons. “The only real serious negative out of this is that we weren’t able to, when it really mattered, to get that one yard.”

Two fumbles hurt an otherwise strong first half for the Fighting Irish. Despite outgaining Lake Fenton 210 to 116 and having 11 first downs to Lake Fenton’s four, the score was tied 7-7 with just 13 seconds remaining in the half.

Richard realized the fruits of its labors when quarterback Joe Kendzicky hit Evan Fosha for a 15-yard touchdown to the back corner of the end zone. After a missed extra point, Richard led 13-6 at half.

Kendzicky hit Stevie Tracy on a 63-yard strike on Gabriel Richard’s first possession of the second half for what would prove to be the game-winning score.

After forcing a three-and-out on Lake Fenton's first possession, Gabriel Richard ate up more than 11 minutes of clock on a 79-yard drive. Though Lake Fenton kept Gabril Richard out of the end zone and scored on the ensuing drive, by then there was only 3:30 left in the game.

“Unfortunately, we had some turnovers that took some momentum away from us, but I was pleased with our ability to pound the rock,” Lemons said. “But give credit to Lake Fenton, they’re tough and they’re going to play to the final whistle no matter what the score is, or how many yards each team has and that’s why we keep them on the schedule.”

Kendzicky finished 7 of 8 passing for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Rob Kesler led Lake Fenton in rushing with 111 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.

Contact Pete Cunningham at petercunningham@annarbor.com or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.