TUPPER LAKE -- A productive one-two punch at running back and a fierce pass rush helped Tupper Lake to a 30-7 win over AuSable Valley on the first night of Northern Football Conference play.

Ian Smetanick and Jordan Nason led the Lumberjacks on offense Friday night, combining for 148 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Tupper Lake got off to a good start on the opening kickoff with a 55-yard return by Smetanick, which put the team on Ausable Valley's 27-yard line for its first offensive series.

The Lumberjacks wasted no time getting on the scoreboard as Smetanick carried the ball in for a 16-yard touchdown run on the first drive, and fellow back Jordan Nason pounded one of his own in later in the quarter.

Tupper Lake defensive end Brian Guiney recovered an AuSable Valley fumbled snap during the second quarter, which set up Nolan's score, and was one of many times Patriots quarterback Brad Belanger was under heavy pressure.

The Patriots were not able to overcome mistakes -- they fumbled five snaps and took two pass interference penalties on defense.

Tupper Lake's Evan Dechene ran an interception back for a touchdown on the first play of the second half, and another Smetanick touchdown run put the Lumberjacks up by 30.

Ben Prentiss kept the Patriots from going home scoreless when he busted open a huge 73 yard run and took it to the end zone in the fourth quarter, but the team managed just 32 yards on offense in addition to the big play.

Jacob Klossner also had an interception for the Lumberjacks in the second half to put the team in good field position, something the defense did all game long.

Tupper Lake 30, Ausable Valley 7

Tupper Lake 14 0 18 0 -- 30

AuSable Valley 0007--7

First Quarter

TL -- Smetanick 16 run (conv. failed), 10:38

TL -- Nason 1 run (conv. run by Smetanick), 4:51