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Lake Zurich’s triple-option offense was running like a shiny new sports car Friday night, fueling the Bears to a 49-0 pasting of visiting Mundelein.

Seven different ball carriers — including LZ quarterback Jake Stauner — combined to rack up 218 yards on the ground in the first half as the Bears built a 35-0 lead by the break. That total featured a 53-yard touchdown romp by running back Sean Lynch and a 35-yard TD scamper by RB Joey Holtz.

And with the home crowd cheering as each raced to pay dirt, watching with equal amounts of glee were Bears offensive linemen Jerry Bauer, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound senior tackle, and senior guard Matt Schirmann, also listed at 6-foot-2, 230. After all, such bursts to the finish line start in the trenches, where LZ’s mechanics get their hands dirty working under the hood.

“It’s a whole team effort,” Bauer said. “We wanted to make a statement on offense (after losing to Cary-Grove 21-6 in Week 2), and our quarterback was making reads, and our running backs were running the ball. There’s nothing like it — moving people and opening up holes to run through — and we share in the excitement.”

Chiming in, a smiling Schirmann agreed.

“There is nothing like it — when it’s working — and we can feel the energy” he said. “Everyone came together (vs. Mundelein). We wanted to show people what we’re made of ... show people what we are.”

Chad Beaver, Lake Zurich’s offensive line coach, said the solid play of veterans Bauer and Schirmann shouldn’t be taken for granted — and comes by no accident, either.

“They’re huge to our offense. Their presence and game experience gives the others a sense of security up front,” Beaver said. “It’s all fundamentals — we hit the fundamentals every single day. They buy into it, and they see what they need to improve upon, and that’s their focus.”

Buying into it includes making a commitment, not only during the season but when football stadiums are dark and empty as well.

“I think the biggest thing is mental and physical reps,” Beaver said. “So they’re continuing to improve, and improving upon the things we need to improve upon.”

Schirmann, a pulling guard in the system, said, “It’s all about the offseason. You have to get out quick. You want to be the first guy off the line.”

Added Bauer: “The option is about running to the outside, so you’re trying to get out quick and get some space.”

Lynch, for one, was happy to be behind the wheel in all that space.

“It’s definitely a lot easier when the O-line is clicking,” he said. “And we’re really starting to find our niche up front.” ~.