The Newaygo Lions started 2020 with a game against the Fremont Packers, a team that had lost their past fourteen contests. It appeared as if that streak was going to snap, until a second half run by the Lions put the game out of question. A 42-14 victory was far closer than the final score would indicate.
After a scoreless first quarter, Fremont got on the board first. Peyton Mansfield ran three yards for the opening score, but the unsuccessful PAT made it 6-0 Packers. The Lions would take the lead before halftime when Brenden Brechting ran thirteen yards for the score and Ashton Stephens converted the extra point to make it 7-6 at the break.
Coming out of the locker room, it was all Newaygo. The Lions scored five of the six touchdowns in the half to win commandingly. Brechting started the scoring with an eight yard pass to Remy Wells. After Fremont responded with a short touchdown run by Mansfield, it was knotted up at fourteen heading to the final quarter.
In the final frame, it was all Newaygo. Brenden Brechting tossed two more touchdowns, one to Ed Hammond and one to Wells to get things rolling. Jarrod Wismar added a long touchdown run to extend the lead, and then finally Hudson Harkness ended the scoring with an interception.
Brenden Brechting was tonight’s player of the game as he did a bit of everything. He tossed for three touchdowns, rushed for a fourth, and he also passed an extra point. On the defensive side, he also intercepted a pass.
Newaygo will take to the road to face off against Tri-County next week. Fremont will look for their first win when they take on Grant next Friday night. The Newaygo and Tri-County game will be LIVE on Michigan Sports Radio.
