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https://www.flickr.com/photos/45681226@N02/albums/72157716039029341

Photos courtesy of Lou Murray

The Pioneers of East Grand Rapids have rejoined the Ok White after several years in the Ok Gold. Their first game in the conference happened to be against their long time rival the Lowell Red Arrows. The season opener would be played in Lowell in front of the smallest crowd in the history of the rivalry. The MHSAA has limited the number of tickets to just 2 per player. No ticket means no entry. This epic rivalry has been watched by sell out crowds in the past at either teams home stadium. This game would see far more empty seats than ever before. Although the number of fans in attendance were few, they were very loud, and both had plenty to cheer about.

Both teams began the game working hard to establish the run. Ultimately the Red Arrows, behind the runs of Sr. QB Doak Dean were able to score 3 touch downs on the ground. Dean scored from 1 and 37 yards in the first half and the Arrows would take a 13-0 lead into the locker room. Dean would again carry in a score in the fourth quarter. The 7 yard run would increase the margin to 20-0. Late in the quarter the Pioneers would score their only touchdown. QB Patrick Burns would connect through the air with Conor Callahan for a 30 yard score. This would trim the Red Arrows lead to what would eventually be the final score of 20-6.

Lowell ran the ball for 139 yards and threw for just 53. In typical Lowell fashion, stop the run and we will consider throwing. The East defense stopped most, but not enough of the Arrows running attack. For the Pioneers offense, Burns would connect on 6 of 14 passes for 76 yards and a TD. The EGR running games was spearheaded by Nathan Milanowski (pictured) and Burns. They would combine for 44 total yards on the ground.  Milanowski would also finish with 83 yards in punt returns, but just couldn’t quite break away for a special teams score.

With 3 touchdowns on the night, Doak Dean is our Core Power Performance Player of the game.

The win give the Arrows a 1-0 record both overall and in the conference, while the Pioneers now sit at 0-1. Next up for the Red Arrows is another home game. Next week the Northview Wildcats will visit. Northview handled Greenville in their season opener. For the Pioneers, they will host the Yellow Jackets on Friday night. Both games will be on Michigan Sports Radio, while the Pioneers will also be on the Ticket 106.1 fm, 1340 and 1490 am.

Special thanks to Lou Murray Photography for the photo.