Photo courtesy of Lou Murray: To see pictures of the game click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/45681226@N02/albums/72157716133905131
The East Grand Rapids Pioneers home opener was a one sided affair from beginning to end. The Pioneers were never in doubt as the Defense made big stops and the Offense capitalized on great field position all night. The first drive of the game by the Jackets was a 3 and out that saw the punter stand on his own goal line on 4th down. The Pioneers would turn the great field position into an early score and never look back. Two more failed Greenville drives resulted in the same scenario as the East team put up 21 points on their first three possessions.
The Yellow Jackets offense runs through the SR QB Grant Thwaites who carried or threw the ball on nearly every play. Unfortunately for the Jackets, East had his number. Several gang tackles by a myriad of defenders left Thwaites and his teammates facing a running clock for the entire 2nd half. Thwaites was able to orchestrate an impressive drive near the end of the first half but would eventually turn the ball over on downs inside the red zone.
East took a 35-0 lead into the locker room at the half, and came out in the 2nd half and added 2 more scores. Nathan Milanowski would lead the way for the Pioneers. He finished the night early in the 2nd half with 3 touchdowns. Two came on the ground and one as a receiver. His final numbers were 6 carries for 94 yards and 2 catches for 71 yards. QB Patrick Burns would throw for 135 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The Pioneers would out distance the Jackets with 261 total yards compared to just 89 for Greenville. The defense for coach Casey Longo would only yield 7 rushing yards for the night.
The Yellow Jackets fall to 0-2 with the loss and look forward to hosting the 2-0 Red Arrows in next weeks home opener. The Pioneers (1-1) will again be at home next week. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 against the 1-1 Northview Wildcats. You can listen to or watch the game on Cumulus’ the Ticket 106.1 fm, 1340 am and 1490 am, or on the NFHS network or right here on Michigan Sports Radio.
