The Freeland Falcons clinched a share of the TVC-Central title last week with their win over Swan Valley. This week, they took on a non-league foe in Bridgeport before they return to TVC-Central play. In a game that looked one-sided when you looked at their records, the Falcons needed a touchdown in the final minutes to escape with a 28-22 victory.
Bryson Huckeby used his arm to deliver a ten yard pass to Ben Wellnitz, getting the scoring started for Freeland. This capped off a two minute drive that saw the team cover half the field. Bridgeport would respond with a five-play drive of their own that found the end zone. Darnell Jackson burst through the defense, recording a sixty-seven yard touchdown run. Their two-point conversion was successful when AJ Pipkins tossed a quick pass. As the quarter came to an end, Freeland regained the lead. Jacob Kundinger ran four yards for a touchdown, capping off a drive that took nearly five minutes off the clock. The unsuccessful conversion left it 13-8 in favor of the Falcons.
In the second quarter, Bridgeport regained the lead early. AJ Pipkins and Ameir Pickett connected on a ten yard pass, and Pipkins once again rifled a two-point pass to extend their lead to 16-13. Freeland would respond with a score of their own as Kundinger ran five yards to the end zone. Huckeby and Grant Bakos paired up on the conversion to push the Falcons ahead 21-16.
Before the half ended, Bridgeport took the lead back once again. Pipkins tossed another touchdown, this time he found Omarion Wilkins for a six yard toss. The successful extra point gave the Bearcats a 22-21 halftime edge.
The defenses really settled in during the second half. Neither team could put points on the board, and throughout the entirety of this game, Bridgeport forced Freeland to commit five turnovers.
Finally, with 1:37 left to play, Bryson Huckeby made a huge play for Freeland. He passed twenty-three yards to Nate Levinson, who hauled it in for the go ahead score. Huckeby also connected with Grant Bakos on another two-point conversion, bringing the game to its final margin of 29-22.
With the defeat, Bridgeport slides to 1-4. They will conclude their season against Frankenmuth, the #1 ranked team in Division 5. Freeland is now 4-1, and they will look to win the TVC-Central outright when they face Bay City John Glenn next Friday. This game will be LIVE on Michigan Sports Radio.
