The Chippewa Hills Warriors entered Friday night struggling. They had yet to win a game this fall, and they were the team that allowed Fremont to snap its two-year losing streak. After a slow start on both sides offensively, the fireworks came in the second half as the Warriors toppled Newaygo 39-27 to record their first win of 2020.

Neither team scored in the first quarter, but Chippewa Hills was able to find the end zone just twenty-two seconds into the second quarter. Chad Sheldon ran it in from two yards out to give the Warriors a six-point edge. Newaygo would respond as Brenden Brechting passed to Remy Wells for a forty-four yard touchdown. Before the half came to an end, Chippewa Hills regained the lead on a twenty-nine yard rush from Paris Alston. They carried a 12-7 advantage into the locker room.

Two consecutive touchdowns to open up the third quarter extended the Warriors’ lead in this game. Logan Davis plunged in from a yard out, while Alston ran fifteen yards through the defense for his second score. Newaygo would respond with two touchdowns of their own to draw within five points. Amaree James ran twenty-six yards for a touchdown, and Brechting and Wells paired up again to bring the score to 26-21 after three quarters of play.

In the final frame, Chippewa Hills started the action with a five yard touchdown run by Davis. Newaygo responded with a fifteen yard sprint by Jarrod Wismar that resulted in six points, but Chippewa Hills had the dagger. Trenton Wiggins five-yard touchdown run with 1:49 to go sealed the victory for the Warriors.

Aside from the game action, it was Homecoming for Newaygo on Friday night. Hudson Harkness, the senior center and linebacker, was named Homecoming King for the Lions.

Next week, Chippewa Hills will conclude their season against Tri-County. Newaygo will face Central Montcalm in their final contest. Both games will be broadcast LIVE on MSR next Friday night.