The Central Montcalm Hornets and Newaygo Lions concluded their regular seasons on Friday night in Stanton. Both teams entered this one coming off at least one loss (two for Newaygo), and looking to build some momentum heading into the playoffs. Central Montcalm was surely able to do that with an impressive offensive attack that racked up points in a 47-21 victory.
Scoring started slowly, as there was just one touchdown in the first quarter. Cole Olson and Fisher Hill connected for a thirty-two yard strike that put the Hornets ahead by six points.
In the second quarter, Preston Scott doubled Central Montcalm’s lead with an eighteen yard touchdown run. Once again, they left the conversion on the table. With 3:30 to go in the first half, Olson and Hill once again connected for six points. This time, their forty-eight yard strike was paired with a successful two-point try, and the Hornets led 20-0.
Newaygo would finally get on the scoreboard as Brenden Brechting tossed a fifty-yard touchdown pass. On the ensuing kickoff return, Isaac Johnson weaved his way through the Lions’ kickoff team, and eighty yards later he was in the end zone for the score. Newaygo put together a drive to get into Central Montcalm territory, but they were unable to add points to their mark, leaving it 26-7 at halftime.
In the second half, Preston Scott got the scoring started with an early touchdown run of ten yards. Brenden Brechting and Remy Wells paired up for the second time through the air, another fifty yard bomb, and Newaygo trimmed the lead to 33-14.
On the next two Central Montcalm drives, the Hornets found the end zone. Both times, it was Isaac Johnson who shouldered the load and broke the plane. He scored from five and fifteen yards respectively to move the score to 47-14. Newaygo would add another touchdown from the combo of Brechting and Wells, this time a sixty-eight yard strike.
Preston Scott was the leading rusher for Central Montcalm in this game, as he racked up 192 yards of offense. He also added two interceptions on defense. Isaac Johnson added 122 yards and two scores, plus a third on that kickoff return.
On the Newaygo side, Brenden Brechting passed for 317 yards and three scores. The two teams combined for over 800 yards of total offense.
Next week, both teams will begin their playoff journey. The playoff opponents, locations and dates will be announced officially by the MHSAA Sunday, and MSR will publish them shortly after.
