The North Muskegon Norsemen travelled to Pewamo-Westphalia to take on the Pirates in a district semifinal. The defending Division 7 State Champion Pirates were a large favorite heading into this contest, but they would need all of the late game heroics they could muster in a 18-17 victory.
North Muskegon got out to a tremendous start in this contest. Gabe Rahrig got things rolling with a thirty-four yard field goal midway through the first quarter. Brennan Pannucci took to the air to extend the Norsemen lead with a thirty-yard pass to Bo Nedeau. North Muskegon led 10-0 after the first twelve minutes.
Pewamo-Westphalia would bounce back with the only scoring play of the second quarter. Troy Wertman found Nick Noel for an eighteen yard touchdown, but the unsuccessful extra point left the Norsemen ahead 10-6 after one half of play.
Troy Wertman would keep the ball early in the third quarter, and his one-yard plunge would put the Pirates ahead 12-10. This lead would not last long, as Pannucci and Collin Schotts connected on a fourteen-yard touchdown strike. The extra point by Gabe Rahrig gave North Muskegon a 17-12 edge heading into the fourth quarter.
With nine minutes to go, the Pirates regained the lead. Once again, it was Troy Wertman delivering for Pewamo-Westphalia. This time, he hit Connor Thelen for a twenty-nine yard touchdown strike. They attempted a two-point conversion, but they were unsuccessful, leaving the lead at just one point, 18-17.
North Muskegon would have two shots at a comeback, and they crossed midfield on both drives. They made it to the PW nineteen yard line and elected to go for it on fourth and ten, but Pannucci’s pass was incomplete. On their final drive, they made it to the forty-six before turning it over on downs.
The Pirates improve to 7-1 after escaping narrowly in this game. They will travel to Ithaca to take on the ‘Jackets in a thrilling battle for a district title.
