The North Muskegon Norsemen started 2021 with two tough opponents in Muskegon Catholic Central and Montague. So although they entered the game at 0-2, much like their opponent Shelby, it was a different feeling than the Tigers. Using some of that moxie, the Norsemen were able to deliver an offensive explosion in a 67-0 win.

Just eight seconds into the game, North Muskegon got on the scoreboard. James Young found Matt Colbert, who raced 49 yards to the end zone, putting the Norsemen ahead 7-0 early. This was the first of five touchdowns by North Muskegon in the opening quarter. Young tossed a second touchdown, finding Carsen Moat for a 23-yard touchdown.

The rushing attack also found the end zone three times, as three different ball carriers navigated through the Tigers’ defense. Denny Belmonte scored from 30 yards out, Ben Meyers scored from 57 yards out, and Nick Dana ripped off a 22-yard rushing touchdown. The Norsemen took a 34-0 lead into the second quarter.

James Young got things going once again, as he found Bo Nedeau for a 10-yard touchdown. Young would throw for his fourth touchdown later in the quarter, when he found Ben Meyers for a 20-yard score. Nick Dana (2 yards) and Kyle Huff (14 yards) used their legs to find the end zone, pushing the halftime lead to 60-0.

With the running clock well in effect, North Muskegon managed just one touchdown in the second half. Alec Newville scored a 10-yard rushing touchdown with 45 seconds to go in the third quarter to lift the Norsemen to their final lead at 67-0.

James Young threw just seven passes, but he completed six for 131 yards and 4 touchdowns. Nick Dana turned six carries into 108 yards to finish as North Muskegon’s leading rusher. Denny Belmonte (67), Ben Meyers (65) and Kyle Huff (51) all finished above 50 rushing yards. Matt Colbert’s 49 receiving yards led the Norsemen.

North Muskegon outgained Shelby 513-123 in this game. Travis Boughan passed for 50 and rushed for 17 for Shelby. Cade Clement finished as the Tigers’ leading rusher with 35 yards.

Next week, Shelby (0-3) will take on Whitehall. North Muskegon (1-2) will face off against the Hart Pirates.