The Muskegon Heights Tigers are off to their best start since 2009, when Willie Snead IV led the team to the State Semifinals. They are now 4-0 after a win against Manistee on Friday night, 34-28.
Manistee got out to a strong start in this game, scoring on a 1-yard plunge by Connor Beaudrie. In the second quarter, their lead extended to fourteen points when Jeff Huber and Connor Rischel paired up on an 11-yard strike.
Muskegon Heights would battle back, as a fumble recovery game them strong field position. Anthony Floyd would go into the end zone from five yards out, and he also added the conversion. Later in the quarter, Ashton Smith‘s 12-yard touchdown run brought the Heights within two, 14-12, at halftime.
Anthony Floyd opened the second half scoring with a 4-yard run, giving the Tigers their first lead at 18-14. It was short lived, as the Chippewas responded with seven points on a 13-yard pass from Huber to Rischel early in the fourth quarter.
Trailing by three, Ja’Kari Edwards found Damond Davis on a 67-yard touchdown throw. Edwards added the conversion, and the Heights led 26-21. Manistee would respond again with a score, as the lethal combination of Huber and Rischel paired up for a 47-yard touchdown.
Once again Manistee led by two points. With five minutes to play, Ja’Kari Edwards reeled off a 54-yard burst through the Manistee defense and into the end zone. It put the Tigers ahead, a lead they would hold for the duration of the game.
Ja’Kari Edwards led the Heights with 81 rushing yards. He also threw for 182 yards on 8/16 passing. Damond Davis was the Tigers’ leading pass catcher with 98 yards.
Manistee was led by Jeff Huber, who passed for 187 yards on 8.22 passing. Huber also added 80 rushing yards. Connor Rischel had 131 receiving yards on 5 catches.
Muskegon Heights (4-0) will take on Ludington next Friday in another Lakes 8 battle. Manistee is currently searching for an opponent as a result of Orchard View’s forfeit.
