The Ludington Orioles and Muskegon Heights Tigers squared off on Friday night. After four weeks of the season, Ludington came in at 1-3 with three straight defeats. Muskegon Heights was 4-0, a true “feel-good” story. Friday night served as a reality check too, that despite tonight’s 41-12 defeat, the Lakes 8 table is still on the line.
Midway through the opening frame, Ludington struck first. Stephen Weinert was able to power across the goal line for a 7-yard touchdown run that capped off an impressive 65-yard march. The Heights would answer with their own score, as Ja’Kari Edwards tossed it up to Ashton Smith for a 13-yard touchdown. Their conversion attempt was incomplete, leaving the Tigers behind by one, 7-6, after twelve minutes.
In the second quarter, Ludington extended their lead with a single touchdown. Stephen Weinert again was the culprit, barreling into the end zone from four yards out with twenty seconds left before they headed to the locker room. This gave Ludington a 13-6 lead.
The third quarter doomed the Heights, as they yielded 21 unanswered points. First, Trey Forfinski joined the fun with a 25-yard rushing touchdown. Later in the frame, Forfinski found an open Nathan Gilchrist for dinner, and then Forfinski capped off the quarter with his legs once more. This 1-yard keeper made it 34-6 lead.
In the fourth quarter, each team scored once. Ja’Kari Edwards got the Tigers on the board, and Stephen Weinert responded for Ludington. Four interceptions plagued the Heights in this game. The defense also struggled to contain Trey Forfinski, who turned 24 carries into 172 yards.
The Lakes 8 title is still within reach for Muskegon Heights. Next week, they could capture a share with a win over Muskegon Catholic Central. Ludington steps back out of league play next week for a game against Whitehall.
