The Lowell Red Arrows entered Friday night’s game on a three-game winning streak, moving their record to an even 4-4. They looked to cement their position in the postseason against Byron Center. A hot start by the Bulldogs saw them race out to a 24-7 lead before holding on for a 34-21 victory.
On their first possession, Lowell found the end zone. Carter Blough rushed for an 8-yard touchdown. Byron Center would respond with a pair of rushing touchdowns by Brady Breit. His carries of 1 and 4 yards gave the Bulldogs a 14-7 lead after twelve minutes.
The offensive run continued for Byron Center when Jason Sevigny broke free on a 33-yard dash to the end zone. Caden Balkon booted a 32-yard field goal to push the Bulldogs ahead by seventeen. Lowell would snap the run on a 3-yard touchdown by Tacho Gonzales.
In the third quarter, Balkon booted a field goal of 24 yards to give Byron Center a 27-14 lead. The lead would reach twenty points when Hunter Schichtel broke free on a quarterback keeper, sprinting 57 yards for a touchdown.
Lowell added the only touchdown in the fourth quarter, a 2-yard carry by Nate Cleaver. They would not be able to draw closer over the final eight minutes.
Hunter Schichtel led Byron Center with 127 rushing yards on 13 carries. Jason Sevigny added 123 yards on 10 carries. Owen Holverstott added 81 yards on three carries. Lowell was led by Carter Blough, who rushed for 131 yards on 26 carries. Aiden Fitzpatrick had a strong receiving day with 77 yards.
Byron Center will advance to the postseason next week. Lowell is hoping that they will also be selected for the postseason. Both teams will learn their fate on Selection Sunday.
