The Muskegon Heights Tigers welcomed the McBain Ramblers into town on Saturday for the regular season finale. Both teams entered this week comfortably within the playoff field in Division 7 (McBain) and Division 8 (Muskegon Heights), so this was a great tune-up opportunity for both teams. It was a back-and-forth battle that saw the Ramblers score late to capture a 32-28 victory.
On the opening drive of the game, Muskegon Heights took the lead. Anthony Floyd powered across the goal line from a yard out, capping off a 65-yard title march. McBain responded with a touchdown drive of their own. Braydon Pace found Carsten Huttenga on a 10-yard toss that evened the game at six. Muskegon Heights would jump back in front at the end of the quarter, as Floyd rushed for another touchdown. His conversion gave the Tigers a 14-6 lead.
Three minutes into the second quarter, Ja’Kari Edwards found the end zone. His one-yard touchdown plunge extended the Tigers lead to fourteen points. Elijah Baker would respond for McBain with a 6-yard carry, bringing the halftime count to 20-12 in favor of the Tigers.
The Ramblers were able to even the count on their first drive of the third quarter. Elijah Baker returned to end zone, bowling through the front line on a 1-yard score. Kalvin McGillis ran in the two-point try.
McBain stepped in front of a Tigers’ pass, setting up a short field. Starting at the Muskegon Heights 18 yard line, they needed just a few plays to find the end zone. Elijah Baker toted the football across the goal line from four yards out. This run gave the Ramblers a 26-20 lead.
Muskegon Heights had the ball early in the fourth quarter, and they began marching down the field from their own 25 yard line. With 6:43 to play, Ja’Kari Edwards took a handoff at the McBain 20 and raced into the end zone. A successful conversion by Edwards gave the Tigers a 28-26 advantage.
McBain would begin their ensuing drive on their own 27. It was a three-minute march for the Ramblers, covering seventy-three yards. Bryce Akom was the hero, as he powered into the end zone from the Tigers’ two yard line. Muskegon Heights was unable to score in the three minutes of action, leaving the Tigers four points short.
Anthony Floyd led Muskegon Heights rushing with 91 yards on 17 carries. Ja’Kari Edwards added 65 yards. McBain saw Kalvin McGillis pace the rushing attack with 117 yards on 9 carries. Elijah Baker added 80 yards on teh ground.
Both teams will learn their playoff fate during Sunday’s selection show. This year has already been an exciting restoration for the Muskegon Heights program. Their five wins are the most the program has logged since 2010. That season was also their last playoff appearance.
