The Muskegon Big Reds welcomed the Lowell Red Arrows to town on Saturday for their playoff opener. A competitive rivalry in the late 2000s and early 2010s in the postseason, this edition was not so close. Muskegon captured a 35-7 victory to advance to the District Finals.
Lowell muffed a punt early in this game, giving Muskegon the football back. Destin Piggee made the Red Arrows pay with a 58-yard sprint to the end zone. Special teams woes continued for Lowell, as Muskegon was able to recover the ensuing kickoff. Myles Walton aired it out to Jeremiah Dault, who hauled it in for a 21-yard touchdown just moments later. This gave Muskegon a 14-0 halftime lead.
Damari Foster‘s interception set up an easy third quarter touchdown. Myles Walton capped off the drive with a 1-yard quarterback keeper. Jakob Price would provide the insurance with two touchdown runs, scoring on carries of 20 and 74 yards. Lowell prevented the shutout with a 1-yard score by Tacho Gonzales.
Muskegon will now face Cedar Springs for the fourth straight year in the playoffs. The Big Reds have won the past three matchups, all by at least two scores. This year’s Red Hawks defeated Coopersville 45-6 in their playoff opener.
