The Montague Wildcats travelled to Mid-Michigan for a showdown with Lansing Catholic. The Cougars are one of the favorites in Division 6, while the Wildcats entered as the reigning champions. After four quarters of play, the champs were dethroned. A new champion will be crowned in Division 6 after Montague was defeated 31-13.
In the opening quarter, Montague set the tone. The visitors scored first, a 3-yard touchdown run by Dylan Everett. A successful extra point gave the Wildcats an early 7-0 lead. This would hold throughout the opening frame.
Lansing Catholic roared back with an explosive second quarter. The Cougars scored 24 points to take a commanding lead. Alex Watters was the team’s sure-handed target with two touchdown catches on their first set of scoring drives. A third touchdown pass thrown by Joey Baker put them ahead by eighteen. The first half scoring concluded with a 32-yard field goal by Jonah Richards.
The offense was limited in the second half, with a touchdown scored by each side. First, it was Lansing Catholic, as Alex Watters returned to the end zone. His 1-yard plunge in the third quarter gave the Cougars a 24-point edge. In the final frame, Andrew Kooi found Izac Jarka on a 22-yard touchdown toss that trimmed the closing deficit.
Lansing Catholic outgained Montague 300-166. The Cougars quarterback, Joey Baker, finished 17/36 passing for 213 yards and three scores. Alex Watters was the leading target with 66 receiving yards, 43 rushing yards, and three touchdowns. Defensively, Owen Biergans recorded an interception, while Mason Knippen forced and recovered a fumble.
Montague was led by Dylan Everett, who rushed for 99 yards on 25 carries. Andrew Kooi finished 5/19 passing for 62 yards.
Next week, Lansing Catholic will square off against Standish-Sterling in the State Semifinals. The Panthers advanced to the Semifinals after a 34-7 thrashing of Calumet. That game will take play Saturday at 1:00 at Clare.
