The Sabers of Manistee Catholic Central have started out with a victory in each of the previous four seasons. They were able to extend that streak to five on Thursday night, pitching a shutout in their 38-0 win over Onekama.
This game was one-sided from the start, as the Portagers offense was unable to get anything going against a stout Manistee Catholic Central defensive unit. Eddie Dutkavich led the Sabers with 15 tackles. Ryker Capling (11) and Nick Sturgeon (10) joined Dutkavich with a double-digit tackle performance.
Offensively for the victors, Tyler Hallead finished 5/9 passing for 132 yards and a touchdown. Lee Pizana split time at quarterback with Hallead, and he was 5/8 passing for 79 yards and a score. When Pizana was not the signal-caller, he managed to catch the touchdown from Hallead, a 68-yard strike. Nathan Oleniczak paced the ground attack for the Sabers with 105 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.
Next week, Manistee Catholic Central will start West Michigan Football League play against Mesick. The Bulldogs received a forfeit victory over Baldwin in Week 1. Last fall, Mesick controlled the game against MCC, capturing a 48-6 victory. The Sabers will look to flip the script this time around.
