**ARTICLE BY SEAN MASSA**
The Crusaders and Norsemen travelled to Hackley Stadium for their sixth edition of this crosstown showdown. The latest rendition did not disappoint, with MCC holding on for a 24-22 victory.
North Muskegon would get on the board first in this game, with a 57-yard pass from James Young that found Carsen Moat in the end zone. Shortly after, Muskegon Catholic would answer before the conclusion of the first quarter. David Hill found the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown run. A missed PAT would keep North Muskegon in the lead, 7-6, entering the second quarter.
The Norsemen would add to their lead at the end of the second quarter, as Young found Ben Meyers for a 20-yard touchdown pass. Less than three minutes later and now trailing by eight, Muskegon Catholic would respond with a 13-yard touchdown run from Sam Kartes. A failed two-point conversion kept North Muskegon in the lead, 14-12.
After the break, North Muskegon would add to their lead, courtesy of a 2-yard touchdown run from James Young. A successful two-point conversion would make their lead 22-12. Just two minutes of game time later, Muskegon Catholic would cut the Norse lead to four, as Bryan Convertini found the end zone with a 3-yard touchdown run. The North Muskegon defense blocked the extra-point attempt, keeping this game a four-point lead in their favor.
The fourth quarter saw the game’s final touchdown, and that would go to the Crusaders. Muskegon Catholic would get a 1-yard touchdown run from Convertini, give his squad their first lead of the night, 24-22. A two-point conversion attempt was not converted, but North Muskegon could not respond.
Now 1-0 on the year, Muskegon Catholic Central will face Oakridge. North Muskegon seeks its first victory in a showdown with Orchard View.
