It hasn’t been the start to the 2023 season that the Newaygo Lions have envisioned in first two weeks of the season. After hitting a nail in the road last week against Big Rapids, Newaygo would have a chance to grab their first win of the season when they took on Morley Stanwood on Friday night. The Lions would take full advantage.
Newaygo had things going in the first as they would grab the first score of the game. Sophomore Damone Moore would take one in from 5-yards away. The Newaygo defense would pitch a shutout in the first and the Lions found themselves with a 6-0 lead heading into the second quarter.
The Lions really had a chance to gain some big momentum heading into the half. Late in the quarter, Blake Kerr would find himself in the endzone after a 54-yard scamper. It would be all Lions after one half of play as they took a 12-0 lead into the half.
Things wouldn’t change to start the third quarter. Newaygo took the life right out of the Mohawks after another rushing touchdown, this time from 6-yards out by Moore. This would give the Lions an 18-0 lead late in the quarter. Right back Newaygo would come. This time Kerr would connect with Logan Klomp on a 4-yard touchdown pass. All Lions after three, 24-0.
Morley Stanwood would get some things going to begin the fourth, though. Finally the Mohawks would pick up their first score of the night on a 4-yard touchdown run. It will help with the confidence of Stanwood but it just wasn’t going to be enough here. Newaygo impresses as they pick up their first win of the season, 24-8.
The Mohawks will drop to 0-3 on the year as the beginning of the season has not been kind to them. Stanwood will have another great opportunity next week as they take on Lakeview in what could be a tight battle. It will be the home opener for the Mohawks.
Newaygo gets to take a deep breath and reset now. The Lions grab their first win of the season but they will take on a different looking team next week in Tri-County. The Vikings are rolling right now and Newaygo will need to play a near perfect game to pull off the upset. The two will square off next Friday night.
