Article by Josh Longstreth
It was a tough one last week for the Newaygo Lions as they fell to one of the conferences best in Tri-County. They knew heading into this one that they would have a chance to get the bad taste out of their mouths in a hurry in facing a Grant team that has struggled as well. The Lions would take full advantage of that putting together a big night for themselves.
They would be met with some force early on in this one. The Tigers would struck first after a 43-yard touchdown run. Grant would hold a slim 8-0 lead after the two-point try and that’s where things would stand after one.
Newaygo would finally put some momentum together heading into the half. Blake Kerr would connect with Henry Wood on a 5-yard touchdown pass. This would make it a 7-8 game after one half of play.
Both defenses really came to play in this one. Neither offense could muster much of anything to begin the half. The Tigers would hold onto a slim lead heading into the final quarter of play.
The Lions would grab their first lead of the night early on in the quarter. Sophomore Damone Moore, would find his way in the endzone from 9-yards away to put Newaygo up 14-8. Moore completely took over the game in the quarter. Midway through the fourth he would find some daylight from 21-yards out. This gave a little more room to the Lions as they took a 21-8 to that point. Then, with just seconds remaining, Moore would put an end to the night by capping off a 44-yard touchdown scamper. Behind the sophomore signal caller and a big night from the defense, Newaygo goes on to secure this one, 28-8.
Grant will drop to 1-4 on the season. After winning the first game of the year, the last four weeks have not been kind to the Tigers. They will have an opportunity to get their season back on track when they take on a Big Rapids team that is rolling at the moment. The Cardinals knocked off Chippewa Hills on Friday night to improve to 4-1.
Newaygo has now won two of three as they improve to 2-3. They will take on a Reed City team in week six who is coming off a big win over Central Montcalm. It is a pivotal game for both as the two look to get to .500 on the season.
