The Freeland Falcons began their season against Saginaw United on Thursday evening. It was a night to remember for the Saginaw community, as long time rivals Saginaw High and Saginaw Arthur Hill combined their talents on the gridiron for the first time, unveiling the Phoenix moniker and uniform to the masses. Once the game kicked off, it quickly became a night to forget, as Freeland raced their way to a 54-6 victory.
In the first quarter, Freeland scored three times to create a 24-0 advantage. First, Braden Petrie ran for a 5-yard touchdown. Keegan Whelton converted the initial two-point try for the Falcons. Parker Lentrier added to the scoring with a 15-yard touchdown run on the next series. Wilson Huckeby hauled in a Jake Metiva two-point pass to double the lead. Finally, Metiva stepped in front of a Phoenix pass and raced 31 yards for the score. In perhaps the most unusual combination of scoring plays, Metvia completed the octopus with a conversion run.
Things did not improve for United, as the yielded another 30 points to the opposing Falcons. Max Heyn reeled off an 18-yard touchdown run, which saw Kaden Gerzseny add the conversion run. Zander Wheatley scored the second defensive touchdown of the night, a 48-yard interception return. He matched Metiva’s octopus with his own conversion catch. Caleb Douglas would later join the scoring party with a short 2-yard plunge. Finally, Jake Metiva took to the air for a 19-yard touchdown pass to Huckeby. When Zander Wheatley hauled in the two-point try, that gave Freeland a 54-0 halftime lead.
With the running clock in effect, scoring chances were limited on both sides. Saginaw United would score the first touchdown in program history in the third quarter. Their nine-play, 80-yard drive was capped off by a 1-yard touchdown toss from Jordan Allen to Jabari Washington.
It was an extremely one-sided affair, in large part due to the success of Freeland in all facets of the game. In addition to their 54 points scored, they forced seven Saginaw turnovers. Jake Metiva posted 125 yards passing, as Freeland moves to 1-0 for the season. Next week, Freeland will look to move to 2-0 when they take on Bridgeport.
