The Central Montcalm Hornets welcomed Newaygo to town on Friday, with both teams experiencing success in Week 1. It would be a tightly contested battle throughout, with fourteen unanswered points leading to the Lions’ 21-12 victory.
Newaygo would strike first, midway through the first quarter. Rayburn would be the first culprit to cross the goal line, bowling his way across from a yard out. Central Montcalm would quickly respond with a three-minute touchdown march of their own. Emmett Lingeman, the signal-caller, used his legs for a 7-yard jaunt to paradise, however a missed PAT left the Hornets facing a one point deficit. The score would remain throughout the remainder of the first half.
Central Montcalm would kick off the second half action with their second touchdown drive. This time, it was McCoy Wernholm who found the endzone, and his 6-yard carry put the Hornets ahead by 5, 12-7. The failed conversion left the door open to a Lions’ attack.
Newaygo would pounce on the opportunity, scoring on their next drive. Damone Moore broke off a 31-yard sprint through the swarm of Hornets’ defenders, and he found himself alone in the end zone. Newaygo converted the point after, and they led 14-12.
The Lions would add some insurance in the fourth quarter, with another touchdown by Moore. This time, he ripped off a 48-yard run, ensuring Newaygo would improve to 2-0.
Newaygo is now 2-0 for the first time since 2014. A win next week against Grant would give the Lions as many wins as they had last fall. Central Montcalm slides to 1-1, and they’ll look to get back above .500 with a shot at Chippewa Hills.
