The Tri-County Vikings and Ludington Orioles got into an old-fashioned shootout on Friday night, and the fans saw the scoreboard change often. In the end, Ludington was the last team standing, capturing a 51-31 victory.
Just eighteen seconds into the game, Ludington was able to provide the fans with an explosive touchdown. Cam Gunsell and Taj Williams paired up for a 70-yard touchdown, giving the Orioles a quick 7-0 advantage. Tri-County responded on their opening drive, as Bryce Reed capped off a three-minute march with a 10-yard touchdown carry.
Later in the first quarter, Ludington would retake the lead on a 15-yard pass to their H-back, Andre Walden. This advantage would grow to fourteen points early in the second, as Gunsell and Williams connected on a 34-yard scoring strike.
Tri-County would claw back a bit when Bryce Reed bowled his way past the front line of Ludington for a 1-yard touchdown. Vaughn Veltman added a successful two-point try and the lead was trimmed to six. Ludington would extend the lead to thirteen at the break, 28-15, when Gunsell and Zach Graham linked up for a 25-yard touchdown.
Bryce Reed continued his strong night with a third touchdown run to open the third quarter scoring. A successful two-point pass from Veltman to Jarvis Rider got the Vikings back within five.
Over the final six minutes of the third quarter, three big scoring plays allowed Ludington to pull away from Tri-County. First, Gunsell and Maks Flanery connected on a 28-yard touchdown toss. Moments later, the Orioles chased Veltman out of the end zone for a two-point safety. Finally, Gunsell used his legs on a 16-yard quarterback keeper. Headed into the fourth quarter, it was 44-23 in favor of the Orioles.
In the final stanza, the mobile quarterback exchanged touchdown runs. This would add to the total, and a successful two-point try slightly adjusted the final margin to its 51-31 resting place.
With this victory, Ludington will enter the playoffs at 7-2. Their offense also set a new school record with 395 points in a season, besting a 2016 campaign that saw them score 353. Tri-County finishes the year at 5-4, with three defeats in their final four games. Both teams will learn their playoff fates and matchups on Sunday during the Selection Show.
