The Newaygo Lions, after defeating Montague last week, welcomed Central Montcalm to town on Friday with hopes to secure their first District Championship since 2012. The Hornets had vengeance on their mind, looking to avenge a Week 2 defeat against these same Lions. Central Montcalm put up a strong fight, but in the end, they would fall one point short in a 35-34 Newaygo victory.
On the opening drive of the game, Central Montcalm was able to take a fast lead. McCoy Wernholm got things started as he bowled across the goal line from a yard out. After Brayden Peak hauled in the two-point try, the Hornets led 8-0.
Central Montcalm would add on to their lead after forcing a quick defensive stop. Anthony Schultz would find the end zone on the ensuing Hornets drive, as his 1-yard plunge paired with an Emmett Lingeman keeper on the conversion, pushed the lead out to 16-0.
Newaygo would finally respond late in the first quarter when Porter Slominski broke off a 15-yard touchdown run that trimmed the deficit to ten, 16-6.
The Lions kept their momentum rolling in the early moments of the second quarter. Trevor Garbrecht used his legs on a 17-yard keeper, allowing Newaygo to get back within two points, 16-14.
The Lions would take the lead on their next drive, when Hunter Yearsovich aired it out, and the wide reciever found his fellow pass catcher Sebastian Belanger on a 16-yard score. Henry Wood hauled in the two-point try, and Newaygo jumped ahead 22-16.
With just about a minute to go in the half, Central Montcalm was able to find an equalizer. Wernholm returned to the end zone, as his 9-yard carry left the game knotted at 22 with one half to play.
The third quarter saw Newaygo regain the momentum to create some separation on the scoreboard. On the opening drive of the half, Yearsovich and Wood linked up for a 70-yard touchdown strike. On the next defensive drive, the Lions got their big break. A fumble recovery set them up in great field position, and Henry Wood was able to capitalize with another touchdown catch.
Trailing by two scores, Central Montcalm needed some momentum. Jamison Johns provided the start of that run with a touchdown catch late in the third. A missed conversion would bring the score to 35-28 in favor of Newaygo.
With four minutes to play, Central Montcalm scored what looked to be the equalizer. Emmett Lingeman used his legs on a 10-yard keeper, and the Hornets were within a point. On the ensuing conversion attempt, CM was unable to find any success, and their season would ultimately end one point short, 35-34.
With the win, it’s the first time since 2012 that Newaygo earns a District Championship. They will be at home next week against Lansing Catholic, looking to secure the school’s first Regional Championship ever.
