The Freeland Falcons and Goodrich Martians each fell to Frankenmuth during the regular season. The remainder of the year, including in last week’s playoff openers, neither team has been challenged. As a result, these two programs were on a collision course to square off for the fourth straight season in the playoffs. Goodrich was able to make just enough plays on Friday to best Freeland for the third straight year, 27-21.
Freeland got the scoring started in this game with an explosive touchdown run. Braden Petrie shot through the defense for a 64-yard carry, racing for a score. Goodrich quickly answered on a 2-yard touchdown from Chase Burnett, but a missed PAT left the Falcons ahead 7-6.
Goodrich seized the lead in the second quarter, when the Martians made the lone scoring play of the frame. Jacoby Lagat capped off this 9-play, 62-yard march with a 3-yard touchdown carry. This score gave them a 13-7 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, again we saw just one touchdown scored. It again came from Goodrich, though this time it was in the air. Tanner Mazich found Max Maclem on a 20-yard touchdown toss. With twelve minutes to play, the Falcons trailed 20-7.
Freeland began their comeback with a 1-yard Petrie touchdown run. The Falcons did manage a second touchdown in the quarter, when Jake Metiva found Zander Wheatley on a 15-yard passing connection. This lifted Freeland’s team total to 21, but sandwiched in between these drives was a Goodrich score that would prove too much.
Chase Burnett’s second score of the game, a 1-yard carry in the fourth quarter, would prove too much for the Falcons to overcome. Burnett had a great night, turning 25 carries into 178 yards and two scores. The Martians were extremely effective chewing up the clock, taking over six minutes on every scoring drive.
With the win, Goodrich advances to the Regional Championship, where they will face Haslett.
