After three lopsided football games to begin State Championship weekend, Friday night saw some competitive action. Byron Center, participating in their first State Championship game, squared off with Orchard Lake St Mary’s, a legacy program making their fifteenth visit to the Finals.

It was a back-and-forth football game early, but a few key plays in the second half propelled the Eaglets to their ninth State Championship, 35-19.

After getting a quick stop to start the game, Byron Center took over at their own 35 yard line. An explosive run by Cam Payne quickly propelled the Bulldogs down the field. This set them up for a short touchdown run by his brother, Kellen Payne. Kellen’s 9-yard carry gave Byron Center a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

Orchard Lake St Mary’s responded with a quick touchdown march. Three double digit plays sparked a rapid eight-play drive, culminating in a 7-yard carry by Darrin Jones. As the first quarter concluded, the teams were deadlocked at 7.

The Bulldogs were able to counter early in the second quarter, needing just two plays in the frame to find the scoreboard. Once again, it was Cam Payne providing the spark. The stellar sophomore burst through the line, outpacing the defense on a 56-yard sprint to the end zone. A blocked two-point try left their lead at just six, 13-7.

Byron Center’s momentum continued when they turned the Eaglets over on downs. After nearing midfield, they faked a punt on 4th down and 7. This failed attempt gave OLSM great field position in positive territory.

The Eaglets marched methodically, making positive gains on six straight plays. Bryson Williams, a commit to Michigan State, reeled off a 12-yard touchdown run to even the score. An extra point by Beckett Kiefer gave OLSM their first lead 14-13 into the half.

As the third quarter began, Byron Center started with the football. On the third play of their drive, the Eaglets forced a fumble. Kyrie Williams recovered the loose ball and ran it all the way back to the Byron Center 3 yard line.

OLSM found the end zone on the first play, with Williams carrying the football across the goal line. A successful PAT gave them a 21-13 lead.

Later in the third quarter, OLSM put together a strong 8-play, 78-yard touchdown drive to pad their lead further. Darrin Jones had two big runs of 20 and 31 yards to set up a 33-yard touchdown pass from Axel Newell to Angelo Chapman. This throwing score gave the Eaglets a 15-point lead with a quarter to go.

The Bulldogs rallied as the fourth quarter started, marching 67 yards in just five plays. Landon Tungate capped off the drive with a short 10-yard plunge, trimming the deficit to nine, 28-19.

Orchard Lake St Mary’s would quickly provide an answer, with a 7-play, 63-yard touchdown drive. The Eaglets stuck to their ground game, and Darrin Jones finally got his touchdown with a short four-yard carry.

Down by sixteen, the Bulldogs needed to move fast. They got a few big plays from Tungate to get deep into OLSM territory, but they ultimately turned it over on downs, ending their chances of a comeback.

With the victory, the Eaglets are Division 2 State Champions for the ninth time. This is their first State Championship since the program had a three-peat in 2014-16. For Byron Center, their season ends at 12-2. The Bulldogs set program records for wins in a season, and made their first trip to Ford Field a memorable visit.