**ARTICLE BY JOSH LONGSTRETH**
The Gladwin Flying G’s came out in a blaze last week against Chippewa Hills. They were looking to do the same in their JPC opener at Harrison on Thursday night. The Harrison Hornets, however, were looking to find a way to sting Gladwin. But on this night, it would be Gladwin that would do all the stinging.
Gladwin would set the tone early in this one as Jhace Massey would take one in from 10 yards out to give themselves a 7-0 lead after an Anna Seebeck PAT. Earl Esilline would give Gladwin a 14-0 advantage. Gladwin was off and running, but they weren’t done in the first quarter. This time, Kaden McDonald takes one back on a 70-yard punt return. Shortly after that, McDonald would find the end zone again on a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Nick Wheeler. Gladwin would jump on the Hornets 28-0 after one.
In the second quarter, Wheeler found his own way to the end zone. He used his legs on a 17-yard touchdown scamper. Everything was going Gladwin’s way, as they lead this one 35-0. McDonald would get in on the action again, as this time he would throw one downfield to connect on a 74-yard touchdown pass with Massey. Seebeck would top off another PAT and Gladwin would head into the locker room up 42-0.
A new half saw more of the same for the Flying G’s. Brandon Ritchie would head all the way in for six to give Gladwin a 49-0 advantage. The ground game couldn’t have been better for Gladwin. Logan Kokotovich would find his way to paydirt on a 24-yard touchdown run. It would be 56-0, Gladwin.
It was another game in which Gladwin got off to another blazing start. This is something that they have been accustomed to over the last couple years. Harrison wasn’t able to get much going in this one. Gladwin was able to hold Harrison to just 121 total yards on the night. Logan Kokotovich and Wheeler would lead Gladwin on the defensive side of the ball with 7 tackles apiece.
“I thought we played very well defensively,” Gladwin Head Coach Marc Jarstfer exclaimed. “Our defensive staff put togeter a great plan against a tough Harrison team that runs the T very well. Our kids executed that game plan brilliantly tonight. Offensively, we played fundamentally sound and that lead to many explosive plays.
Gladwin, who starts off 2-0 on the year, will look to continue their ways when they open things at home against the Shepherd Bluejays. Shepherd comes in at 1-1, and looks to bounce back after a close loss to Meridian. Harrison will move to 1-1 on the year. They’ll have a chance to bound back next week when the 0-2 Pinconning Spartans come to town.
