**ARTICLE BY JOSH LONGSTRETH**
The Frankenmuth Eagles have put together yet another impressive run in the 2022 season. The Eagles have absolutely dominated every team they have come across this season. Last week they would put together a nearly flawless win in taking regionals over Flint Hamady, 49-7. They would head into Saturday’s game against a Detroit Country Day team who is as hot as any. Both teams have had recent trips to Ford Field, and they would have that opportunity yet again today.
The Yellowjackets of Country Day would have the opportunity to strike first on the day. The Frankenmuth defense would do what they do and come out strong to force a punt. Then, the offense would do what they do and grab an early lead. Sam Barger would punch one in from 26-yards away and the Eagles would take an early 7-0 lead after a Will Soulliere PAT. Frankenmuth’s defense would come out early in this one and set the tone. They would force another quick punt with a chance for their offense to go back to work. When you have a kicker like Will Soulliere, that’s a huge advantage this time of year. Soulliere would boot one through the uprights from 31-yards out. It would be 10-0 Frankenmuth midway through the opening quarter and they would have that same lead heading into the 2nd.
The Eagles would really open things up early on in the quarter putting together an 11-play drive that would result in an Aidan Hoard 2-yard run. Frankenmuth was rolling early, 17-0. The Yellowjacket offense just couldn’t get much momentum going through much of the first half as the Eagles defense would force another 3-and-out. The offense would pay them off yet again. Frankenmuth would take an absolute stranglehold of this game heading into halftime. Hoard would connect with Brenden Marker on a 3-yard TD pass that would give the Eagles a 24-0 lead at the half.
New half, same Eagles. They would build an even bigger lead when Griffin Barker would scamper in from 34-yards out to put the game at 31-0, Frankenmuth. Many offenses have had to deal with the Eagles defense this season and Country Day was finding out that wasn’t pleasant. They wouldn’t gain any traction trying to soften the Frankenmuth defense in the 3rd. The Eagles could feel it, they would hold that 31-point advantage heading into the final quarter of play.
They wouldn’t let up either, Frankenmuth would put together another scoring drive on a Hoard to Barker connection on a 10-yard screen pass. All Eagles, 38-0. Another dominate performance from Frankenmuth as they are putting together quite possibly their best season. They punch their ticket to Ford Field with a chance to win their first state championship.
The Frankenmuth defense was as dominant as ever in this one. Facing a Country Day offense that can move the ball, they would hold the Yellowjackets to no first downs on the day and –2 yards of total offense. Dalton Debeau led the charge with 10 tackles on the day. The Frankenmuth offense would have the ball for 33:44 in time of possession on the day racking up 20 first downs. The offense would roll up 301 yards on the ground and another 117 through the air. They were led by Sam Barger who had 118 yards rushing and Griffin Barker who added 96 yards on the ground. Aidan Hoard put together a strong performance with 189 total yards for the Eagles.
The Eagles continue to set the tone early in games. They’ll head into Ford Field to take on Gladwin. The Flying G’s are coming off an equally impressive win over Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Both teams will put their undefeated records on the line and a state championship in sight. The Division 5 Championship will be next Saturday at 4:30 in a must-see game.
