***Article by Josh Longstreth
The Central Montcalm Hornets come into the 2023 playoffs riding a three-game win streak and playing some of their best football of the season. Heading into Friday night with a 5-4 record, all of their losses came against playoff teams that have a real shot to run deep into November. They would be looking for more than just that as they would head on the road to Chesaning to take on an Indians in the midst of their best season since 2001. Chesaning would come into Friday night at 8-1 with the lone loss coming against a playoff team in Bath in week one. Four of those wins came against playoff teams, maybe the best coming against a very good New Lothrup team. Ranked #5 in Division 6, the Indians came in looking to ensure there were no upsets on this night.
Chesaning would jump on top late in the opening quarter. Max Volk would scamper in from 9-yards out giving the home team 7-0 lead after a successful extra-point. It appeared we had a good one on our hands as that’s where things one stand after one quarter of play.
Central Montcalm would finally get their offense going late into the second quarter. Anthony Schultz would connect with sophomore Jamison Johns from 14-yards out would cut the lead to 7-6. Chesaning felt some urgency shortly after. They would build on to the lead after a 39-yard run from Brayden Florian to make it a 15-6 game. The Indians would hold on to that lead after one half of play.
The Chesaning offense would get things started a little earlier to begin the second half. They would build even more momentum when Florian broke loose again, this time from 29-yards away. This would put some space between the two teams as Chesaning led 21-6. They would cap off a big quarter late with a Florian 19-yard field goal. Chesaning would head to the final quarter with a 24-6 advantage.
Central Montcalm would have their chances to get back in the game but Chesaning would really limit them in the final quarter. The Indians would add some more for extra measures. Volk would find Adam Woodcock from 6-yards out to up the lead to 31-6. The Hornets would score with just two seconds remaining in the game when Schultz found Joey Morrow from 11-yards away. It wouldn’t be enough in this one, Chesaning rolls 31-12.
Chesaning will now have a chance to face Bullock Creek with a district title on the line next week. Bullock Creek, coming off a thrilling win over Clare, sits at 7-3 on the year. The Lancers are riding with a lot of momentum right now as they have won six of their last seven with the lone loss coming to an undefeated Millington team. The two teams will face off in Chesaning next week in what should be a heck of a football game with both teams going on pure momentum right now.
