The Freeland Falcons began their postseason on Friday with a game against Lake Fenton. This is the third time in four seasons that these two have met in the playoffs, and Friday’s result was much like the previous two. Freeland faced little resistance in a 30-point victory, 51-21.
After being such a stout defense in the regular season, Freeland uncharacteristically gave up 14 points in the opening six minutes. The first half of the first quarter was a track meet, with 36 total points on the board.
Freeland scored first when Max Hyne broke free for a 48-yard touchdown carry. Jake Metiva and Jacob Clawson paired up for the conversion pass, giving the Falcons an 8-0 edge.
Lake Fenton rallied when Camden Frey took to the air, connecting on a 76-yard deep ball to Carson Nerretter. The Blue Devils took the PAT kick, leaving them behind by one.
One play from scrimmage later, Freeland was back in the end zone. On the Falcons’ first run, Owen Case reeled off a 62-yard sprint past the Lake Fenton defense. This lead was quickly erased when Frey and Nerretter linked up on a 15-yard touchdown strike.
Freeland ended this furious run with a 64-yard touchdown pass of their own. Metiva and Wilson Huckeby partnered up on this dynamic attack, giving the Falcons a 22-14 edge.
In the second quarter, it was all Freeland. The Falcons kept their high-powered offensive gear, while pitching a 12-minute shutout to create separation. Braden Petrie got things started with a 26-yard touchdown run. Next, Keenan Cooper scored from a shorter distance, carrying it 4 yards to the endzone. Finally, Jake Metiva and Petrie paired up for a 10-yard touchdown toss that gave Freeland a 44-14 halftime lead.
In the second half, scoring opportunities were limited. Freeland managed to score in the third quarter on a 6-yard run from Petrie. Lake Fenton answered with a 14-yard touchdown run by Luke Wright. This moved the final tally, but not the margin of defeat.
This victory for Freeland earns them a spot in the District Finals, where they face a far too familiar foe. For the third straight season, the District Championship game will be against Goodrich. The Martians, who dominated Ortonville Brandon, have defeated Freeland in consecutive District Championships by one point each (10-9 and 21-20). In 2021, Freeland opened their postseason run with a 22-3 win over the Martians.
This blossoming playoff rivalry will play its fourth chapter this weekend, with another trophy on the line.
