Local Sports Journal
The Newaygo Lions bounced back from a disappointing loss to Reed City last week with a 28-0 victory over previously unbeaten Hesperia Friday in Central State Athletic Association football action.
“That was a tough, physical, smash mouth game,’ said Newaygo coach Andy Busch. “We were able to work it out by controlling the clock and grinding it out.
“We’re excited about this win after a tough loss last week, which led to a tough week of practice. We worked on eliminating mental errors and penalties and it paid off for us tonight.”
The Newaygo defense sent an early message with a two-point safety to open the scoring in the first quarter. Hesperia was facing third down and long on the two-yard line, and Reo Heinzman got the tackle in the end zone.
The Lions extended their lead in the second quarter on a 31-yard touchdown pass from Weston Butler to Rob Mendom. The extra point was good, giving Newaygo a 9-0 halftime edge.
Brett Korytkowski added a touchdown for the winners in the third quarter with a three-yard plunge. The two point conversion attempt failed.
Butler added another score in the third with a two-yard quarterback keeper. Another conversion attempt failed, leaving Newaygo with a 21-0 lead.
Austin Vauwer capped off the scoring in the fourth quarter with a four-yard touchdown run, and the extra point kick was good.
Newaygo dominated offensively, piling up 416 total yards compared to Hesperia’s 84.
Keith Harrington led Newaygo with 12 rushes for 121 yards. Brandon Foster paced the defense with 11 tackles while A.J. Bays and Harrington each added nine.
