Orchard View’s return to varsity football results in lopsided loss

LocalSportsJournal.com

REED CITY–The Orchard View Cardinals opened their season with a difficult trip to Reed City to take on the Coyotes.

The Cardinals were saddled with a 62-16 loss in their first varsity football contest since 2020. Low numbers a year ago prevented Orchard View from fielding a varsity team.

On Thursday, the Cardinals scored first on a 61-yard touchdown run by Alex Thiele. The two-point conversion was good and the Cardinals led 8-0. However, from there, it was all Reed City, which raced to a 32-8 lead after one quarter and 46-8 at the half.

The score increased to 62-16 after the third quarter. There was no scoring in the final quarter.

Stephon Oakes completed one pass for 16 yards for the Cardinals. Thiele rushed five times for 72 yards and the one touchdown.

The Cardinals finished with 219 total yards, but were plagued with three turnovers, all fumbles.

Reed City scored on six rushing touchdowns and another on a 98-yard kickoff return in the first quarter.

Next Thursday, the Cardinals will host league-foe North Muskegon.