North Muskegon cruises past Shelby, 42-6, awaits playoff fate

The Norsemen, with their 8-1 record, and strength of schedule, appear ready to move into the first round of the playoffs next week. A home game, or two, may not be out of the question.

North Muskegon has won eight straight since a heartbreaking 24-22 setback to Muskegon Catholic in the season opener.

Friday night, the Norsemen — who edged Ravenna for the conference title with a 6-0 mark — imposed their will on the Tigers from the opening kick. NM scored 21 points in the first quarter.

Meyers scored his second touchdown of the game for the Norsemen on a 6-yard scamper with 11:24 to play in the second quarter, Young added a rushing touchdown of 1 yard 5:15 before halftime. Before halftime, Young hit Landon Christianson on a 16-yard touchdown pass.

Shelby avoided being shut out thanks to a 14-yard scoring pass from Isaiah Garcia to Bishop Lee with 5:09 left in the contest.

North Muskegon accumulated 367 yards of total offense, 161 rushing and 206 passing. Young produced 197 yards through the air on 12-of-15 completions.

The Tigers managed only 49 yards total offense, with 23 rushing and 26 passing.

Carson Moat led the Norsemen receivers with three catches for 50 yards, while Jordan Washington made three grabs for 46 yards and Byard caught two balls for 42 yards.

Tristan Thomas rushed for 84 yards on 10 carries to lead North Muskegon, followed by Meyers with 61 yards on five attempts.

AJ Larkin was the Norsemen’s defensive leader with eight tackles, Sam Gallo had seven tops and 2.5 tackles for loss.

Bishop Lee was one of the bright spots for the Tigers He caught four passes for 38 yards and a touchdown.

Shelby’s defensive leaders were Travis Boughan with 11 tackles and one tackle for loss and Lee and Phillip Hayes each with five stops.