LocalSportsJournal.com
 
NORTH MUSKEGON — No guts, no glory.
 
North Muskegon senior Sam Johnson showed just what it really looks like to play against some extreme odds. The senior forward led the Norse to their sixth straight Division 4 district title on Thursday with a 1-0 win over Western Michigan Christian.

North Muskegon’s Sam Johnson holds her own with cast on her left arm in front of No. 7 Kayla Balder.

 
Johnson battled against WMC with a severely broken arm. The injury happened during the Norse’ win over Ravenna on Tuesday. 
 
“I went to the doctor’s office and right away I was like, ‘how do I play Thursday?'” said Johnson regarding her status for Thursday’s game. “They gave me a hard cast and said do what you got to do.” 
 
Despite the injury, Johnson gave North Muskegon a 1-0 lead midway through the second half. Kennedi Koekkoek assisted on the play on a perfectly placed cross from the left side of the field. 
 
“Two bones are broken, and on Tuesday, I had to go get it snapped back into place,” said Johnson about the severity of her broken arm. “I actually need surgery, but I am going to try to wait as long as I can so I can get through this season. Fingers crossed.”
 
WMC battled against North Muskegon with a stingy defense that was backed by freshman goalie Elaina Clapp. 
 
The Warriors were heavily outshot in the match, but Clapp came through with spectacular saves to keep her team in the contest. She had 10 saves.
 
“The girls knew it was going to be an 80-minute battle at least with this group,” said North Muskegon coach Caleb Parnin. “Christian is an awesome team. They are so strong defensively and goodness, their goalie is good.”
 

The victory moves North Muskegon to the regional semifinals on June 7 against Brethren.

Check out photos from the action shot by Jason Goorman.