By Joe Lane
LocalSportsJournal.com
WYOMING – The Muskegon Big Reds set lofty goals every football season.
Their regular season is considered their preseason as you can almost book them to make the playoffs. The Big Reds haven’t missed the playoffs since 1999.
This season is no different as Muskegon (7-2, 7-0) dismantled the Wyoming Wolves, 58-0. The Big Reds have won seven straight games after dropping the first two games of the season.
“We wanted to be dominant,” said Muskegon coach Shane Fairfield. “We knew that this was kind of the tune-up game to get us ready for the playoffs. So, I’m very happy how the players responded, no matter who we were playing. We’re going to sit back as OK-Green champs and see who the MHSAA has for us concerning the playoffs.”
The first quarter was all Muskegon as they took a 20-0 lead behind three Jakob Price touchdown runs. Price had an efficient game as he finished the game with six carries for 104 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
“It’s been a great journey for us,” Price said. “We’ve gotten better and have gotten stronger and faster, and it showed on the field. It seems like after the first two weeks we’ve just exploded with our talent.”
A stingy Big Reds’ defense made it tough for the Wolves to gain yards in the first half as the Big Reds had two takeaways and forced three punts. The second quarter closed with the Big Reds taking a 41-0 lead into half.
M’Khi Guy hooked up with Brant Brooks II for a 48-yard touchdown reception. Destin Piggee muscled his way into the end zone after breaking several tackles on fourth and three for a 7-yard score. Price finished the scoring in the second quarter by breaking loose for a 53-yard touchdown.
Muskegon scored a touchdown on its first drive after the half and kicker Adrian Ramos-Velazquez booted a 32-yard field goal to round out the third-quarter scoring. Big Red Maurice Boyd capped the scoring with a 50-yard touchdown run.
The Big Reds limited the Wolves to 47 total yards while compiling 374 total yards. Muskegon limited the hosts to just two first downs in the game. Defensively, the Big Reds were led by Stanley Cunningham with nine tackles and a sack, Da’Carion Taylor with seven tackles and a fumble recovery. Lyn Wilson Jr. had an interception and three tackles for the Big Reds.
Muskegon will have the luxury of hosting next week’s playoff game but will have to wait until Sunday to find out who they will play in the first round of the division 2 playoffs.
“Our mindset going into the playoffs is to dominate and take practice seriously,” said Price. “This is a win and go home situation and we don’t want to go home any time soon.”
Photos by Craig Smith
