Ludington cruises over Alpena in opening game of the gridiron season

 

LUDINGTON — Ludington hardly broke a sweat in Thursday night’s season opening football game with Alpena, running all over the Division 3 Wildcats 67-0 at Oriole Field.

 

The victory bell rang loud and long.

 

Oriole quarterback Cam Gunsell proved a thorn in the Wildcats’ side all night, scoring seven touchdowns total, including his first on Ludington’s second play from scrimmage which was indication of things to come.

 

“We kind of knew we were going to be a little more athletic than Alpena,” said Ludington coach Charlie Gunsell, the quarterback’s father. “I was a little surprised it got away from them that quickly. I thought both sides of the ball played well. We were especially good up front with Walt leading the way on the offensive line. Jarron Hathaway, Dom Wheaton and Andre Walden played well defensively.”

 

Ludington had a 26-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, and just kept going, racking up a 47-0 lead at the half.

 

Gunsell was 9-of-12 passing for 173 yards and three touchdowns.

 

Gunsell picked up another 181 yards on the ground and rushed for four more TDs.

 

Taj Williams caught two of Gunsell’s touchdown passes and finished with 115 yards in receptions. Andre Walden caught the other TD pass.

 

Leading the Orioles defense were Cole Hackert who had six tackles and three quarterback sacks, followed by Jeron Hathaway with five tackles and two sacks, and Waldon with four tackles and two sacks. Zach Graham added six tackles.

 

“Cam did a good job with his reads, and getting the ball out to receivers,” added the coach.

 

The Orioles will play Mason County Central in the teams’ annual battle for bragging rights in a West Michigan Conference cross over game next Friday.