By Ron Rop
LocalSportsJournal.com

NORTON SHORES – Playoff-style football arrived a week early for the Mona Shores Sailors.

The Sailors, who came into the final week of the regular season 8-0, hosted Toledo Central Catholic at Sailor Stadium.

And while the Sailors dropped a 14-13 decision to the Fighting Irish, there is reason to believe the Sailors are ready to do battle in the playoffs, which start next week.

Oh, there are some things that need to be addressed – like untimely penalties – but the Sailors appear quite ready to make a serious run.

Jonathan Pittman drags 3 defenders across the goal line for a Sailor touchdown. Photo/Eric Sturr

“That is a powerhouse,” said Mona Shores coach Matt Koziak of Toledo Central Catholic. “I’m super proud of our kids. They have a great program, they’ve got some really good players and they are very well coached.”

In fact, Toledo Central Catholic came into the game having won 40 of its last 41 games over the last three seasons and has back-to-back state championships. The Fighting Irish also feature a roster that is dotted with Division 1 and 2 prospects as well as a defensive back, Victor Singleton, who is a Top 100 prospect in the nation.

“Our kids went toe-to-toe with them,” said Koziak. “We played really well at times and penalties killed us. We had the all in the red zone and got backed up and all of a sudden, it’s ‘what’s going on.’ Ultimately, we had a chance to win it, but I’m proud of the way our guys fought.

“We had to get an onside kick and we got that and they were just warriors.”

Indeed, the Sailors did give the Toledo team all it wanted in a final regular-season tuneup for next week’s playoffs.

Bishop Davis takes the pitch and gets to the outside for a big gain. Photo/Eric Sturr

“That’s one of the best programs in the Midwest,” said Koziak. “We get to come back on Monday and try to win a state championship.”

On Friday night, the teams did indeed trade blows for much of the hard-hitting game.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Sailor’s offense found some room and drove 79 yards and scored the game’s first touchdown. Senior quarterback Jonathan Pittman hit Micah Carefell on a quick slant in the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown pass. Ezra Carefelle added the extra point and the hosts led 7-0.

That proved to be the only points in the opening half.

After a three-and-out by Shores to start the third quarter, the Fighting Irish mounted their first scoring drive that covered 75 yards. Tyler Morgan was the workhorse back on the drive with nine rushes of the 14-play drive. Anthony Sylvester ran the final 2 yards for the score. Blake Moody’s kick tied the game with 6:12 left in the third quarter.

The Sailors drove to the Irish 9 before their drive sputtered thanks to a couple penalties and a costly sack. Shores was forced to punt from the 37.

Starting from their own 6, Toledo needed 14 plays to cover 94 yards. It ended when quarterback Isaiah Fox scored from 2 yards out on a keeper. Moody added the extra point.

Mona Shores did answer that scoring drive with one of its own.

Micah Carefelle converts the first down on a third and long reception from Pittman. Photo/Eric Sturr

Sparked by  an 18-yard pass from Pittman to Micah Carefelle and a 23-yard pass from Pittman to George Duggins, the Sailors were on the move. Add in an 18-yard run by Bishop Davis and the Sailors were threatening. With 2:25 remaining in the game, Pittman pushed his way into the end zone from 5 yards out and the Sailors were down 14-13.

Koziak opted to go for 2 to take the lead, but a pass fell incomplete in the end zone.

However, the Sailors executed the onside kick to perfection. Ezra Carefelle hit a high bouncer that Tyrese McCorvey-Hill fell on 14 yards down the field. The drive stalled when on fourth down and 9, a completed pass came up a yard short and the Fighting Irish took possession and ran out the clock.

Mona Shores (8-1) now awaits the MHSAA’s Selection Show on Sunday night to find out who its Week 10 opponent will be. The Sailors are expected to host the first-round game.

“Our goal is never to be undefeated,” said Koziak. “I think that’s super overrated. I’d have four losses and win a state championship, you know what I mean. But, I told the kids, remember how this feels. The next time we do it, we’re turning in our equipment. This is a special group and they will be ready.”

Toledo Central Catholic’s Victor Singleton intercepts a pass that stopped a Sailor drive. Photo/Eric Sturr

Tyrese McCorvey-Hill makes the on-side kick recovery for the Sailors. Photo/Eric Sturr

Dominic Piggue sticks the runner for the tackle. Photo/Eric Sturr

Tomarion Steward makes the third down tackle and forced a Toledo Central Catholic punt. Photo/Eric Sturr