By Melvin Lane
LocalSportsJournal.com
MUSKEGON – A season filled with highs and lows for the Muskegon Big Reds ended in defeat against nationally-Ranked Ohio power Archbishop Moeller Crusaders, 52-27.
In the first half, the Big Reds did make things a bit interesting as James Young found Michael Piggee Jr. for a 27-yard touchdown reception to tie the game 7-7 midway through the first quarter.
Keshawn Drummer tacked on two rushing touchdowns from near the goal line with his last one pulling Muskegon to within 35-21 with 4:36 remaining in the half. Moeller’s savvy quarterback, Matt Ponatoski, who threw for five touchdowns and 344 yards, orchestrated a drive that led to a successful 32-yard field goal as time expired.
The second half Muskegon had promising drives, but Moeller would either force a turnover or knock Muskegon out of position to go for fourth down attempts. Moeller was in control the second half and used time-consuming drives to put away the game. They scored 14 unanswered points with a touchdown in each quarter.
The hole Muskegon (3-5) put themselves in was just too deep.
“The pressure to play here at Muskegon is unbelievable,” said Muskegon coach Shane Fairfield. “The winning this program has had, the state finals appearances and being in the playoffs for 24 or so years is hard. People don’t realize the pressure these kids are under.
“We faced some early-season adversity and we had chances in four games at the end that didn’t go our way. I’m proud of these kids resiliency to come out and compete today. We are young, but these kids’ showed guts and heart.”
They’ll be a new Division 2 state champion this year as the Big Reds bow out and miss the playoffs. Muskegon made the playoffs every since since 2000
Muskegon gained 406 yards of total offense with quarterback Young leading the charge going 14-for-23 for 318 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 40 yards. Danelle Lawrence was the top target with four catches for 156 yards and a score.
Standout senior linebacker Darekeo Speech led Muskegon defensively with nine tackles and La’Rue Phillips finished with six.
“I truly do everything to put these kids in the best possible position to win on the field, but also teach life lessons at the same time so they can be great sons, great grandsons, brothers and fathers,” said Fairfield. “Championships are awesome, but to know that we’re giving these kids tools to be successful men, I’ll take that and everything that comes with it – the wins and the losses.”
