A Run at History: Newaygo Defeats Tri-County in Two Day Battle

9/21/2024

Blake Kerr rolls out to pass for a touchdown

Senior Luis Alvarez listens to his coaches intently during a timeout

A Run at History: Newaygo Defeats Tri-County in Two Day Battle
Photos and story by Alexis Mercer
The last time Newaygo was 4-0 on the season was in 1997. The Lions’ head coach was Mark Puff and the quarterback was Joe Tofferi. Tri-County was being coached by John Goodin, who stood on the sidelines as an assistant coach last night for the Vikings.

The Lions and Vikings that year faced off in week 2, with Newaygo winning only 6 to 0. Their other victories coming from Whitehall, Hesperia and White Cloud in the NCAA conference.

This year, the Lions have defeated Kent City, Central Montcalm, Grant and now Tri-County, after what was an emotional evening of well executed football on Friday followed by a short continuation on Saturday.

Newaygo started with a statement on its first drive of the game, driving up the field and scoring off a 25 yard pass to Hunter Yearsovich. Aiven Warmbein followed it up with an extra point to go up 7-0.

A massive Homecoming crowd cheers on the Vikings while the Lions attempt to stay undefeated

Tucking the ball with experience, Porter Slominski forges ahead

Not able to match a first drive score, the Vikings punted the ball back to the Lions and the defense reigned supreme.

Ethan Reyburn found the endzone again in the second quarter, reaching over the goal line after a 10 yard run up the middle. Another point by Warmbein put the Lions up 14-6. It was Reyburn yet again who found the endzone, running an impressive 50 yards to get there. Going into the locker rooms at half, the Lions were up 21-6.

For much of the first half the Vikings had run the ball, but in the kickoff return to start the second half, they didn’t have to run any extra downs to score: Cole Plotts took the ball into the endzone, dodging every last Lion along the way. Vaughn Veltman then passed to Chase Keller for a 2 point conversion. The score was 21-14.

Newaygo answered with a pass to Porter Slominski, who ran 55 yards. Warmbein hit yet another extra point to go up 28-14.

Ethan Reyburn ended the series with multiple touchdowns

Running with speed and agility, Ryan Pickerd makes gains

For much of the first half the Vikings ran the ball. By this point in the game, the tried and true Phil Butler pass offense came to life in a big way. Coach Butler has been passing the ball since his days playing on the very field he was coaching on 22 years later. He then ran the spread under Coach Kreps at Hope College. There would be no question that his players would be ready to get the ball down the field quickly and efficiently.

So after a fumble by Newaygo on the 40 yard line, Tri-County’s Keller scored again and a pass to Cade Hallman for 2 put the Vikings up by 2 points 30-28.

Hunter Yearsovich got extra yards after a catch, but his touchdown was called back for a block in the back. So instead Henry Wood received a 12 yard pass for the Lions, and Warmbien’s 5th kick for an extra point was good to put the Lions at 35-30.

It was at this point when the night took a terribly horrifying turn. Jayden Button, a star player for the Vikings, collapsed on the field. He was assisted by medical personnel and surrounded by his coaches and loved ones for the extended period before the ambulance made it to the field. He got taken to the hospital, and the remainder of the game was up in the air with everyone concerned for the well-being of the young man.

Noah McLaughlin walks off the field during a timeout

Coach Ralph Munger coaches his boys to a victory

Eventually it was agreed upon that the game would resume Saturday at noon. Word was given by Tri County staff that Button was stable and undergoing tests, so the game would continue where it left off: with 7:54 left on the clock. It would be the Lions’ ball on first down and the ball on the 17 yard line.

Saturday at noon the game resumed, albeit with a more solemn feel.

The time remaining played into both coaches’ strengths: Munger the master of Wing-T, running the ball and therefore the clock as quickly as it could go; Butler passing and making large gains in a short amount of time with the clock stopping often.

In the end, the Lions would prevail. Ethan Reyburn dove for another touchdown in the bright midday sun with Kerr kicking the extra point in.

Tri-County matched the Lions’ score with a touchdown by Bryce Reed, but there wasn’t enough time for the Vikings to close the gap. Newaygo would take away the win 42-38.