Lions and Vikings Face Off at CMU

10/19/2024

Lions and Vikings Face Off at CMU
Story and photos by Alexis Mercer

Relative to a Saturday afternoon watching Central Michigan University’s football team, the stands were quite empty. But that didn’t dim the vibe in the stadium as the Newaygo Lions faced off against the Lake Odessa Lakewood Vikings.

Lakewood started with the ball, but on that first drive, they fumbled on the 45 and the Lions recovered. Porter Slominski scored his first of many touchdowns with 3:26 left in the first quarter.

In their next possession, the Vikings fumbled again but after having taken it all the way to the 10 yard line. The Lions returned the favor by passing and getting intercepted on the 50 shortly after. Lakewood took advantage of this turnover opportunity and found the endzone. The Lions were down 6-7.

The Lions couldn’t find a way to progress the ball in their next possession, but then recovered another fumble and Slominski slammed the ball into the endzone to put the Lions up 13-7.

Yet another fumble, and its recovery by Konner Bisel, led to Slominski’s third touchdown. Combine that with Kerr’s second made extra point and the Lions’ lead was 20-7.

Lake Odessa added to their score starting the second half, keeping it a close game, but Newaygo continued to do what was working and gave Slominski the ball for the endzone. After this, the Lions switched up who would have the honors of scoring the points, and Ethan Reyburn sped in for another touchdown. Lions led 33-14.

Another Lakewood score but then Sebastian Belanger had a solid play to score for the Lions yet again to end the 3rd quarter and the score was 40-22.

Add to the stats another fumble by the Vikings, with a Nathan Watson recovery, who returned the ball for a defensive touchdown and a 47-22 lead. After this, Lakewood continued to try to even up the score, adding 7 to their side, but Ryan Pickerd’s touchdown with 5:52 left in the game sealed the deal.

The final score was 53-36 in the Lions favor.