Lions Fall to Hornets in Home Opener

9/2/2021

Senior Jayden Joseph drives ahead, earning every yard

Catching the ball with skill, Nicholas Ruehmeier tries to shake the defender

Lions Fall to Hornets in Home Opener
By Alexis Mercer
Central Montcalm 29 Newaygo 13

The Lions knew going in that the Hornets would be a formidable opponent. With a flashy, effective offense and solid defense, the young Newaygo team would have to be on their game in every aspect to pull out a win.

In the first half, the Lions managed to keep the offense quiet. Central Montcalm's first time on the board was thanks to a safety. Two points for the visitors after 12 minutes had ticked off the clock.

The second quarter excitement came from a brilliantly executed flea flicker from Remy Wells to Jayden Joseph, who then ran the ball in for a 71 yard touchdown. But the Hornets wouldn't let the Lions have the lead going into the locker rooms. Quarterback Kaleb Crooks punched in the ball for a touchdown and a 9-6 lead.

Remy Wells sacrifices his body to get the ball to Joseph for the Lions' only first half touchdown

The Lions defense attempts to make a goal line stand

Newaygo's defense would not really be the root of the issues that arose in the second half. In fact, defensive linemen Seth McGowen and Cameron Goodin would prove to be thorns in the side (and back, and legs, and arms) of the Hornets' offense. But the plentitude of Lion turnovers would instead be their downfall.

Central Montcalm would capitalize on the Lions offensive errors and score three more times before the Lions found the end zone again, going up 29-6 with 10:47 left on the clock.

Though the deficit would prove to be too much, 2nd half quarterback Grant Harkness for the Lions would not give in and moved the ball around the field well, including many running yards on his own and a running touchdown with seconds left on the clock.