In a thrilling O-K Green Conference matchup at Sailor Stadium, the Mona Shores defense rose to the occasion, helping the Sailors secure a tight 14-12 victory over the No. 2 ranked Byron Center Bulldogs on Friday night. Senior defensive back Micah Carefelle made the game-sealing play, intercepting a pass deep in Mona Shores territory with just one minute remaining, preserving the Sailors’ undefeated start to the season.
The celebration that followed was especially meaningful, as it occurred during the team’s eighth annual Sailor Salute Game, an event dedicated to honoring our former and active-duty military members, veterans, and first responders.
Defensively, Mona Shores was outstanding, repeatedly stifling Byron Center’s offensive advances with three crucial interceptions in their own territory. The victory helped the Sailors improve to 4-0, a feat they hadn’t accomplished since their 2020 state championship season.
On the offensive side, senior quarterback Jonathan Pittman orchestrated two key second-quarter scoring drives that made the difference. One was a long 81-yard drive, capped by an 8-yard touchdown run by junior running back Tomarion Steward. Shortly after, Pittman connected with junior Dominic Piggue for a 29-yard touchdown pass, giving the Sailors a 14-6 lead heading into halftime.
Byron Center responded late in the second half, scoring on a 5-yard run by quarterback Landon Fungate. However, Mona Shores held firm, stopping the Bulldogs’ two-point conversion attempt and maintaining their narrow lead. Byron Center’s last offensive push was thwarted when Carefelle made his game-saving interception.
The Bulldogs, now 3-1, outgained Mona Shores in both rushing and passing but were ultimately undone by costly turnovers in the red zone.
Fungate led the Bulldogs offensively, throwing for 156 yards and rushing for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Isaac Lee was his primary target, catching eight passes for 61 yards. On defense, Kellen Payne led the Bulldogs with 10 tackles, while Landon Conrad added seven.
Looking ahead, Mona Shores (4-0) prepares for a showdown with the Muskegon Big Reds, while Byron Center (3-1) will face Grand Rapids Union.
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