Ludington football coach Charlie Gunsell called it a “great high school football game” and it’s hard to argue.
David Shillinger’s big performance helped the Orioles spoil Montague’s homecoming night. Ludington won a thriller over Montague, 34-31, Friday at Townsend Athletic Complex.
Shillinger had two receiving touchdowns and two more via the running game, including his 29-yard scoring run with 1:51 that proved to be the game-winner.
Montague’s Paul Olson returned the ensuing kickoff deep into Ludington territory, but the Orioles turned the Wildcats over on downs and kneeled it to cap the West Michigan Conference Lakes Division victory.
“It’s great to see David Shillinger get loose tonight because he is such a talented young man,” Gunsell said. “We are still trying to find more creative ways to get him the ball.”
Ludington is now 3-2 overall and 2-1 in the WMC Lakes. Montague is 2-3 and 1-2, respectively.
Photos by Bill O’Connell | CatchMark
Here are more details and notables from the game:
- Shillinger had six receptions for 105 yards. He ran the ball seven times for 58 yards.
- Ludington quarterback Cameron Gunsell ran 26 times for 197 yards. He was 12-of-21 passing for 156 yards with two TDs and one interception.
- Ludington kicker Jonah Peterson came up big in the game. He was 4-for-4 on PATs and 2-for-2 on field goals.
- Joe Benz had eight carries for 43 yards for the Orioles.
- Gage Jones made three receptions for 41 yards for Ludington. He led the Orioles defensively with 13 tackles, including a big third-down stop late in the game.
- Ludington’s Deric Duncil had seven tackles.
- Ludington’s Connor Such made six stops.
Photos by Emma Pendell for CatchMark
- Montague’s Adam Baird had a nice night, rushing 13 times for 152 yards and two TDs.
- Montague QB Mason Darke ran 11 times for 53 yards and two TDs. He was 4-of-12 passing for 77 yards with one TD and two interceptions.
- Montague’s Isaiah Atchison scored on a 66-yard pass reception, outrunning the defense.
- Montague’s Ryver Jarka notched seven solo tackles and four assists to lead the defense. He had three tackles for loss.
- Baird had nine tackles.
- Montague’s Tavian Caszatt finished with six solo tackles and two assists.
- Montague’s Eli Petersen had four solo tackles and three assists.
- Next Friday, Ludington visits Manistee (4-1, 2-1) in a WMC Lakes grudge match, while Montague visits North Muskegon (5-0) in a nondivisional clash.
Check out the highlights and reaction video below with clips and interviews shot by Bill O’Connell:
