Photos by CJ Bennett for CatchMark
RAVENNA — North Muskegon’s football team prefers dry conditions and a fast track, but the Norsemen proved Friday night that they can win in a less-than-ideal climate as well.
The Norse banked on their defense.
North Muskegon had a safety, blocked punt, three interceptions, and multiple sacks and tackles for loss in an 18-7 victory over Ravenna on the Bulldogs’ homecoming night at Citizens Field.
Division 7 fourth-ranked North Muskegon remains unbeaten at 7-0 and moves one step closer to securing a second straight West Michigan Conference Rivers Division title with a 4-0 record in the division.
Ravenna is now 3-4 overall and 3-2 in the WMC Rivers.
Here are more details and notables from the game:
- North Muskegon got on the board first with junior Owen Booth’s 24-yard field goal early in the second quarter.
- Ravenna answered with a long run by junior Derek Finlay, which set up senior Blake Homoly’s 5-yard touchdown pass to senior Chase Thomas. Finlay added the PAT to make it 7-3 Bulldogs with 6:38 left in the half.
- Ravenna’s lead was short-lived. Thirty seconds later, North Muskegon junior quarterback James Young scored on a 34-yard run. The PAT failed, but the Norsemen took the lead for good, 9-7.
- In the second half, North Muskegon tackled Ravenna punter Carter Schullo in the end zone for a safety and Young tacked on a 1-yard TD run for the final margin.
- It was tough sledding on offense for both teams with the rainy conditions, but North Muskegon freshman Cullen Bartos had a nice night in the running game. He ran 23 times for 101 yards.
- Young, who has been highly efficient in the passing game all season, was 3-of-6 passing for 22 yards with an interception in the inclement weather.
- Several players contributed to North Muskegon’s tough defense.
- Chuck Meyers led the way with 12 tackles, two for lost yardage.
- Layne Brady had 11 tackles, including three tackles for loss and a sack.
- Ace Anderson had eight tackles, two TFLs. Henry Husmann had seven tackles, two TFLs.
- Tristan Thomas had six tackles, two TFLs, one sack, and one pick.
- Jack McNally had five tackles, one TFL, two sacks, one blocked punt.
- Talan Thompson had an interception.
- AJ Larkin had four tackles, one TFL, and one interception.
- Carter Muzzy had four tackles, two TFLs, two sacks, and a safety.
- For Ravenna, Finlay ran 11 times for 88 yards. He also led the Bulldogs’ defense with nine tackles.
- Ravenna’s Cayden Caniff and Jacob Haddock had eight tackles apiece.
- Ravenna’s Blake Burns made seven stops.
- Ravenna’s Wyatt Young notched six tackles.
- Thomas had five tackles for Ravenna.
- Next Friday, North Muskegon hosts Holton while Ravenna welcomes Oakridge.
Photos by Scott DeCamp | CatchMark
