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.