It was another thrilling night under the lights across West Michigan as our local athletes battled with heart, grit, and pride. From the soccer pitch to the football field, every play counted, every cheer mattered — and the energy was absolutely electric!
SOCCER
Fremont vs. Manistee: Final Score: Fremont 4, Manistee 1
Fremont wasted no time setting the tone in this one as Deagan Klimek found the back of the net early, giving the Packers a 1–0 lead. Manistee answered midway through the half, but Klimek wasn’t done yet — he responded moments later with another goal to put Fremont back in front at halftime, 2–1.
The momentum carried into the second half where Adam Kalika extended the lead, and then Garrett Hulst sealed the deal with a fourth goal to cap off a dominant night for Fremont.
With the 4–1 win, the Packers claim the Region 9 Championship and advance to the state semifinals, where they’ll face South Haven for a shot at the State Finals. Congratulations, Fremont!
FOOTBALL
Montague vs. Ravenna: Final Score: Montague Wildcats 28, Ravenna Bulldogs 25
An old-school rivalry clash at Townsend Field brought the fire on Senior Night in Montague. Both teams entered 4–4, fighting for playoff positioning — and they didn’t disappoint.
The Ravenna Bulldogs struck first as May connected with Anderson for six, followed soon after by another touchdown to Karchinski, pushing the Dogs ahead 14–0 early in the second quarter. Montague roared back with a Cole Moss touchdown and a gritty second-half rally.
By the fourth quarter, it was a dogfight (literally) — Eli Petersen powered in for a keeper touchdown to give the Wildcats their first lead of the game at 21–17. Ravenna clawed back with a field goal and late push, but the Cats’ defense held strong.
In the final moments, an interception sealed the deal. Montague defends home turf and finishes the regular season with a statement win!
Oakridge vs. North Muskegon: Final Score: Oakridge Eagles 41, North Muskegon Norsemen 27
The Eagles came out soaring — a steady first-half drive capped by a McGrady touchdown set the tone early. Quarterback Logen Huston kept the offense rolling, connecting with Rodrick Parks Jr. for a beautiful 11-yard touchdown before halftime to make it 14–0.
North Muskegon showed fight, but Oakridge’s ground game was relentless. Jordan Guerrero-McGrady punched in multiple second-half scores, including a 25-yard burst that brought the crowd to its feet.
The Norsemen rallied late with a pair of touchdown passes from Bryce Colbert to Beckett Hoppa, but Oakridge’s balanced attack proved too much. Both teams are playoff-bound, and if tonight was any preview, they’ll be dangerous in the postseason.
Orchard View vs. Shelby: Final Score: Orchard View 35 vs. Shelby Tigers 34
What. A. Game.
From the opening kick, both teams traded blows in this Friday night thriller. Peyton Babbit got the Cardinals on the board early with a QB keeper for six, while Xander Randall’s extra point made it 7–0. Shelby clawed back to take a 12–7 lead, but OV’s determination never wavered.
In a rollercoaster second half, the Tigers stretched their lead to 34–13 — but the Cardinals weren’t done yet. OV stormed back behind Babbit’s leadership, cutting it to 34–27 with under ten minutes to go.
Then came the moment of the night: Fourth and 15. Babbit to Spears. Touchdown Cardinals! The two-point conversion was good — and with just 13 seconds left, Orchard View took the lead 35–34!
An unbelievable finish to the regular season and a testament to OV’s resilience.
