Photos by Conner Raeth | CatchMark
SHELBY — Despite being an overwhelming favorite in the game, Montague’s football team wanted to make sure it took care of its business Friday night at Shelby.
The Wildcats did that and more, rolling to a 70-0 victory to stay unbeaten atop the West Michigan Conference at 5-0.
Montague (5-1 overall) has an opening its schedule in Week 7. In two weeks, the Wildcats travel across the bridge to take on rival Whitehall (5-1, 3-1) in what should decide the conference championship.
“It’s been an interesting week. Now we have a week off, so we are just trying to get the guys focused in practice and make it as competitive as possible even though we don’t have a game coming up,” Montague coach Justin Dennett said.
Montague sophomore Adam Baird scored three touchdowns, one on a 98-yard kickoff return and another on a pick-six. Dylan Everett scored on two TD runs. Andrew Kooi was 3-of-4 passing for 95 yards with two TDs and he tacked on a scoring run. Colton Blankstrom scored on an interception return and a TD reception for the Wildcats, who outgained the Tigers (0-6, 0-5) by a 329-43 margin. Michael Moore caught a TD pass.
John Greiner notched a safety and led the Wildcats with six tackles, three of them for lost yardage.
For Shelby, Cade Clement rushed for 47 yards on 15 carries, plus he had four tackles. Travis Boughan had three receptions for 37 yards, and he added three tackles. Mario Garcia also made three stops.
“We started a sophomore QB tonight and he made some plays and he took some lumps,” Shelby coach Phil Fortier said.
“Tough night, but this is not about the scoreboard. It’s about competing and learning.”
