Photos by Emma Pendell for CatchMark
Montague’s football team was as balanced as can be in a 33-8 victory over host Orchard View Friday night in a West Michigan Conference Lakes Division opener for both teams.
Now the Wildcats (2-1), winners of two straight, carry a little momentum into next week’s “Battle for the Bell” matchup with neighboring rival Whitehall.
Orchard View suffered its first loss of the season and is also 2-1 now.
Check out dozens of images above by Montague senior Emma Pendell. Thanks to her for her efforts as well as those by longtime CatchMark volunteer Letisha Mikkelsen, who provided guidance to Pendell and in-game updates.
Here are details and notables from the game:
- Montague sophomore quarterback Mason Darke proved a dual threat again. He was 6-of-8 passing for 179 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Darke also led the Wildcats’ running game with 89 yards and two TDs on eight carries.
- Montague senior Paul Olson had another monster game. He had only four receptions, but he converted those in 179 yards and two TDs.
- Montague’s offense was as balanced as can be. The Wildcats rushed for 181 yards and passed for 179.
- Montague senior Adam Baird ran eight times for 55 yards and a TD. He was a monster on defense with 15 solo tackles and two assists.
- Montague junior Ryver Jarka was all over the place on defense as well. He notched 11 solo tackles and nine assists.
- Montague sophomore Fletcher Thommen recorded nine solo tackles and four assists.
- Montague senior Austin Cook had four solo tackles and six assists.
- Seven different Montague players recorded a tackle for loss.
- Orchard View senior Stephon Oakes was the leading ground-gainer for his team with 101 yards on 22 carries.
- Orchard View sophomore Mason Tuttle ran 15 times for 73 yards and a TD.
- Orchard View senior QB Alex Theile was 2-of-4 passing for 19 yards.
- Next up: Montague hosts Whitehall next Friday (Sept. 15) in the “Battle for the Bell” game at 7 p.m. at Townsend Athletic Complex. Orchard View welcomes Manistee, which is off to a 3-0 start, in a WMC Lakes matchup next Friday at 7 p.m.
