On a cold and chilly Friday night, the North Muskegon Norsemen and the Ravenna Bulldogs met for the 63rd time, but this encounter was special. The game was for the 2024 West Michigan Conference: Rivers Division Championship, adding an extra layer of intensity and excitement to the long-standing rivalry.
North Muskegon, fresh off their 500th win against Montague, entered the game with a 5-1 record and high spirits. Their only loss was to rival Pewamo-Westphalia, a defeat that has fueled their drive for success this year. The guiding star is the Norsemen’s “Team Above Self” motto. This philosophy, deeply ingrained in the team, guided their performance.
Ravenna started on offense but struggled to gain momentum, going three-and-out and punting. North Muskegon capitalized on this opportunity, marching down the field with precision and brute force to score the first touchdown. This drive set the tone for the remainder of the game, leading to a dominant 40-0 victory for North Muskegon. Bryce Colbert led the charge with 253 passing yards and three touchdowns, showcasing the team’s efficient and unpredictable offense that has been their hallmark this season.
The Norsemen’s passing game was particularly effective, with quick and decisive plays that kept the Bulldogs’ defense on their heels. The combination of strategic play-calling and exceptional execution allowed North Muskegon to control the game from start to finish. Their defense was equally impressive, shutting down Ravenna’s attempts to advance and maintaining a clean sheet.
Looking ahead, North Muskegon has a bye week due to a cancellation by Holton, providing them with a valuable opportunity to rest and prepare for the upcoming game against Oakridge (10/25). Meanwhile, Ravenna faces a challenging match against inter-conference rival Oakridge next week, who has struggled in the Lakes Division thus far this season. This game will be crucial for Ravenna as they seek to bounce back and end the last few games of the season on a high note.
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