A Rivalry Renewed Under the Lights
It’s playoff time on the lakeshore, and once again, two of Michigan’s football powerhouses—Muskegon and Mona Shores—clashed under the lights in a Division 2 pre-district showdown at Hackley Stadium. The stands were packed, the air was electric, and fans were treated to one of the most thrilling games in the storied rivalry’s history.
It was a nice but chilly autumn night in Muskegon, the kind of crisp air that screams playoff football. About halfway through the game, the skies opened up and a light rain began to fall, slicking the turf and intensifying the drama. By the fourth quarter, the rain eased, leaving behind a misty glow under the lights as the Big Reds and Sailors battled to the very end.
Defense-Optional Until It Mattered Most
In a game that was seemingly defense-optional at times, it was fitting that a defensive play sealed the outcome. With less than a minute left and Muskegon clinging to a five-point lead, Mona Shores began a potential game-winning drive. That’s when junior defensive end Recarder Kitchen (6-6, 235) made the play of the night — and possibly the season.
Kitchen’s quick reaction to bat down and recover a Sailors’ pitch at midfield preserved the 39-34 victory, igniting a roar from the home crowd and sending the Big Reds into the district finals.
First Half: A Fast Start for Shores, Muskegon Responds
Mona Shores (5-5) came out firing, jumping to a 13–7 first-quarter lead. A Bishop Davis interception set up an 11-yard Ike Steward touchdown run, and Bryce Muskovin followed it up with an 86-yard kickoff return that silenced the Muskegon crowd early.
But Muskegon responded with characteristic grit. Quarterback Lamar Bradford connected with Demetrius Rainey-Brown for a 9-yard touchdown and later powered in a 3-yard run himself to give the Big Reds a 20–13 halftime lead.
As the teams headed to the locker rooms, the drizzle began — a cool, steady rain that mirrored the tension and set the stage for a wild second half.
Second Half: Rain, Fireworks, and Relentless Offense
Sophomore quarterback Owen Terpstra provided a huge spark for the Sailors after halftime, leading a 3-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 20-20. He then delivered a perfectly timed pitch to Dominic Piggue, who blazed 65 yards to knot things up at 27–27 after three quarters.
Piggue wasn’t done — the senior did a bit of everything. He later threw a 66-yard flea-flicker touchdown to Steward with 4:33 remaining, giving Mona Shores a 34–33 lead and putting the upset-minded Sailors back in front.
But there was too much time left for Bradford and the Muskegon offense. Powered by a dominant offensive line — Ernesto Botello, Mateo Rivera, Caleb Lardie, Javen Puhalski, and Sincere Hathorn — the Big Reds marched downfield. A 27-yard acrobatic catch by Arquez Petty set up Bradford’s final 6-yard touchdown run with 1:11 left, reclaiming the lead for good at 39–34.
Mona Shores got the ball back and moved past midfield before Kitchen’s game-saving strip and recovery secured the win.
Stars of the Night
- Lamar Bradford (Muskegon): 37 carries, 211 rushing yards, 5 rushing TDs, plus a 9-yard TD pass (3-of-4 passing, 72 yards).
- Recarder Kitchen (Muskegon): Game-winning defensive fumble recovery, lead blocking as H-back, and showcased why he’s the state’s top junior recruit.
- Dominic Piggue (Mona Shores): 4 carries for 116 yards, a 66-yard TD pass, and 7 tackles on defense.
- Owen Terpstra (Mona Shores): 8 carries for 60 yards, 1 rushing TD, and sparked the offense in the second half.
- Arquez Petty (Muskegon): 10 carries for 94 yards, plus a highlight-reel 27-yard catch on the final drive.
- Amiere Chandler (Muskegon): 7 tackles to lead the defense.
- Ja’Mier Jefferson (Muskegon): 5 tackles.
- Charles Chatman & Cameron Sims (Muskegon): 4 tackles each.
Muskegon outgained Mona Shores 442–260 in total yardage and improved to 7–3 on the season, extending its remarkable streak to 19 straight playoff-opening wins and a 36–4 postseason record at Hackley Stadium.
The Big Reds will host Traverse City Central in the District Final on Thursday, November 7 at 7:00 PM at Muskegon Field. The Trojans advanced after edging Traverse City West 15–13 — a team that had beaten them just a week earlier.
Expect another packed house and a physical, emotional battle as Muskegon looks to continue its postseason push.
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