Blue Water Area football roundup: Week two stats and scores
Updated: Sep 3, 2022
In every game in which a Blue Water Area team was playing a non-local opponent, they came out on top – and not just by a touchdown or two. Our local teams won big. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from last night’s matchups:
The Broncos put up a quick 54 points by halftime proving just how effective their running game is. Senior Aiden Swoish rushed for three touchdowns and 153 yards while also snagging one touchdown reception. Senior Ryan Henne scored twice on the ground with 103 yards, and senior Lucas Schapman added one more with 124 yards.
Senior quarterback Will Damaska was 2-for-2 on the night with 105 passing yards for two touchdowns, one to Swoish and the other to senior Griffin Mabery.
Defensively, North Branch was led by senior Ethan Wenta with eight tackles, including one for loss. Junior Wyatt Bruff had seven and sophomore Mason Howe added six with one sack.
North Branch (2-0) will host Yale (1-1) next Friday for its second BWAC matchup.
Croswell-Lexington 61, Richmond 7
I said it last week and I’ll say it again. Gabriel “Belly” Groppi is a name we’re going to be hearing a lot this fall. The junior running back recorded 254 rushing yards last night for three touchdowns, and each of his three touchdowns came in the first quarter alone.
And when the Blue Devils adjusted to the Pioneers' running game, junior quarterback Gavin Espinoza went 10-for-20 for 218 yards with four touchdowns to four different senior receivers: Aiden Wilkinson, Trevor Soule, Jaxon Gonzales, and Drew Hosterman. He also ran one in himself.
Senior Benny Mendoza led the Pioneer defense with four tackles – three of which were for loss – and junior Nick Monzo and sophomore William Herman each added four as well.
The Pioneers (2-0) will host the Armada Tigers (2-0) next Friday.
Almont 44, Hamtramck 0
Much like its fellow BWAC teams, Almont jumped out to an early 27-0 lead in the first quarter with an efficient running game. Seniors Bryce Ferman (two touchdowns), Matthew Measel (one touchdown), and Trenton Kruse (one touchdown) led the way on the ground.
Kruse and senior Caydon Nascivera shared quarterback responsibilities last night, each with a touchdown pass to fellow senior Connor Nascivera. And freshman Sean O'Neil scored the only points of the second half on a 33-yard field goal.
Juniors Ayden Ferqueron and Aiden Oliphant led the defense with three tackles and one sack each.
The Raiders (2-0) will travel to Imlay City (0-2) for their conference opener next Friday.
Marine City 56, Clawson 14
Clawson might’ve scored the first touchdown, but the Mariners would answer with many more. They were led by senior running back Zach Tetler who accounted for 195 of the team’s offensive yards and four touchdowns.
Freshman quarterback Lyncoln Osterland made his varsity debut in the win, throwing for 102 yards and two touchdowns.
Senior Brock Osterland led the Mariner defense with seven tackles on the night. Senior Cole Smalstig and juniors Evan Jones and Conner Lang each added five.
Marine City (1-1) will play St. Clair (1-1) at East China Stadium to open up MAC-Silver play next Friday.
Marysville 53, Hazel Park 12
The Vikings brought a speedy offense back to their home field last night, led by junior Carter Saccucci and senior Tyler McKenney who each recorded three rushing touchdowns. Saccucci totaled 210 yards on the night, McKeney had 40, and senior Mitchell Donaldson added 89 and one touchdown of his own.
Senior Tyler Simpson led the defense with 12 tackles and one safety, and seniors Braden Turner and Derek Gurne each added seven tackles.
Marysville (1-1) will begin conference play in the MAC-Silver at South Lake (2-0) next Friday.
Port Huron Northern 41, Fitzgerald 6
The Huskies have continued to roll in their early season games before starting conference play next week. They led 35-0 by the half with much thanks to their defense that forced several turnovers and blocked three punts.
Leading the defense was junior Austin Haek with nine tackles, including 2.5 sacks. Senior Alex Armstrong added nine and was responsible for two of the punt blocks along with senior Luke Fletcher who had another punt block, seven tackles, and a sack. Junior Daniel Moore also had eight tackles and two fumble recoveries.
Offensively, senior quarterback Dylan Bloink was 6-for-10 with 89 yards and two touchdowns to senior Hayden Prone and junior Maximus Williams. Sophomore Reace Buckhana led the running game with 71 yards and two touchdowns.
Northern (2-0) will play L’Anse Creuse North (0-2) on the road for its first MAC-Blue game of the season next Friday.
Armada 42, Yale 18
The Bulldogs offense was led by junior quarterback Connnor Jakubiak who threw 16-for-27 for 172 yards and two touchdowns, both of which were to senior Khazen Morton who totaled 55 recieving yards on the night. Jakubiak also rushed for 51 yards and one touchdown. Junior Jeremy Griffith added 62 receiving yards.
Defensivley, senior James Bahr led with seven solo tackles while junior Chase Holley added four solo and three assists.
Other area scores:
Port Huron 55, Eastpointe 24
St. Clair 28, Warren Lincoln 6
Marlette 38, USA 12
Ubly 42 Caro 6
Harbor Beach 42 Reese 0
Lakers 39 Cass City 12
Vassar 28, Memphis 0
Millington 58, Tawas 6
Bad Axe 52, Sandusky 14