A week after defeating defending league champion Lapeer East, Brandon’s varsity football team came back down to earth.
The visiting Linden Eagles used a potent offense to keep the Blackhawks off-balance and won 35-0 in a Flint Metro League contest Sept. 16.
With the win, Linden improved to 4-0 overall, and remained tied with Oxford atop the Flint Metro standings at 2-0. Brandon fell to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the league.
The Eagles outgained the Blackhawks in total offense, 444 yards to 127, including a 193-107 rushing advantage. Linden led 14-0 at the half before pulling away in the second half for the win.
Brandon coach Ron Gill said it was a case of the Blackhawks running into a formidable foe.
‘It was a tough pill to swallow, but I give Linden a lot of credit,? he said. ‘Our kids fought hard. They kept fighting and digging. Linden executed to perfection, and we had great difficulty executing.?
Marcus Pesavento was one of the bright spots for the Blackhawks on defense, leading the team with 14 tackles.
The Blackhawks were slated to travel to Oxford for a Sept. 23 game. The Wildcats are 2-2 overall and 2-0 in Flint Metro League action after a 49-12 win against Clio Sept. 16.
Gill said the Wildcats should be at their best, since it is their Homecoming game.
‘Year in and year out, they’re a very tough team,? he said. ‘It will take our maximum effort to beat them.?
Brandon’s next scheduled game is Sept. 30, when they host Holly in a 7 p.m. contest. The Bronchos are 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the league after a 28-13 win against Lapeer East Sept. 16.
Like the Blackhawks, Holly is trying to recover from a subpar 2004 season in which they went 3-6 overall and 2-4 in league action.
Brandon has swept Holly in their past three meetings, winning 14-0 in 2004; 29-22 in 2003; and 15-14 in 2002.