By David Fleet
Editor
Rochester — One win to go.
The Goodrich Martians (12-1) defeated the Riverview Pirates (12-1) 51-26 in the Division 4 semifinal game on Nov. 19 at Rochester High School, punching their ticket to the schools first state football finals on Nov. 25. At 7:30, the Martians will take on Grand Rapids South Christian at Ford Field in the state championship game.
Thirty year veteran Head Coach Tom Alward (181-110) said this team comes to play each week.
“At this point you can use all the cliches you want,” said Alward. “The kids need to enjoy the ride, take inventory of where they are and if they do that, they will be fine for the last game.”
GHS Senior running back Jace Simerson, finished with five touchdowns and 237 yards on the ground. Martians quarterback Gavin Hart only threw the ball nine times and completed five for 120 yards along with one touchdown and one interception.
“We were able to move the ball well on the ground against Riverview, so we did not throw as much,” he said. “We scored on every possession until the third quarter. When you can run like that there’s no need to throw the ball.”
The Martians rolled up 419 yards of total offense, with 120 yards passing, 299 rushing with two turnovers. The Martians tallied 53 plays to 21 for the Pirates. The Martians had 21 first downs to 11 for the Pirates. Goodrich was able to run up a 34-7 halftime score and 41-13 at the start of the third quarter.
Despite the win, Alward and his Martians have unfinished business at Ford Field on Friday night.
“Grand Rapids South Christian is a great team,” said Alward.
“They are 13-0 undefeated, the team has no weaknesses,” he said. “Offensively we can only take what you can get. It’s a heck of a challenge, but we have had challenges this entire season. It will take our best football game to get there. The players kept saying, ‘our grit, our glory,’ they continue to get after it and never back down. They find a way to make it work, we’ve struggled at times this season, but in the end we find a way to make it work. Don’t bet against this team.”
Alward watched this team develop over the past seasons.
“It’s a new era for Goodrich Football,” he said. “We knew the potential was there, if the injuries did not mount up. However, it all aligned and we have one more game to go.”
“Rivalry games are important but they happen every year,” he said. “This is a state championship, we are representing our league, community and school. It will come down to who plays next to you.”