By Joe St. Henry
Review Special Writer
Lake Orion’s football team may have lost to Stoney Creek last Friday, but it won the hearts of Dragon families near and far by honoring loved ones who have battled cancer in the school’s first ever ‘Pink Out? game.
This contest was critical to the Dragons? chances of making the state playoffs, but each player also knew they were playing for someone special. Each wore a pink-numbered jersey emblazoned with the name of a person who is currently battling, survived or succumbed to the disease. Their drive to fight inspired Lake Orion’s football team on a night when the sidelines, stands and sky glowed pink.
After spotting the Cougars a two touchdown lead in the first quarter, the Dragons? defense tightened and the team fought back.
Touchdowns by junior wide receiver Michael Jarvis on a 36-yard, second-quarter catch and another by his classmate running back Chris Wilson on a nine-yard run tied the game seconds into the fourth quarter.
Momentum and Karma seemed to be on Lake Orion’s side, but Stoney Creek responded by engineering a 17-play, 80-yard touchdown drive that consumed more than nine minutes to put the Cougars up for good late in the final quarter. The Dragons could not convert two fourth downs in the waning minutes and lost the gridiron battle, 21-14.
‘When we scored and tied it up I thought here we go ? it’s a new game,? said Coach Chris Bell. ‘Our defense was shutting them down and our offense was moving the ball. But you have to give Stoney Creek credit. They put together a long drive and scored.
‘We played hard, but did not play well the entire game,? he said. ‘They hit a couple big plays early that put us on our heels. In this league you have to pay attention to the details and we failed to do that.?
Junior running back Keith Fields continued to run wild, amassing 226 yards on 23 carries. Bell said Field’s success is a credit to both his natural running ability and his offensive line. Jarvis led the Dragons? receiving corps with three catches for 42 yards.
Despite the loss, Lake Orion’s players kept their heads high during a special ceremony immediately afterwards, giving their jerseys to the people they were playing for that night ? parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and others. There were plenty of smiles, hugs and handshakes of appreciation, with cameras flashing across the field.
Bell said he was not surprised how the team reacted, for the players knew this game was about more than just wearing cool uniforms. They were playing with a purpose.
‘We had a couple cancer survivors talk to the kids early in the week and some have family members who have died of the disease,? he said. ‘We talked about life battles and addressing adversity. They knew what this meant to so many people.
‘We lost a tough football game, but the kids recognized there are far more important things in life and it’s a credit to them for recognizing this. They are a great group.?
The loss dropped the Dragons? record to 2-4 (2-3 OAA Red). The team now has to win its remaining three games, including a key matchup versus Clarkston in two weeks, then rely on others to possibly qualify for the state playoffs.
‘Our job is to win out and give ourselves a shot,? Bell said. ‘Sometimes you can’t control things, but it’s how you react. Nobody is feeling sorry for themselves. We’re not happy with how things have gone lately and we want to make it right.?
The first step is to beat Bloomfield during Lake Orion’s Homecoming game this week. The Black Hawks may be 1-5, but Bell said they have been in every game. The Dragons came from behind to defeat Bloomfield last year and another competitive game is expected.