By David Fleet
Editor
Ann Arbor — In a defensive battle between two stellar football teams both coming off losses in the MHSAA State Finals in 2022, the Goodrich Martians made the plays when it counted to topple the Frankenmuth Eagles 14-8.
With 55 seconds remaining in the game and Goodrich trailing 8-7 the Martian defense stepped up and stopped Frankenmuth on a fourth-and-9 after Eagles quarterback Jack Rich pass fell incomplete. Then with just 8 seconds left on the clock, Martian Junior Chase Barnett carried the ball in from the Frankenmuth eight-yard line for the game winner.
“They played four complete quarters,” said Goodrich Head Coach Tom Alward. “We needed them to do just that, our defense did not let up or quit. It was a stellar defensive effort, they kept us in the game until we could make the plays we needed to make. When you can beat Frankenmuth, hang your hat on that. I was proud of our guys. We gave up one play for a touchdown and a safety but held our ground.”
Martian Junior Chase Burnett had 16 carries for 55 yards, one touchdown: Senior Easton Phipps 14 attempts and six completions; Soph. Tanner Mazich three attempts and one completion for a touchdown; Junior Max Macklem four receptions for 112 yards. Frankenmuth 54 plays and 171 yards of offense. Time of possession 26:35.
Goodrich 47 plays, 178 yards of offense. Time of possession 21:25.