The milk can will stay in Goodrich.
For now.
On Aug. 28 more than 1,000 packed the Roy Stacey Athletic Complex, marking the first meeting since 1992 between the Goodrich Martians and Brandon Blackhawks for the ‘Milk Can Cup.?
Led by the tough running of Goodrich Junior Michael Marston with 139 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns, the Martians shut down the Brandon Blackhawks in the renewal of a half-century-old rivalry, 33-7.
Martian Quarterback Nathan Ellis hit receiver Eric Hilderbrand on a 70-yard touchdown pass play to give Goodrich a 14-0 lead just minutes into the first quarter. On the next series, Martian Remington Berger, defensive end, picked off a Dylan Sabo pass and a few plays later Marston ran up the middle for a touchdown.
Brandon wide receiver and sophomore Kevin Bickett scored the only touchdown for the Blackhawks on a pass in the fourth quarter.
Goodrich rolled up 420 yards of total offense with 196 in the air. Brandon had 110 yards in offense with 55 yards passing.
The border battle between the neighboring schools will now move to Brandon in 2015.
‘Despite the outcome of Thursday’s game, it’s going to be a first class rivalry,? said Don Watchowski, Brandon athletic director. ‘We are very excited how the game went’there was passion in the community. Right now we need to get the cup back to Brandon.?
Watchowski and the team are setting their sights on the ‘Milk Can Cup.?
The vintage milk can was donated by Cook’s Farm Dairy and represents a symbol of both communities rich in farming tradition.
‘Michigan and Michigan State play football for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, Michigan and Minnesota play for the Little Brown Jug,? he added. ‘Now Brandon and Goodrich will play for the Milk Can Cup’it’s the start of a new tradition.?
Each year the score will be etched on the side of the can.
Dave Davis, Goodrich athletic director, said this game was a great way to open up the season.
‘The traveling trophy as a reward was a great touch and we are appreciative of the time and effort that Don Watchowski and the Brandon staff put into organizing the trophy,? he said.
‘Both teams played a hard-fought game and gave their best effort. The atmosphere was very electric thanks to a large crowd and a huge interest in the renewal of a long standing rivalry. We had over 1,000 spectators who showed up to cheer the teams on. This is a great crowd given the fact that the game took place before school had even started and it was a holiday weekend.?
The game was the talk of the town and it was a great way to start the school year, he added
‘Our student section did a great job of being good sports and supporting the team. The Class of 2015 should be compleimented for their good sportsmanship and enthusiasm,? he said. ‘We look forward to keeping this series going for many years to come.?