For three quarters, Goodrich’s football squad was able to stay within striking distance of their first win of the campaign Sept. 5.
However, Bay City John Glenn ruined the Martians’ home opener with two fourth-quarter touchdowns to capture a 27-10 win, dropping the Martians to 0-2 on the season.
In the first quarter, the Martians struck first when Goodrich tailback Kirk Elsworth broke through the John Glenn defense for a touchdown. A blown point-after attempt turned into a successful two-point conversion, giving the Martians an 8-0 lead.
However, John Glenn answered on their next drive with a touchdown and two-point conversion of their own, knotting the game at eight as the first period came to a close.
John Glenn scored a touchdown in the second quarter to take a 15-8 lead into the locker room at the half. In the third quarter, Goodrich trapped John Glenn in their own end zone for a safety to cut the lead to 15-10.
However, John Glenn blew the game open with 12 points in the fourth quarter.
Goodrich senior quarterback Matt Hill was 6-of-15 passing for 50 yards. He also led the Martians in rushing with 74 yards on 13 carries, while Elsworth added 73 yards on 10 carries.
Defensively, junior linebacker Andy Bohlen led the Martians with eight assisted and five solo tackles.
Goodrich traveled to Genesee for a Genesee Area Conference crossover game Sept. 12. The Martians face a tough assignment Sept. 19 when they host the defending Division 5 state champion Montrose Rams at 7 p.m.
Montrose returns 16 seniors from the team that went 14-0 last season and 5-0 in the Genesee Area Conference Red Division. The Rams are 2-0 after a 63-8 win against Burton Bentley Sept. 5
Key returnees for the Rams are running back/defensive tackle Josh Cross, wide receiver Joe Fondren, strong safety/running back Mike Gauna, linebacker Dusty Hodge, linebacker Cody Reinhardt and offensive lineman Ryan Ruperd. Junior Tim Burnison is in his first year as the Rams’ starting quarterback.
Montrose coach Dennis Reinhart said his team’s experience is their biggest advantage. “Out of our seniors, five are three-year starters,” he said. “They have 26 games under their belt.”
However, Montrose also has seven sophomores on this year’s team, and Reinhart said they will have to step in and become solid role players.