BONUS COVERAGE: Sacred Heart leaves no doubt in rout of Saugatuck for D-8 crown

BY DAN STICKRADT

SENIOR EDITOR

dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com

DETROIT — Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart left no doubt in the Division 8 state championship game.

Using incredible depth and speed, the Fighting Irish had four players combine for five touchdowns in the first half, and Sacred Heart even turned a punt for another score early in the third quarter to help them roll to a 42-21 triumph over Saugatuck at Ford Field..

This was the first-ever state title for Sacred Heart and veteran coach Rick Roberts, who finished his 33^rd season as part of the Irish’s coaching staff with the state championship, 18^th as head coach.

“We have played this well as season long. Our offense has been explosive,” admitted Roberts, whose team chalked up 598 points in 14 games this season. “We are a very explosive offensive team and when we catch a few breaks, we can score (a lot of points).”

Up 14-7, the Irish (13-1), who won 13 straight after a season-opening loss to rival Beal City, converted on a third-and-11 play which resulted in Matt Mills’ 66-yard touchdown reception from Mitchell Myer. That score pushed the lead to 21-7 with 6:29 left in the second quarter.

The Irish scored 14 in the first quarter and 21 in the second quarter to put the game out of reach.

Bennett Bryer’s 20-yard run gave Sacred Heart the lead with 8:25 to play in the first quarter. Mitchell Myler added a 7-yard TD sprint to put the Irish up two scores with 2:39 left in play in the opening frame.

Saugatuck finally broke through when Lance Kleino barreled into the end zone on a 3-yard run in the second quarter. That was as close as the Indians would get the rest of the way.

With its two-TD advantage, Ryan Grinzinger pushed the Sacred Heart lead to 28-7 in the second quarter when he hauled in a 33-yard strike from Mitchell Myler. Bennett Myler added a 1-yard plunge 1:15 before halftime to put the Irish up comfortably at the half, 35-7.

Sacred Heart continued to punish the Indians in the third quarter, as the Irish forced Saugatuck to punt on its opening drive and Mills conveniently returned the punt 47 yards for his team’s final score with 9:59 still to play in the third stanza.

“We knew coming in that they had great athletes and they can really throw the ball,” said Saugatuck coach Bill Dunn. “We knew we had to bring pressure and I don’t think we were able to do that.”

When I started here was 1978,” said Roberts. We made the playoffs and back then there were only eight teams. I thought it would be easy (making the playoffs). I’ve been here 33 years and this is my first title, so I feel pretty good.”

This was a day where the momentum primarily stayed in the Irish zone. Even Mills contributed in a major way on his only punt of the game, as his boot sailed for an MHSAA finals record 74 yards in the third quarter.

Down by 35 points, Saugatuck was able to cut the deficit in half down the stretch. The Indians, who entered the postseason at 6-3, added two fourth-quarter touchdowns when Kleino and Ethan Colton both scored on 6-yard runs.

“I congratulate (Sacred Heart). They have a great football team and we had a great run as well,” said Dunn. “We got to a level that we never have before, so I’m proud of my guys for their efforts and everything they’ve done this year.”

Nicholas Hire was kept out of the end zone but finished with 92 rushing yards on 14 carries. Bennett Myler added eight runs for 47 yards for Sacred Heart.

Mitchell Myler was 9-for-11 for 178 yards, Mills caught four passes for 97 yards and Hire had three catches for 38 yards for the Irish. Kyle Dougherty had six extra points for Sacred Heart, which amassed 338 yards of offense, most coming in the first three quarters.

Colton was a workhorse for Saugatuck, rushing 27 times for 140 yards. Bradley Speet added 112 yards on 23 carries for the Indians, who were making their first appearance in the state finals.

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Tags: high shool football, prep football state finals

Category: Prep Wraps