PREP FOOTBALL ROUNDUP: Defenders rally past Howell
WHITMORE LAKE — Trailing 14-6 heading into the fourth quarter Saturday, Troy Christian Leadership Academy rallied for 14 fourth-quarter points to record a 20-14 victory over Howell Livingston Home School in Christian Football League of Michigan play at Whitmore Lake High school.
MacLane Essian finished with 128 yards on 10 rushes and scored two touchdowns to lead the Defenders (4-1, 4-0), who are off to their best start in the program’s four-season history.
“We have played really well so far this season,” offered Troy defensive coordinator Kevin Johnson. “We were down 8-6 at the half and (Howell) came out and scored right away in the third quarter. We had to come back in the fourth quarter. The guys found a way to win.”
MacLane Essian, a junior, scored on runs of 5 and 39 yards for Troy, while senior Mitchel Essian also had a 5-yard run for the Defenders, who finished 2-7 last season.
MacLane Essian’s 5-yard scamper won the game for Troy. Emmanuel Swiggins kicked a pair of extra points for the Defenders.
David Brown had 12 tackles, Mitchel Essian and Cortez Saine each had 10 tackles and Josh Taylor added eight tackles to pace the Defenders defensively. Mitchel Essian also had a sack and an interception.
“Our only loss this season was to a (Class C-sized) public school in Ohio and that was without our quarterback, running back, wide receiver and offensive coordinator. It was on the 97-degree day and we only had about 15-16 guys,” said Johnson. “We had a lead on them for the first half but in the second half we couldn’t hold on. Other than that, we have played pretty well. I think that head coach (Chris) Vitale has done a great job with this team. The guys are really starting to come together.”
Mike Jacobson scored both touchdowns for Howell Livingston.
Troy will face the Flint Genesee County Warriors Home School Saturday at Goodrich High School. Kick-off is set for 12:30 p.m.
HIGHLIGHT VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0WkjQV9Vg8&feature=related
Category: High School, High School (M-Z), Prep Wraps, Troy Christian Leadership Acadamy
