Boom! Big Plays, Tough Defense Lead Muskegon past Holland-West Ottawa

The Big Reds made more big plays in a 28-14 win over Holland-West Ottawa.  Both teams played tough, hard-hitting defense, the kind befitting a new Nike commercial and a loud “Boom” said in unison.  Yet it was Muskegon who prevailed to secure a playoff bid and leave both teams with identical 6-2 records.  Muskegon quarterback Kavonte Keyes ran for 140 yards on 18 carries and added 32 yards passing with one touchdown.  Yet, the difference was a first quarter 97 yard kickoff return by Darren Briggs.

Briggs’ return answered a fumble recovery touchdown by the Panthers’ Thomas Rich.  Down 7-0 following a giveaway, Muskegon was once again behind early.  Without Briggs it may have been a very different game.  After the return, each team had made one big play and it was less than a minute in to the game.  With the crowd back in the game, Muskegon made a stop and drove the ball to the Panthers 4 yard line.  Yet, Holland-West Ottawa’s defense culminated a goal line stand by defending a fourth down pass from Keyes.  The Panther defense was led by linebacker and quarterback Desmond Morgan.  His double figure tackles and solid command of the offense kept Holland-West Ottawa in the game.

T.J. Mitchell jumps up to snag a touchdown | DavidChandlerPhotography.com

The score remained tied until early in the second quarter when Keyes completed a 15 yard touchdown to TJ Mitchell.  Keyes eluded a tackle, scrambled and found Mitchell in the back of the end zone.  Shortly after, Juwan Lewis added a 12 yard touchdown run to make it 21-7 in favor of Muskegon.  That score was setup by a Key’Marious McMillan interception.  His seven interceptions this season will make teams reconsider throwing near McMillan Cove in the playoffs.

Holland-West Ottawa is too talented to go away without a fight.  Zac Boersema’s 1 yard run closed the gap to 21-14 at the half. Each team played well but made key mistakes in the first half.  Going in to the second half it was clear that the next team to make a big play would prevail.

The third quarter was the exception to an exciting game.  No scoring, no big plays, just tough defense.  Then the game broke open in the fourth quarter when Muskegon’s Mike Thomas took an 80 yard run the distance and left the Panthers down two scores with 5 minutes to play.  The Panthers were unable to answer Thomas who finished with 94 yards on only five carries.

Muskegon will finish their season at home against 7-1 Grand Haven in what will arguably be the game of the week, next week.  Holland-West Ottawa is still in good shape, playoff bound.  They will close at home against struggling East Kentwood.

Juwan Lewis darts through the hole | DavidChandlerPhotography.com