One week after putting up a combined 108 points, the Alma Panthers and Shepherd Bluejays found their defenses carrying the heaviest load. In the end, the Panthers pulled out a 28-14 victory Thursday night in Alma.
Anthony Humm got Alma off to a hot start with a 67-yard touchdown run in the first drive. Shepherd responded pretty quickly, however, when Joey Yuncker connected with Cole Fitzpatrick, tying the game at 7.
The Panthers retook the lead late in the 3rd quarter when Drew Humm found Brandon Huff in the end zone making it 14-7. Anthony Humm added an insurance touchdown on the ground late in the game. Shepherd looked dead until Joey Yuncker connected with Andrew Gauthier for a touchdown late in the game to make the score 21-14. Shepherd got one more shot, but they turned over the ball for the final Alma touchdown, sealing the victory for the Panthers.
Offensively, Shepherd struggled to deliver big plays throughout the game. A costly turnover early in the 4th quarter paved the road to a Panther touchdown. Despite a late touchdown, the Bluejays couldn’t recover. They travel to Bullock Creek next week.
Defensively, Brec Alward led the way with two interceptions for Alma. One of those interceptions resulted in the game’s final touchdown. For his efforts, Elwood was named our JNR Engraving Player of the Game. Alma hosts the always tough Saginaw Swan Valley Vikings next week.
We’re back Friday night with more high school football on My 1043. The Beal City Aggies host Clare in their annual bout. The Aggies easily dismantled Sacred Heart last week. Clare fought hard and fell just short against the defending state champion Ithaca Yellowjackets.
