Devin Devin McCulloh follows Josh Velasquez for big yardage. McCulloh led all rushers with 18 carries for 134 yards. (MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

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Early Scoring Helps John Glenn Hold Off Ogemaw, 23-14

Bobcats earn share of 2010 NEMC title

September 19, 2010       Leave a Comment
By: John Keuvelaar

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With everything on the line for John Glenn and Ogemaw, the Bobcats put the Falcons in an early hole that Ogemaw could not climb out of. Utilizing a hard running attack, crisp passing and an aggressive special teams, Glenn built a 23-0 lead before Ogemaw could get started. Then a get after them defense held the Falcons in check for most of the second half to help Glenn earn at least a share of the final NEMC title.

John Glenn took the opening kickoff and marched down field using a strong rushing attack. A pair of big runs by Devin McCulloh and Tanner Kain had the Bobcats knocking at the Falcon door. But a strong defense held and Glenn's Conner Windyeight kicked a 20 yard field goal to put Glenn up 3-0.

Before Ogemaw could answer Glenn's score, the Bobcats had created their own turnover. Employing the "pinball" kickoff, the kick was struck directly at one of the front line players. It bounced off the player and was recovered by John Glenn at the Glenn 45.

John Glenn quickly made good use of their field position. Devon McCulloh started things with a nine yard run. Soon Travis Bryant hit Tanner Kain for 15 yards to the Falcon 35 yard line. Four plays later McCulloh darted 18 yards for the touchdown. After the extra point failed, Glenn was up 9-0.

Glenn's defense took their turn in the first quarter by shutting down the Falcon offense and putting the offense quickly back on the field. Starting at midfield, the Bobcats marched closer before Bryant hit Kain with a 25 yard over the shoulder catch for a touchdown. With the kick, the Bobcats had jumped out to a 16-0 lead.

The opportunistic Bobcats recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and were back in business at the Falcon 30. Then Bryant hooked up again with Kain had he hit him in the flats with a pass. Kain then sprinted down the sidelines for the score. With the kick, Glenn had a commanding 23-0 lead.

Ogemaw finally got their offense going thanks in part to a fourth and six breakout run by Charles Murdock good for 23 yards. Then quarterback Sheldon Roberto hit Tyler Henderson for 15 yards. Roberto then finished off the drive by running 25 yards for the Falcon's first score. A successful two point conversion had them narrowing the margin to 23-8 which is the way the first half ended.

Devin McCulloh puts big moves on way to a 134 rushing yard performance.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Brandon Flues rifles his pinball kickoff.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Sheldon Roberto looks for running room.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The John Glenn defense bottled up Roberto and the Falcon offense.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Tanner Kain makes this over the shoulder catch for a 25 yard touchdown.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The second half started by a much more focused and determined Ogemaw team receiving the kickoff. The Falcon's went on a 15 play scoring drive highlighted by Roberto's 4th down scamper of 30 yards to keep his teams drive going. He then powered the ball in from the two and the two point attempt failed, Ogemaw had crept back into the game, 23-14.

The momentum had clearly turned as their half time adjustments kept the rushing of Devin McCulloh and the rest of the Bobcat offense in check most of the second half. The big defense stand for Ogemaw came after Glenn had a first down on the Falcon six following a Falcon punt. Ogemaw refused to bend keeping the score at 23-14.

While Glenn failed to score, the defense kept Ogemaw shut down. In a later possession, Ogemaw advanced the ball to midfield before penalties and miscues kept them from advancing the ball further. Late in the fourth quarter Ogemaw went to an all out air attack. The strategy make the game exciting as key receptions helped the Falcon's moved the ball into the Bobcat's red zone. But three big sacks by McCulloh, then Kain and finally by McCulloh on fourth down sealed the victory for John Glenn.

In two weeks, Glenn takes on Pinconning which will determine if Glenn shares the NEMC championship with the winner of the Ogemaw vs. Standish contest or wins it outright.

On the night, Devin McCulloh led all rushers with 18 carries for 134 yards while Bryant was 4 for 10 for 70 yards, all to Tanner Kain.

There was plenty of big hits as Reid Alexander receives here.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Jackson Frederick and Jarrett Page make the stop.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Travis Bryant makes this touchdown saving play as he knocks away the pass.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Another big hit by Travis Bryant.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Bradley Wyman looks for running room.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Reid Alexander flies over this Falcon to recover the fumble.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Tyler Henderson looks to regain control of the ball as Reid Alexander gives chase.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Jarrett page knocks away this touchdown pass.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

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John Keuvelaar
John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College. More from John Keuvelaar

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