News Summary

On November 29, 2024, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s secured their ninth state championship title by defeating Byron Center with a score of 35-19 at Ford Field in Detroit. The Eaglets demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming an early deficit and showcasing their strong performance, particularly from standout player Darrin Jones. With this victory, St. Mary’s further solidifies its legacy as a powerhouse in high school football.

Orchard Lake, Michigan: A Day of Glory for the Eaglets!

The excitement of high school football reached a fever pitch on November 29, 2024, at Ford Field in Detroit, as Orchard Lake St. Mary’s took on Byron Center in the MHSAA Division 2 State Championship. In what can only be described as a thrilling afternoon of action, St. Mary’s emerged victorious with a final score of 35-19, claiming their ninth state championship and their first since 2016.

Feathers Ruffled Early

Things started off a bit rocky for the Eaglets. Byron Center’s Bulldogs came out strong, quickly putting points on the board first. An impressive opening saw them lead the game 7-0, and shortly afterwards, they extended their lead to 13-7 with strong touchdown runs from brothers Cam and Kellen Payne. Talk about setting the stage!

St. Mary’s Makes Its Move

But the Eaglets were not about to back down that easily. Each time Byron Center found the end zone, St. Mary’s responded with equal fervor. It was as if the players were in a dance-off, each team trying to outdo the other. Darrin Jones quickly emerged as a key player for St. Mary’s, finishing the game with an impressive 181 rushing yards on 21 carries and scoring two touchdowns. In a crucial moment, Bryson Williams made a significant contribution with a touchdown that flipped the game in St. Mary’s favor, bringing the score to 21-13. The crowd roared!

A Game-Changing Moment

A pivotal moment of the game came when St. Mary’s linebacker Ryan Harrington stepped up making a dramatic sack against Byron Center’s quarterback, Landon Tungate. This not only showcased the tenacity of St. Mary’s defense but also resulted in a fumble that was recovered by Kyrie Williams. Wasting no time, St. Mary’s seized this opportunity to score another touchdown, widening their lead and giving them a substantial advantage.

The Bulldogs’ First Championship Experience

This was Byron Center’s first-ever shot at a state championship game, and despite the loss, they showed tremendous heart and determination. Tungate ended his day with 49 passing yards and 90 rushing yards, while also scoring a rushing touchdown of his own. The Bulldogs displayed a strong running game throughout, but as the clock ticked down, it became evident that they were up against a formidable opponent.

A Commanding Performance

As the game progressed into the third quarter, St. Mary’s continued to pull away, scoring a remarkable 14 points during this stretch. Their defense stepped up big time, successfully thwarting Byron Center’s attempts to push back as they held the Bulldogs in check during the final moments of the game.

Sealing the Deal

With the final quarter underway, Darrin Jones made his mark once again, scoring his second rushing touchdown and expanding St. Mary’s lead to a comfortable 16 points. When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard declared victory for Orchard Lake St. Mary’s—a triumphant end to the season and a crowning achievement for the team, who now boasts an impressive record of 12-2.

The Legacy Continues

This victory not only adds another championship to the storied history of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s but also reaffirms their status as a powerhouse in high school football. The Eaglets left the field with their heads held high, proud of their accomplishments and ready to celebrate their place as champions!

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