Niles loses to Goodrich in the state championship game, 35–6.

DETROIT, MI – It’s already been a historic season for the Niles Vikings, finishing with a 12-1 record, a top spot in the Wolverine Conference standings and now a chance to claim the ultimate prize – the school’s first state football championship. .

On the opening kickoff, Vikings senior Sam Rucker returned the kickoff 37 yards, but the Goodrich Martians defense stopped the drive and quickly took over. Then, with 4:38 left in the first quarter, Goodrich quarterback Tanner Mazic, running to his left, found receiver Max Macklem for a 21-yard touchdown, making a diving catch in the corner of the end zone, giving the Martians an early chance. The score is 7-0.

Second quarter action, third and goal, this time the Martians hand the ball to running back Chase Burnett, who sneaks into the end zone on a one-yard run. Goodrich extended the lead to 14-0. With 5:09 left in the second quarter, Burnett broke through again for his second touchdown of the game, giving the Martians a 21-0 lead at halftime.

Goodrich extended the lead to 28-0 with 4:02 left in the third quarter when Colton Burnett broke through a dog pile for a 1-yard touchdown. Early in the fourth quarter, Jacobi Lagat turned left and ran into the end zone, putting Goodrich one step closer to the state championship with a 35-0 lead.

However, Niles does not give up. As the clock winds down in the fourth, Vikings cornerback Talen Bennett throws an option to Peyton Gordon, who goes all out for a 35-yard touchdown.

But it was too late, as Goodrich won 35-6 to claim the championship, the first state title in program history for the Martians.