The Goodrich Martians and the Niles Vikings met for the first time in the Division Four State Title game. While Niles looked like the real deal in pregame warmups and their first drive, everything quickly turned as Goodrich woke up and ran away with the game for their first-ever state title as they would win this one by a final of 35-6.
Niles
Warmup Champions.
If the state title had been awarded for the pregame warmups, it would have gone to Niles. They came out and looked like they were going to set the place on fire, but that is why you play the game. Once the game started, they carried that energy for their first drive and then got blinded by the lights.
Goodrich
Feels Good to be Rich
While this was Goodrich’s second time in the state final game, it was the team’s first championship. The Martians of Goodrich were able to pull off this feat by playing a well-rounded game on offense and holding down the fort on defense. The defense for Goodrich held Niles to 96 total yards of offense while they had a staggering 424 yards, which was headlined by Chase Burnett, Max Macklem, and Tanner Mazich.
Chase the Burn
Chase Burnett turned on the afterburners in this game, rushing for 160 yards and two touchdowns. His speed was evident, and it wasn’t only his speed; he was running straight at people and making his presence known. Not only did he rush for 157 yards, but he also caught a pass for 34 yards, another way he showed off his speed.