Can Cass City Shock No. 1 Millington with Their First Field Goal in 20 Years?

In a thrilling display of resilience and strategy, Cass City High School's football team, led by veteran coach Scott Cuthrell, achieved an unexpected victory over the reigning state champions, Millington. A crucial 23-yard field goal by Brody Schefka in overtime secured a 17-14 win, marking a significant upset that not only celebrated the team's performance but also coincided with Cuthrell's 60th birthday.

Last updated: 04 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Cass City won against Millington despite a prior 1-2 record.
• Brody Schefka's field goal marked the team's first since 2005.
• Scott Cuthrell celebrated his 60th birthday with a memorable victory.
• The match highlighted the strength of Cass City’s defence, particularly in overtime.
• This victory is a significant milestone in Cuthrell’s 23-year coaching career.

A Remarkable Upset on the Gridiron

The game, held in Millington, was a classic showdown in the Big Thumb Conference White. Cass City entered the match with a 1-2 record, coming off a disappointing loss against Laker. Facing Millington, the top-ranked and defending state champion, felt daunting. However, Cass City’s players and coaching staff were determined to change their fortunes.

First Half: Setting the Stage

The Red Hawks kicked off the scoring with a 25-yard touchdown run from Ryker Wallace, giving them a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter. Millington quickly retaliated with two touchdown passes from quarterback Garrett Woodward. The first was caught by Hudson Myers, followed by a second touchdown to Layden DeLong, allowing Millington to pull ahead 14-7 by halftime.

Second Half: Defiance and Determination

As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, Cass City remained undeterred. A 15-yard touchdown run from Will Perry again levelled the score at 14-14. This set the stage for an intense finish. Neither team could score in the remaining moments of regulation, leading to a tense overtime.

Overtime: A Tactical Decision

In overtime, Cass City won the toss and opted to start on defence. Millington attempted to take control with their Power-I formation, but Cass City's defence held strong. Coach Cuthrell praised his defence, highlighting crucial stops, including a game-saving tackle by Blake Mackowiak during a fourth-and-2 situation.

Brody Schefka: The Hero Emerges

After the defence’s strong stand, Cass City’s offence faced challenges advancing the ball. Cuthrell, making a rare but strategic decision, called on kicker Brody Schefka to attempt a field goal. Cuthrell had faith in Schefka, who had practised field goals throughout the week.

With the game hanging in the balance, Schefka successfully converted the 23-yard field goal, securing the victory for Cass City. “He nailed it,” Cuthrell remarked, reflecting on the momentous occasion.

Celebrating a Milestone

This victory was not only significant for the team but also served as a birthday celebration for Coach Cuthrell. In his 23 years as head coach, he had endured many ups and downs, but this win against Millington became a defining moment. The only gift he received was a bucket of water over his head, which he humorously accepted as a badge of honour.

Statistics and Highlights

Throughout the game, Cass City displayed a strong running game, accumulating 127 yards on 42 rushes. Wallace led the charge with an impressive 92 yards on 25 carries, while Perry contributed 34 yards. In terms of passing, Preston Dorland completed 2 of 6 attempts for 53 yards.

Defensively, Jackson Anthony stood out with 12 tackles, supported by Gavin Franzel with nine tackles and Braxton Kolacz, who recovered a fumble. For Millington, Woodward completed 5 of 12 passes for 86 yards, and Drake Terwilliger was the leading rusher with 73 yards on 14 carries.

What’s Next for Cass City?

This win improves Cass City’s record to 2-2, with a conference record of 1-1. The team will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season. For Millington, this defeat serves as a wake-up call as they aim to regroup and defend their championship title.

Conclusion: The Spirit of High School Football

This thrilling game exemplifies the unpredictable nature of high school football. The resilience, strategy, and spirit displayed by Cass City remind everyone of why sports matter. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see how both teams bounce back from this encounter. Will Cass City continue to rise, or can Millington reclaim its dominance? Only time will tell.

FAQs

What was the final score of the Cass City vs. Millington game?

The final score was Cass City 17, Millington 14, with Cass City winning in overtime.

When did Cass City last kick a field goal before this game?

Cass City had not kicked a field goal since 2005 prior to Brody Schefka's successful attempt in this game.

Who scored the touchdowns for Cass City during the game?

The touchdowns for Cass City were scored by Ryker Wallace and Will Perry, with Wallace opening the scoring and Perry equalising in the fourth quarter.

What record does Cass City hold after this game?

Following this victory, Cass City's overall record improved to 2-2, with a conference record of 1-1.

Who is Scott Cuthrell?

Scott Cuthrell is the head coach of Cass City football, currently in his 23rd year, and he celebrated his 60th birthday during this significant victory.

What are the prospects for Cass City moving forward?

After this victory, Cass City aims to build on their momentum and improve their standing in the conference as the season progresses.

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