Deckerville Clinches Perfect Season; Ranked First in State
By: Wm. Michael Dixon
The Deckerville Eagles have done it, putting the cap on a perfect season by dethroning the number one ranked team in the state, the Alcona Tigers, last Friday at home to claim the number one ranking in the state, and the number one seed in the 2024 MHSAA 8-Man Football State Tournament. Things started off smooth for Deckerville, breaking free for a 47 yard run in the opening of the first quarter to jump to a 6-0 lead over the Tigers. Alcona answered back moments later, making good on their two point conversion to usurp the lead back from the Eagles. Deckerville then broke free for another 57 yard touchdown, this time kicking the PAT to bring the score to 13-8. Alcona sent one way downfield with a 71 yard touchdown pass to re-take the lead from the Eagles, missing the PAT to bring the score to 13-14. Deckerville moved the ball downfield with ease before the end of the first quarter, finally ramming it into the end zone from the one-yard line to bring the final lead change on the first half: 20-14. The Eagles kept up their scoring charge in the second quarter, running in the touchdown from 15 yards out to extend their lead to 27-14 after the PAT. Alcona answered back with a 14 yard touchdown run followed by a two-point conversion to shrink the lead back to five for Deckerville. Deckerville pushed the lead out to twelve with a 14 yard rushing touchdown and PAT, but Alcona answered with one final touchdown before the end of the half, failing the two-point conversion. 34-28 was the score to start the second half, and neither team managed to change that score until the fourth quarter when action started to pick up. Alcona retook the lead for the first time since the first quarter, on a four-yard pass followed by two-point conversion. Deckerville answered back with a five yard touchdown run and two-point conversion to bring the score to 42-36. Alcona tied things up moments later with a 42 yard touchdown run, but failed the two-point conversion, giving the Eagles one last shot to put the game out of reach. Deckerville capitalized on the opportunity, breaking free for a 57 yard touchdown run followed by two-point conversion to secure the 50-42 win over the Alcona Tigers. The Eagles relied heavily on senior standout quarterback Hunter Garza, who rushed for 355 yards on 32 attempts, scoring all seven of Deckerville’s
touchdowns. Chayse Lamont added 58 yards on 7 rushes, and Parker Merriman chipped in 47 yards on 8 carries. Brandon Salowitz was a monster on the defensive side of the ball, coming up with 13 tackles (11 solo) and two tackles for a loss. Ian Flanagan had 5 tackles (2 solo). Corbin Sharbowski had 4 tackles (2 solo). Mark Donker gave the Eagles consistent scoring, kicking 4 of 4 PATs through the uprights. The Eagles achieved the number one ranking in the state after knocking off the Alcona Tigers and earned themselves homefield advantage against the Bay City All Saints this Friday at home in Deckerville. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., but get there early as seats are sure to fill up fast. Tickets are available exclusively on gofan.co.
