The second week of high school football action across the Greater Lansing area delivered a series of compelling matchups, showcasing emerging talents and established powerhouses. Several teams, including Okemos and Ithaca, continued their winning streaks, demonstrating strong offensive and defensive capabilities. The games featured remarkable individual performances, with players excelling in rushing, passing, and defensive plays, contributing significantly to their teams' results. This roundup provides a snapshot of the week's most notable contests, detailing scores, key players, and pivotal moments that shaped the outcomes.
In a dominant display, Okemos secured a 21-0 victory against Grand Rapids Union, marking their first 2-0 start since 2017. Quarterback Blake Burke led the charge, accumulating 167 passing yards and throwing two touchdowns. Brett Burak and Andy Peng were on the receiving end of these scores, while Jalen Mitchell-Castilla added a rushing touchdown. The defense also made its mark, with Rylan Rapson contributing an interception to seal the shutout.
Olivet delivered an impressive performance, overcoming Lansing Catholic with a score of 54-12 in a CAAC White division game. Kellen Rabakon was a standout player for the Eagles, rushing for 161 yards and finding the end zone four times. Caleb Waffle and Caleb Frazier also contributed rushing touchdowns, with Aaron Golomski adding another. For Lansing Catholic, Emmett Eyde managed 75 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Saranac emerged victorious in a nail-biting non-league contest against Maple Valley, winning 15-14. Gabe Webb was instrumental for the Red Hawks, rushing for 70 yards and scoring two touchdowns in the second half, including the go-ahead two-point conversion in the fourth quarter. Eric Lake provided solid support with 67 rushing yards, while Jacob Bush threw for 58 yards. Maple Valley's efforts included a touchdown pass from Darren Carpenter and five receptions for 47 yards and a score by Teagan McDonald.
St. Johns recorded a decisive 35-6 non-league win over Ionia. Archer Gurski was the offensive star for the Redwings, rushing for 113 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries. Quarterback Connor Kurncz added 112 passing yards and two touchdowns. Lucas McCastle showcased his versatility with 50 rushing yards, 55 receiving yards, and a touchdown, complemented by Ian Smith's 52 receiving yards and a score.
Perry celebrated a significant 38-6 non-league win against Detroit Osborn. Tyger Whitbeck had an outstanding game, completing 14 of 19 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns. Alex Rockafellow was a key target, catching seven passes for 161 yards and a touchdown, in addition to making seven tackles and an interception. Dylan King led the Ramblers' defense with seven tackles.
Ithaca maintained a flawless record with a dominant 54-0 victory over Allen Park Cabrini. Quarterback Gibson Rondy was perfect, completing all 13 of his pass attempts for 274 yards and four touchdowns, along with a rushing touchdown. Connor McMurphy and Michael Sheler each caught long touchdown passes, while Greyson Merchant contributed both a receiving and a rushing score.
Lakewood achieved a 52-6 non-league win against Benton Harbor, with Michael Goodemoot leading the offensive charge with 90 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Max Thrun added a pair of touchdowns through both passing and rushing. On defense, Bubby Wilkins, Goodemoot, and Wyatt Sorenson each secured interceptions.
Hastings defeated Williamston 50-21 in a non-league game. For Williamston, Luke Criscuolo posted 106 passing yards and 77 rushing yards with a touchdown. Max Kindinger connected with John Dunlap for a 70-yard touchdown pass, and Parker Friess added a rushing score.
Fenton edged out Haslett 27-20 in a non-league encounter. JonQ Thomas was a formidable force for Haslett, rushing for a team-best 281 yards and two touchdowns.
In an MMAC road defeat, Ovid-Elsie fell to Birch Run 31-21. Brody Howard displayed a strong performance for the Marauders, throwing for 224 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing for 46 yards. Joie Fabus was a standout receiver, hauling in seven receptions for 181 yards and two touchdowns, while also leading the team with 87 rushing yards and a score.
A thrilling triple-overtime battle saw Jonesville defeat Leslie 64-62. Joel Cranmore delivered an incredible all-around performance for Leslie, with 197 passing yards and four touchdowns, alongside 150 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Braydin Johnson contributed with six catches for 82 yards and two total touchdowns. Landon Craig and Tucker Newland each secured receiving scores, and Pat Friese added 52 rushing yards and a team-high seven tackles.
In a TVC Red road game, Alma was defeated by Frankenmuth 52-25. Penn Seeley was a key player for the Panthers, accumulating 172 passing yards and two touchdowns, in addition to 95 rushing yards and a touchdown. Karson Legeman caught seven passes for 95 yards and a touchdown, while Malachi Irvin also had a receiving score.
Marshall secured a 30-16 non-league victory over Waverly. Zyeir Rembert passed for 135 yards and a touchdown for the Warriors. Julio Nadeau was a prominent target, catching two passes for 100 yards and a touchdown, and Amir Brown contributed 67 rushing yards and a score.
The second week of high school football in the Greater Lansing area was filled with dynamic plays and hard-fought victories, setting an exciting tone for the remainder of the season. Teams and individual athletes alike delivered memorable performances, highlighting the competitive spirit and skill present in local high school sports. These early season results are crucial as teams build momentum and strive for success in their respective conferences and beyond.
