Niles falls to Goodrich in state championship game 35-6

DETROIT, Mich -- It was already a historic season for the Niles Vikings, finishing with a 12-1 record, first place in the Wolverine Conference standings, and now, a chance to claim the ultimate prize, the school's first ever state football championship.

On the opening kickoff Vikings senior Sam Rucker making a 37-yard return, but the Goodrich Martians defense stopped the drive and quickly took over. Then with 4:38 left in the first quarter, Goodrich quarterback Tanner Mazich running to his left, finds wide receiver Max Macklem for a 21-yard touchdown, on a leaping a catch in the corner of the end zone, giving the Martians an early 7-0 lead.

Second quarter action, on 3rd and goal, this time the Martians handoff to running back Chase Burnett finding his way into the endzone on a one-yard run. Goodrich extended their lead to 14-0. With 5:09 remaining in the second quarter, Burnett again broke his way for his second touchdown of the game, giving the Martians a 21-0 lead at halftime.

Goodrich extended their lead to 28-0 with 4:02 left in the third quarter as Colton Burnett powered through a dog pile for a 1-yard touchdown. At the start of the fourth quarter, Jakoby Lagat powered to his left and ran into the end zone, bringing Goodrich one step closer to the state championship with a 35-0 lead.

Niles though, not giving up. With the clock winding down in the fourth, Vikings quarterback Talen Bennett pitches on the option to Peyton Gordon who goes all the way for a 35-yard touchdown.

But it was a little too late, as Goodrich wins 35-6 and are crowned champions-the first state title in program history for the Martians.