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JETS RALLY FOR PERFECT FOOTBALL SEASON!
 GREENVILLE, Mich.---Most of the time, the suspense of the game is gone by the end of the first quarter whenever the North Central Jets take to the football field. Every game this season, regular season and playoff, has ended with the Jets so far ahead that the 35-point "mercy rule" put the running clock in effect in the third quarter. But the Jets knew that Friday night's state championship game against also-undefeated Battle Creek St. Phillip might be different. And it was, at least for a while. The Fighting Tigers stunned the Jets by taking a 21-12 lead the second quarter, the first time that NCA had trailed in a game this season. But the Jets recovered quickky with three touchdowns and three two-point conversions in the final 4:36 of the second quarter. And then, with a 36-21 lead at the halftime break, the Jets added two more touchdowns, and two more two-point conversions, early in the third quarter, to build a 50-21 lead. It was 38 unanswered points for the Jets, and it led to a 58-33 championship victory, adding to the Class D boys basketball state championship that was earned last March. NCA's Bobby Kleiman was on top of his running game, with help from excellent blocking by the offensive line...and just about everyone else who helped Kleiman make his way down the artifical turf of Legacy Field Friday night. Kleiman ended up with 205 yards rushing on 21 carries, and he scored five touchdowns. he also scored several two-point conversion runs, and hauled in a touchdown pass from quarterback Jason Whitens. Whitens completed nine of his first 11 passes for 217 yards, and he threw two touchdown passes...and, as usual, there were no interceptions. Dylan Gagne also had some success on the ground, gaining 73 yards on four carries. Overall, North Central had 572 yards of total offense. St. Phillip had 350 yards. CLICK HERE to see all of the statistics and recaps, courtesy of MHSAA. CLICK HERE to listen to the MHSAA radio broadcast of the game. The Jets will board their bus on Sunday and will make the long trip home to the Upper Peninsula. The team is tenatively scheduled to arrive at the school in Powers at 6:30 CST/7:30 EST Sunday night, for a big celebration. Everyone is welcome to attend! |
