North Branch wins Stats; Loses the Game

FRANKENMUTH - In a game that saw North Branch gain over 370 yards in offense and score touchdowns on runs of 74 yards, 81 yards, and 56 yards, Frankenmuth would be victorious holding onto a slim lead as time expired.

The Eagles took the opening kickoff and marched down the field to score on quarterback Matt Cramer's (25-123 rush 3 TD, 2-2 pass 38 yards) three yard plunge at the 6:36 mark. North Branch would only need 20 seconds to return the favor with running back Cody Stawecki (12-105 rush TD) taking the first play from scrimmage 74 yards for the touchdown. Frankenmuth held the ball for another 5 minutes until Matt McMeans (21-94 rush 1TD) took a pitch from Cramer to score from 7 yards out.

When the 2nd quarter started, North Branch had only run 2 plays offensively. Things would not get much better for them as they would only run 4 more plays until having to punt away to Frankenmuth. After Cramer returned Jerome Sullivan's punt 15 yards, Frankenmuth took control once again. The Eagles held the ball for 15 plays and 8:42. Matt Cramer scored from 13 yards out to give the Eagles a 21-7 lead. Hold on North Branch can score quick, Dion Cimini (15-234 rush 2 TD, 1-33 rec) ran for 40 yards to set up Deane Baker's 25 yards field goal as time expired in the half. At the half Frankemuth had held a decisive advantage in time of possession, holding on to the ball for 19:19 compared to 4:41 for North Branch.

The 3rd quarter did not have any scoring, but the last 10 plays belonged to Frankenmuth as they continued to build on their time of possession lead. After 8 seconds into the 4th quarter, Cramer scored to the 3rd time on a 22 yard scamper to give his team the lead 28-10.

Just a little bit over a minute later, North Branch would show their quick strike capability again as Cimini raced past the Eagle defense to score from 81 yards out. Coach John Blankenship and his Eagles would go back to exploiting the Broncos 3 man front again will piling up 5 yards every carry. Finally the North Branch defense showed up and made Frankenmuth punt for the first time in the game. In a drive to would only last 2:15, Cimini again would find pay dirt. This time from 56 yards away to pull his time to within 6 points. The ensuing onside kick was good by North Branch but Frankenmuth would hold onto the lead for a 28-22 victory.

Overall North Branch out gained Frankenmuth 374 yards to 306. Frankenmuth the game and time of possession 32:50 to 15:10.

Next week, Coach Steve VerBurg and the Broncos will host Birch Run for their home opener, and Frankenmuth will travel Caro. Both games begin at 7:00 pm.

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