×

Broncos blank Manistique in road win

MANISTIQUE — Bark River-Harris’s big-play offense proved too much for Manistique as it romped to a 40-0 football triumph here Friday night.

Three of those took place in the first half as the Broncos built a 22-0 cushion en route to their third consecutive victory

BR-H (3-2) extended its lead to 28-0 on the second play from scrimmage in the second half as senior Cristian Spear dashed 54 yards around right end for his second of three touchdowns in this WestPAC Conference Iron Division contest.

On the first play in the fourth frame, Spear broke several tackles as he sliced through the middle for a 39-yard score and 34-0 advantage.

The Broncos concluded the scoring on senior Troy Johnson’s second TD, a two-yard run off right tackle with 3:27 left to play.

“We’re putting things together,” BR-H coach Caleb Adams said. “Cristian played a tough position. At halftime, we told the kids we had to dial up some trick plays. After three big plays in the first half, we were able to dial it up in the second half a little.”

Manistique mounted a threat late in the second quarter.

The Emeralds had a chance to get on the board in the fourth frame.

Junior running back Jayce Goudreau appeared to reach the end zone following a 28-yard run. It was ruled that he didn’t have control of the ball as he broke the plane, resulting in a fumble which was returned to the Manistique 43.

“That was an unfortunate call,” Emeralds’ coach Steve Pugh said. “That was a great run by Jace.”

With 71 seconds left before the half, the Emeralds were facing a second-and-six situation on the Broncos’ 26-yard line and used a time-out.

Forty-five seconds later, sophomore Gionni McDonough intercepted a pass inside the five and dashed to the Emeralds’ 18.

Following another time-out, Spear dragged several tacklers around the right end for a 22-point cushion just 4.2 seconds before the intermission.

“We had opportunities,” coach Pugh said. “We moved the ball okay, but couldn’t put enough together. We felt it should have been a 14-6 at the half. We let that take us out of it a little and they controlled the second half. The whole night didn’t go the way we planned. Credit to Bark River-Harris. They’re a good, physical team.”

The Emeralds started their opening possession on the Broncos’ 47 and ran seven plays prior to turning the ball over on downs at the 31.

BR-H then marched 69 yards on eight plays, taking an 8-0 lead on senior quarterback Dominck Lantagne’s 23-yard pass to senior wide receiver D.J. Belleville.

McDonough started the second stanza by intercepting a pass at the Broncos’ 41 and returning it to the Emeralds’ 35.

Johnson finished that drive by plowing through the middle for a three-yard run and a 14-point cushion.

“Our defense played amazing,” Adams said. “We’re happy with all the kids. Gionni played phenomenal. Manistique is a good team. I’m happy we played a physical style of football.”

The Broncos finished with 421 yards in total offense, including 383 on the ground.

Johnson rushed for 157 yards on 16 carries and Spear added 155 in eight attempts.

Manistique ran for 92 of its 158 yards, led by junior running back Jayce Goudreau who carried eight times for 60. Junior Mack Pugh completed 7-of-14 aerials for 66 yards and three interceptions.

Both teams resume Friday with BR-H hosting L’Anse for homecoming and Manistique hosting West Iron County.

Starting at $3.50/week.

Subscribe Today