Houghton’s Rueban Mensah (75) rushes Gladstone’s quarterback Austin Pepin (22) with Ben Wilson (72) trying to stop him on Oct. 11, 2024 at Alumni Field in Houghton. (Eddie O’Neill/Mining Gazette)

HOUGHTON — The Houghton Gremlins football squad finished their 2024 home season with a big win on Friday night. They downed the Gladstone Braves (1-6) in a 42-17 victory, improving to 3-4 on the season with two games left.

According to Houghton coach Tim Driscoll, the key to victory was the effort his Gremlins put in on both sides of the ball.

“We took a big step tonight as we beat somebody (Gladstone) that we haven’t beaten in a long time,” Driscoll said. “I am very proud of the way these guys played tonight.”

The Braves set the tone in the first quarter by taking a 7-0 lead in the first four minutes. However, the Gremlins countered three minutes later with a 13-yard touchdown run by Nathan Erva for six.

Just minutes later, the Braves went up again on a 50-yard pass-play run to Evan Woelffer, and with the extra point after it was a 14-6 game.

However, not for long as the Gremlins’ running back Brayden Goudge returned the kickoff for 90 yards and a touchdown. With the Gremlins’ two-point conversion good, this game was tied at 14 after the first quarter.

The second quarter belonged to the Gremlins as they outscored the Braves 20-3.

This included two more touchdowns by Goudge. One was a 27-yard pass play and the other was an 82-yard touchdown run. The third Houghton touchdown of the quarter came on an end zone pass to Jace DeForge with no time on the clock.

While the Braves were able to add a field goal during all the Gremlins scoring it was not nearly enough to catch up with them. Gladstone trailed 34-17 at half.

“Game ball goes to Brayden (Goudge),” said Driscoll. “He had a great game with the kickoff return and another long run for a touchdown. He made plays for us.”

The second half of the game belonged to the Gremlins. They added eight points in the third with Jay Halonen scampering in for a touchdown run, and they shut down their opponent for the 42-17 win.

Driscoll summed up the victory.

“We tackled well, ran the ball well and adjusted well to what they were doing,” he said. “That was nice. We stayed solid and never hit the panic button.”

With Friday’s game being the last home game for the Gremlins, the team honored their senior players with a brief pre-game ceremony.

“They will be missed,” said Driscoll regarding the 15 members of the class of 2025. “This is a great class. These guys are so dedicated and hard working.”

The Braves host Calumet at 7 p.m. Friday