ANCHOR BAY WALKS THE PLANK!
After being blown out the previous week by a tremendous Makomb Dakota Cougars squad – 42-6, Port Huron needed to face an opponent that would give them a hard fought, hard earned, tight nosed game and in the Anchor Bay Tars, that’s exactly what the Big Reds got Friday Night at Memorial Stadium. Despite the fact that the Tars came into this game at 0-4, they certainly didn’t play like an 0-4 team on this night, particularly on the offensive side of the football where the Tars came in really throwing the football. Would the Big Reds be up to the task?
With Big Red starting QB – Justin Black still out for at least 3 more weeks the Big Reds knew coming in that they would again have to rely on the back-ups. Donald Rock was used 2 weeks ago splitting time but on this night a starting QB would finally be named. Jarrett Chapman got the call for the Big Reds. Chapman started, played all game long and looked good enough to lead the Big Reds to a 27-14 victory. Chapman only went 6 for 21 for 92 and an interception in the air but he did throw for 2 TD’s and is giving the Big Reds all they can ask for in a backup role until the return of Black.
Big Red Head Coach, Ryan Mullins had nothing but praise for his defense and particularly the front seven after last week’s loss to Makomb Dakota. Usually when a defense gives up 42 it’s a rarity to have the Head Coach praise them but that just goes to show you the kind of talent that Dakota has. The Big Red D was certainly BIG yet again on this night giving up just 14 points to a better Anchor Bay offense then what was initially advertised. As mentioned, this Anchor Bay team didn’t look like an 0-4 team, particularly offensively where their swing man – Brandon Head (11 for 120) led the way and had the best night of anyone on the football field. It was only 21-14 late in the 4th quarter so Anchor Bay was very much in this game from start to finish and as mentioned, this is exactly the kind of game that the Big Reds needed. After losing so big from the week before the Big Reds had to have a hard fought, hard earned victory against a good football team and that’s exactly what they got and Anchor Bay really has nothing to be ashamed of. The Big Reds came out playing like they were desperate and that’s a good thing. Even faking a punt on 4th down inside their own 15 for a first down showed that Coach Mullins was willing to pull out all the stops in this game. Would the Big Reds lose 2 in a row? No way ho say. Not on Mullins’ watch.
David “THE TRUTH” Foster was kept off the stat sheet for the most part, although he did have 2 catches for 32 yards. By going to him in the 3rd quarter when the Big Reds’ offense needed to be woken up, it might have been the key to the whole game. Foster has a way of igniting the Memorial Stadium – Big Red crowd and that’s exactly what happened. In my opinion, that was the turning point of the whole game. Offensively the Big Reds never looked back after that 3rd quarter moment. The offense also tried to get other WR weapons involved as both Steve Sawher (2 for 16) and Mitchell Petoskey became involved, particularly Petoskey who had 2 big catches for 54 yards, 1 a touchdown pass through the hands of a defender. In my opinion, the Big Reds were smart to get Petoskey more involved in the offense being as he’s another senior player to offset both Foster and Sawher…also seniors. Petoskey certainly has ability and skill for this offense so…WHY NOT?
Total yards were 225 to 215 in favour of the Big Reds yet all that matters in the end is that the Big Reds were victorious by 13! Again though, Anchor Bay was better then advertised and I think in some ways shocked the Big Reds, which again, was a good thing because this wasn’t a push over opponent for Port Huron despite the now 0-5 record. The Big Reds now jump to 4-1 and look strong as always going into Roseville next week and they’re home to Sterling Heights in 2 weeks. Both games promise to be close, physical and mainly IMPORTANT DIVISIONAL RIVALRY GAMES! This Big Red victory was a good one. It allowed them to win in all areas of the game and although special teams were a little shaky, this might be the best I’ve seen both the offense and defense play as a team yet. The biggest key for the Big Reds until Black comes back is going to be the play of the PH defense, particularly at MAC BLUE SCHOOLS – Places like Roseville…the next BIG test for your BIG PORT HURON TEAM IN RED!!!
Note: All pictures in this article are property of the Port Huron Times Herald. From top to bottom, left to right and front to back – Big Red QB – Justin Black, Big Red CB – Nick Johnson tackling Brandon Head of Anchor Bay, Big Red WR – Mitchell Petoskey and RB – Marc Titus.
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yo, the big reds aint doen shit untill j. black comes back.
roseville, the worst team in the world, beat the big reds cause they couldnt move the damn ball on offense. real talk
Thanks for writing in Mason. I agree with you…when the BLACK ATTACK COMES BACK it will be a different Big Red team but how rusty will he be when he does return? Keep in mind they are saying Week 8 or 9. That doesnt give much time should they make the playoffs for him to clear away the rust. The other thing is…after a tough loss to Roseville, will they even put Black in a position to make the playoffs in 3 weeks? What a gutsy call this week to go for 2 and lose instead of to kick and tie but that shows you the faith that Coach Mullins has in the offense. What made Black so special is he could get the ball to Foster and certainly Chapman can’t really do that as well, despite him being an adequate backup QB. Also, Roseville is not that bad a football team. There are worse teams in the MAC Blue. Just think…even if this season doesnt go to our liking…the Big Reds still have 2 more years with Black. HOW GREAT IS THAT, MASON?
Very well written article, it was a great game for sure. Thanks for mentioning my son Brandan and good luck to PHHS the rest of the season.
Jack. Thanks for writing in. Your son Brandon was mentioned because he deserved it. Certainly when he has a game like that one it should NOT go unnoticed. The first thing I obviously do is the play by play but the 2nd is to give these kids the recognition that they deserve. Good luck to you guys the rest of the way too. I know it’s a tough year for Anchor Bay but when you’re down there’s only one way to go right?