Mike DuFrane Assistant Coach / Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers | Northern Michigan University Athletics Website
Mike DuFrane Assistant Coach / Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers | Northern Michigan University Athletics Website
The Northern Michigan spring football game concluded on Saturday afternoon at the Superior Dome in Marquette, Michigan. Team White claimed victory over Team Gold with a 10-0 scoreline.
Team Gold started the game with a three-and-out series, allowing Team White to capitalize. Aidan Hoard connected with Sam Peiffer on a deep pass that brought them within striking distance. The duo scored the game's only touchdown shortly after on a slant route in the end zone.
A potential 60-yard touchdown by Vince Martin for Team White was negated by a penalty early in the second quarter. A subsequent 50-yard field goal attempt missed its mark, leaving White ahead 7-0 at halftime.
The second half began with Mitch Larkin recovering a fumble for Team Gold four minutes into play. Despite this turnover, Mike Karlen's strategic punt pinned Team White near their own goal line.
In the fourth quarter, as Gold advanced into opponent territory, Adam Saleh recovered another fumble for Team White, shifting momentum back to his team. Owen Halverson executed an effective punt later in the game, pinning Gold at their 3-yard line.
With less than eight minutes remaining and Gold attempting to equalize, Justin Schiets intercepted a pass for White. This set up Halverson's successful 44-yard field goal that extended their lead to 10-0 with just ninety seconds left.
Despite Jake Bilitz's long completion to Michael Love for 65 yards late in the game, Team White held firm defensively to secure their shutout victory.
During both the second and fourth quarters, two young Wildcats were given chances to run and each completed impressive 60-yard touchdowns as part of feel-good moments during the match.