This year’s Top 25 Volleyball list will look much different from last year.

1. Payton Husson, Marysville:Husson is a natural choice for the top spot on this list. At 6-foot-4 she is an imposing middle hitter who seems to get better by the day. She recorded a career high 20 kills against Port Huron Northern in the last week, and with her leading the way the Vikings have a shot to compete with the best teams in the state.

The top nine players from last year all graduated and with those players now gone, a new group of talented players have filled the void.

With that in mind, let’s take a list at the Top 25 volleyball players in the Blue Water Area. This list has no bearing on end of the season awards, including the Times Herald Player of the Year honor.

(If you are on a mobile device and can’t see the poll, click here: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2363439/Rank-the-Top-25-Volleyball-Players )

1. Payton Husson, Marysville: Husson is a natural choice for the top spot on this list. At 6-foot-4 she is an imposing middle hitter who seems to get better by the day. She recorded a career high 20 kills against Port Huron Northern in the last week, and with her leading the way the Vikings have a shot to compete with the best teams in the state.

2. Brittany Goodwin, Port Huron: The Big Reds are not having the season they hoped for, but Goodwin has still found a way to dominate the court. Goodwin is explosive, clutch and never seems to miss an opportunity to record a kill. The Big Reds outside hitter has been a big bright spot for the Big Reds and continues to improve.

3. Devan Valko, Marysville: With Valko, a setter, and Husson teaming together, the Vikings have a great one-two scoring punch. Valko came on strong last season and has continued to develop this season as an all-around player. The Vikings are clearly the cream of the crop in the Blue Water Area and that in large part is due to Valko, who gets the Marysville machine rolling.

4. Alexia Mason, Brown City: Mason is the second setter on this list and according to opposing coaches, she could very well end up being the best player in the area. Coaches rave about her ability and despite losing several key players, Brown City has continued to thrive with Mason setting up her teammates for success.

5. Calista Chaltron, Cardinal Mooney: If you were to describe Chaltron in a single word, it would simply be explosive. Chaltron can leap out of the gym and when she goes up for a kill, opponents mostly move out of the way. She took off last year for the Cardinals and will likely be their go-to player heading into postseason play.

6. Bailey Bowns, Marysville: No your eyes aren’t deceiving you, a third Vikings volleyball player has found their way onto the list. Bowns has been underrated because of the talent surrounding her, but she is a key player in the Vikings success. With her ability on the outside and Husson working on the inside, Marysville is an extremely tough team to match up against.

7. Taelor Frank, Marine City: Frank has made it all of the way back from a soccer injury last year and she appears to be better than ever. She has taken on an increased leadership role with the Mariners and has willed the team to several wins. Frank, who is an outside hitter and captain, has been a four-year varsity player and plays all the way around.

8. Kelsey Gustafson, Armada: The Tigers have lost a lot of talent in the past two years, but Gustafson has helped stem the tide. She is arguably the top player in the Blue Water Area Conference and has an impressive mix of size and athleticism to anchor the Tigers offense. As a middle hitter, she has been known to take over games and also has the flexibility to play on the outside.

9. Brooke Bowerman, Port Huron Northern: The Huskies have been up and down this season but Bowerman has remained consistent. As the Huskies setter, she helps start the play and has also developed well as a defender and all-around player. Not only is Bowerman a great passer, she is also a threat for a kill on any play.

10. Becki Krause, Brown City: As an outside hitter, Krause has become Brown City’s go-to player when the team needs a point. She also has become a consistent back row player. In only her junior year, she has quickly become a team leader and continues to progress each time she steps onto the court.

11. Anna Vorderbrueggen, Cardinal Mooney: The Cardinals middle hitter is an imposing force. But when paired with the aforementioned Chaltron, the one-two punch presents a difficult challenge for opponents. The Cardinals already have several impressive wins and should be headed to several more with Chaltron and Vorderbrueggen leading the way.

12. Hannah Delor, Marysville: Just a sophomore, Delor is already known for being one of the best servers in the area. She leads the Vikings in aces and in addition, she is a threat on every play as an outside attacker. It’s easy to see why the Vikings are so dominant with so much versatility in their lineup.

13. Brooke Mahn, St. Clair: Mahn has been the Saints go-to hitter nearly every game and has developed into a force as a middle hitter. She has also improved defensively and is about to position herself for blocks. With Mahn dominating the court, the Saints have taken a step forward this season and appear to be improving quickly.

14. Mikayla Morgan, Marysville: With the Vikings flush with offensive players, it would be easy to overlook its defense. But Morgan has helped pace the Vikings defensive efforts from her libero position. Her consistency has enabled the Vikings to take another step forward this season and her play will be key entering the stretch run.

15. Lexie Davidson, Croswell-Lexington: The Pioneers sophomore displays ability well beyond her years. She is leading the team in kills, is second in efficiency and aces and has become a big part of the Pioneers serve receive. She has also shown impressive versatility, playing the inside and outside and will be a player to watch in the years to come.

16. Paige Tranchida, Marine City: The Mariners junior middle hitter has really come on strong in recent weeks. In three league matches, she has averaged more than 10 blocks per match and set a school record with 17 blocks in a match earlier this season. Tranchida is quickly developing into a force at the net.

17. Megan Kreger, Memphis: Kreger is quickly developing into a force as a middle hitter for the Yellowjackets. She has great feet and that allows her to be in position to make a host of plays. She has remained a consistent cog in the lineup as Memphis continues to build its program.

18. Allessa Calamita, Croswell-Lexington: The Pioneers senior outside hitter has showed her versatility by also playing defensive specialist and libero in the past. She has now moved to the outside where her athleticism and jumping ability instantly flash. She also leads the team in serve receptions and service points while being second in digs.

19. Jasmin Bender, Brown City: The junior libero has helped solidify Brown City’s defense and is known for her consistency. She has also developed into a vocal leader that displays great hands and instincts.

20. Sami Klink, Port Huron Northern: The Huskies sophomore is already ahead of the curve. She is very skilled offensively and stays in attack mode. She is already playing all the way around for Northern and is vastly improved in serve receive.

21. Lilly Wolf, Cardinal Mooney: The Cardinals junior setter has been a three year varsity player that also has the ability to score points for the team. She is one of the best servers in the area and has been a great compliment to Chaltron and Vorderbrueggen

22. Ruthie Polio, Marine City: The Mariners libero has become one of the best in the area. She is above average in serve receive and uses her quickness to be in position to make a play on the ball. Her defense has helped solidify the Mariners and has already helped them take a big step forward in league play.

23. Hope Meyers, St. Clair: Meyers has become an all around player for the Saints and has shown impressive ability as an outside hitter. She has teamed with Mahn to give the Saints solid play in the middle and the outside.

24. Rachel Soper, Cros-Lex: The senior setter has helped the Pioneers run smoothly. She has also improved defensively and has been a consistent on the court leader for the team. With her leading the way, the Pioneers could surprise this postseason.

25. Jullian Rusch, Port Huron Northern: The Huskies senior libero is never afraid to dive for a ball or hit the floor. She stays in attack mode even on defense and is one of the reasons why Northern has remained competitive in the tough Macomb Area Conference Red Division.

Top 25 Volleyball Players

1. Payton Husson, Marysville

2. Brittany Goodwin, Port Huron

3. Devan Valko, Marysville

4. Alexia Mason, Brown City

5. Calista Chaltron, Cardinal Mooney

6. Bailey Bowns, Marysville

7. Taelor Frank, Marine City

8. Kelsey Gustafson, Armada

9. Brooke Bowerman, Port Huron Northern

10. Becki Krause, Brown City

11. Anna Vorderbrueggen, Cardinal Mooney

12. Hannah Delor, Marysville

13. Brooke Mahn, St. Clair

14. Mikayla Morgan, Marysville

15. Lexie Davidson, Croswell-Lexington

16. Paige Tranchida, Marine City

17. Megan Kreger, Memphis

18. Allessa Calamita, Croswell-Lexington

19. Jasmine Bender, Brown City

20. Sami Klink, Port Huron Northern

21. Lilly Wolf, Cardinal Mooney

22. Ruthie Polio, Marine City

23. Hope Meyers, St. Clair

24. Rachel Soper, Croswell-Lexington

25. Jillian Rusch, Port Huron Northern

Capac golfer Hannah Ureel eyes the pin Monday, Oct. 5, during the St. Clair County Golf Tournament at Holly Meadows Golf Course in Capac.

491478038.jpg SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 05: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions dives for the end zone during the fourth quarter of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 5, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

SEATTLE – Calvin Johnson is about to have another rule named after him, and that comes as no consolation to the last winless team in the NFL.

Johnson fumbled away the would-be game-winning touchdown inches before he crossed the goal line in the Detroit Lions’ 13-10 loss to Seattle on Monday night, but Dean Blandino, the NFL’s vice president of officiating, said his on-field officials erred in not penalizing the Seahawks on the play.

Johnson caught a third-and-1 pass from Matthew Stafford just inside the two-minute warning with the Lions trailing by three points.

He turned upfield and raced toward the goal line, but as Johnson barreled over one Seattle defender, Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor poked the ball out of Johnson’s left arm.

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The ball bounded toward the back of the end zone, and rather than scoop it up to secure a touchback, Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright tapped it out of bounds.

Blandino, speaking on the NFL Network after the game, said Wright should have been penalized for illegally batting the football, and the Lions should have retained possession inside the 1.

“You can’t bat the ball in any direction in the end zone, either end zone,” Blandino said. “K.J. Wright batted the football. That is a foul for an illegal bat. The back judge was on the play. In his judgment he didn’t feel it was an overt act, so he didn’t throw the flag. In looking at the replays, it did look like a bat so the enforcement would be, basically we’d go back to the spot of the fumble and Detroit would keep the football.”

All turnovers and plays inside two minutes are automatically reviewed, but Blandino said Wright’s bat was not subject to replay because it was a judgment call.

Lions report card: D’s for offensive line, receivers

Usually even-tempered Lions coach Jim Caldwell called the play “questionable” and “ridiculous,” and Lions safety James Ihedigbo said officials – Greg Wilson was the back judge – needed to be held more accountable for their mistakes on the field.

“I’m not going to even go there,” Caldwell said when asked what explanation he got for why it wasn’t called a batted ball. “Talk to Blandino and the rest of those guys. They’ll explain it.”

Told about Blandino’s comments, Caldwell said, “Well, he’s in New York. They (the on-field officials) got the microphone. They talk to him.”

Johnson and the Lions have been at the center of several controversial officiating calls in recent years.

In 2010, the Calvin Johnson Rule entered American vernacular after Johnson was ruled to have not completed the process of a catch on a would-be game-winning touchdown against the Chicago Bears.

Two years later, the Lions lost a game against the Houston Texans on Thanksgiving after a touchdown that shouldn’t have counted was upheld when Jim Schwartz illegally tried to challenge the call on the field.

And last year in the playoffs against the Dallas Cowboys, the NFL acknowledged it missed a defensive holding penalty on a third-and-1 incompletion in which officials picked up a pass-interference flag.

Johnson laughed uneasily when told he was on the wrong side of making history again.

“It’s just unfortunate,” he said. “Like I said, it’s unfortunate, but you can’t blame it on the – you can’t put the game in the referees’ hands.”

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Ihedigbo, who forced a fumble that Caraun Reid returned for the Lions’ only touchdown of the game, said he’s not interested in hearing any apology the NFL might issue.

“It’s not going to change it to a win,” Ihedigbo said. “I mean, it’s just unfortunate. I mean, they got to be held accountable just as players are in terms of equipment violations, whatever it might be. There’s a standard that players are held to on the field, there’s a standard that coaches are held to on the field, there’s a standard that teams are held to on the field and there has to be a standard that officials are held to as well. You can’t just apologize.”

Asked whether he thought officials are held to a high enough standard, Ihedigbo said, “No.”

“That’s enough I can say,” Ihedigbo said. “I’m not trying to get fined.”

Blandino, in his comments on NFL Network, said that while the penalty should have been called, a case can be made that it didn’t have an effect on the play. The ball appeared to be going out of bounds anyway, Wright had a clear recovery had he elected to pick the ball up and no Lions player was near the ball.

Wright said he did not know it was a penalty to bat the ball out of bounds intentionally.

“You can’t intentionally knock it out,” he said. “But at the time I wasn’t thinking that, I was just trying to not mess up the game. So I know now.”

Johnson’s fumble came on his seventh catch of the game, when he tied Herman Moore’s franchise record with 670 career receptions, and it ended the only real scoring threat the Lions had all night against the two-time defending NFC champions.

The Lions finished with just 256 yards of total offense, made one trip inside the red zone and have not scored a touchdown in 15 straight offensive possessions dating to last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos.

At 0-4, they’re the only NFL team without a victory, and after squandering a fine defensive effort Monday – they recovered three fumbles and sacked Russell Wilson six times – they face the Arizona Cardinals on a short week this Sunday at Ford Field.

Despite the grave hole the Lions have dug in the first quarter of the season, Caldwell said Monday’s loss would not be devastating to his team’s psyche.

“It’s not life or death,” he said. “It’s not devastating. It’s disappointing, but (what) we have to do is just get refocused, lick our wounds. Our head’s bloodied but unbowed. We just got to tee it back up again and go after it.”

Wilson ran for 40 yards, completed 20 of 26 passes for 287 yards and threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Doug Baldwin for the Seahawks’ only touchdown.

Stafford was 24 of 35 passing for 203 yards for the Lions.

Sharp: Blame NFL, but don’t let Lions off the hook

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett. Download our free Lions Xtra app on your Apple and Android devices.

Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) forces a fumble by Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field.

Oct 5, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Marysville players celebrate during a volleyball game Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at Marysville High School.

MARYSVILLE – The Marysville machine is gaining traction.

The Vikings volleyball team was sharp, disciplined and explosive Tuesday against Macomb Dakota.

You could tell early on, the Vikings were not going to let Macomb Dakota come into their gym and escape with a win.

That determination was the difference in the Vikings five game victory. Marysville claimed the Macomb Area Conference Red Division victory with a thrilling 25-11, 25-18, 26-28, 20-25 and 18-16 victory.

“I think it helps that we are so close,” Vikings senior Shannon Curley said. “We don’t get down on each other. We rely on each other and pick each other up when we are struggling.”

Bailey Bowns had 10 kills and 11 digs for Marysville, Hannah Delor added eight kills and had 21 service points and Devan Valko had 34 assists, eight digs and four kills for the Vikings.

Mikayla Morgan added 16 digs and Payton Husson had 16 kills for the Vikings (4-1, 28-2-2).

The Vikings couldn’t have gotten off to a better start in the match. They dominated the first game with ease. They scored the first six points of the game and led 10-1 and also 20-6 before winning 25-11.

The Vikings got off to a similar start in the second game. They got back-to-back kills from Husson to start the game and led 8-1 and later 17-9 before dismissing Dakota 25-18.

“In game one and game two I think we we started a little slow instead of going after it,” Dakota coach Tracie Ferguson said after her team dropped to 3-2 in the league and 17-13 overall. “That’s a lesson learned. We have to play our game and not wait and see.”

The Cougars put up a tremendous fight in the third game, despite another hot start for Marysville. The Vikings led 3-0 before the Cougars stormed back to tie it at 4-4.

From that point on, the team’s jockeyed for position in what would turn out to be the momentum swinging game of the match.

Midway through the game the Vikings went on a 6-0 run to take a 17-15 lead but Dakota would not go away.

The Cougars charged back with a run of their own and tied the game at 23-23 before pulling it out 28-26.

The Vikings got off to yet another hot start in the fourth game and led 4-1. But it would be short-lived as the Cougars continued to bounce back. They eventually went ahead 15-14 and won 25-20.

The fifth and final game was everything you would expect it to be. The lead changed hands nine times and Marysville had three opportunities to close it out.

After the back and forth action, the fifth game finally ended when the Cougars failed to get the ball back over the net.

“We knew coming into the game that (momentum) swings would be a part of it,” Marysville coach Ryan Welser said. “Dakota is a really streaky team. We knew we would see some runs and we knew when they start running their offense, they are as good as any Class A team in the state. They are just unstoppable.

“We knew we would face times like that. I don’t think we had any sort of let down or lull. We played the same way in game one, two, three, four and five. We stayed the even course but they were up and down. In the fifth game, we both played consistent and neither team had big swings but that’s what happens when you have a team with experience and senior leadership and you are playing in front of an out of control student section. The parents were loud and proud. It was awesome to see.”

Tuesday’s game was a battle for second place in the Red Division. Marysville will return home Thursday against Romeo with a chance to take over first place in the division against league leading Romeo.

“We pick each other up and keep our energy up and talk to each other all game and that helps with momentum,” Marysville senior Devan Valko said. “This will definitely boost our confidence going into Thursday. We feel we are ready after playing against hard teams and these longer games. It prepares us better and gets us ready.”

Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @jhayes1136.

Marysville senior Bailey Bowns jumps in the air to celebrate scoring a point during a volleyball game Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at Marysville High School.

The night began with spotlights and segued into one highlight after another.

The Detroit Red Wings put on a pure Michigan party as they welcomed back their former coach by pouring on the goals. There were three from Justin Abdelkader and the first of his career for teenaged rookie Dylan Larkin as the Wings celebrated a 4-0 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs Friday at Joe Louis Arena in what was Jeff Blashill’s first game as an NHL head coach.

• BOX SCORE

He savored the night all the more for how the outcome was achieved.

“I thought we played really good,” Blashill said. “The energy was great, the execution, attention to detail, was really good. It was a good step for our hockey team.”

It was Detroit’s season opener, and every player — including the injured Pavel Datsyuk, Danny DeKeyser and Darren Helm — went on the ice for introductions. Some of the biggest cheers came for DeKeyser and Larkin, who were introduced back-to-back because of their jersey numbers. Both are Detroit-area products; Abdelkader is from Muskegon and Blashill was born in Detroit and grew up in Sault Ste. Marie.

“I think it’s great for the fans,” Abdelkader said. “Good story lines. All of us connected to college hockey, which is big. I know when I first came to the team, being a Michigan-born player was kind of out of the norm. Now it is more norm. It is extra special.”

So was beating Mike Babcock. For all the downplaying players did about the night being about beating the Leafs, it turned out it did mean just a little bit more.

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“It was a little extra special for all of us against Babs,” Abdelkader said. “It’s our old coach, right? Obviously there is pride. It felt good to win. Now it is just going to be the Toronto Maple Leafs, it is not going to be Toronto Maple Leafs and Babs.”

Babcock received a standing ovation when the Wings recognized him with a Jumbotron announcement during a time out in the first period — at which point his Leafs already were in a hole.

Tomas Tatar drew an early penalty; 11 seconds later Abdelkader tapped in Johan Franzen’s rebound for a 1-0 lead with the game barely a minute old. It was Franzen’s first game since Jan. 6, when he was leveled by his fourth head injury.

Seven minutes later, Abdelkader scored when he whipped a shot from the slot, after Larkin had played the puck from the boards.

It was Larkin’s NHL debut, an achievement reached just two months past his 19th birthday. He had so good a past year, and so good an exhibition season, the Wings decided to do what it took to make room for him in the lineup.

The reward was seeing Larkin erupt with joy when he scored 20 seconds into the second period. He took a pass from Henrik Zetterberg, flew up the left side, slid to the net and popped the puck to give Detroit a 3-0 lead. Larkin’s parents were in the stands, as were many friends. So, too, were several thousand fast fans of his.

Larkin was just as thrilled to help make it a fun night for his coach.

“I think it’s huge,” Larkin said. “I think it’s a credit to him as a person. Good things happen to good people. I’m happy for him and I think he’ll have a lot more to come.”

It was a good night for Zetterberg, too, as the captain celebrated his 35th birthday with a three-assist night. Jimmy Howard made a handful of good saves among 22 total.

“When your goalie plays like he does,” Blashill said, “and not give them any sniff at all, it keeps the game at bay for them and allows us to continue to try to build a lead, which we were able to do in the second.”

Abdelkader drew a sea of hats with his next move, as he snapped the puck behind James Reimer (who had replaced Jonathan Bernier at 3-0) by four minutes into the second period.

It was Abdelkader’s second career hat trick.

“First one, I saw it went off the post, I didn’t know if it went in or not but I saw it sitting it there, so I made sure to put it in,” Abdelkader said. “The second one, Larkin made some good plays on the boards and found me in front, and I turned and it got through a defenseman’s legs and beat the goalie. Third one, broken play, bouncing puck, ended up being a 2-on-1 – just found a way to get it by him.”

“It was a good win, we did a lot of good things. We can use it as a springboard as we go forward. It always feels good, opening night, to get a win.”

The Leafs dropped to 0-2; the Wings get to feel good going into Carolina, where they play Saturday night. It was one game, but as the coach for either side would say: Do enough little things right, and the result takes care of itself.

Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames. Check out our new Red Wings Xtra app on Apple and Android!

Ex-Red Wing Mike Commodore goes berserk as Detroit pounds Mike Babcock

Red Wings forward Brad Richards, center, loses his helmet during a scrum in the second period of the Wings’ 4-0 win over the Maple Leafs Friday at Joe Louis Arena.

George Bresinsk, a volunteer for three years at Joe Louis Arena, hands out free programs to fans as they enter the Gordie Howe entrance for the Detroit Red Wings season opening game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 9, 2015, in Detroit.

Detroit Red Wings’ Tomas Jurco.

As the Michigan football machine has rolled the past few weeks, there was always a caveat.

What about against a team that’s not tired from traveling cross country? What about one without a high school coach? Or one about to get fired?

This past week leading up to Northwestern, it was: What about against an elite defense and a team ranked in the top 15?

These may be mere footnotes by the end of the season, as the No. 18 Wolverines made a definitive statement Saturday, whipping No. 13 Northwestern, 38-0, at Michigan Stadium before and announced attendance of 110,452.

The game launched Michigan’s stellar defense into historic territory. With its third straight shutout, it’s the first time for the program since 1980 — and it’s the first FBS school since Kansas State in 1995 to accomplish the feat, according to STATS.

Despite the defensive marks, it was as balanced an effort as any team could produce, with touchdowns on offense (three), defense (one) and special teams (one).

And the Wolverines (5-1, 2-0 Big Ten) were not surprised.

Michigan QB Jake Rudock falls into he end zone on a short run for a touchdown late in the first quarter of the 38-0 win over Northwestern Saturday in Ann Arbor.

“Honestly, it’s expected,” said cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who pitched in with a 37-yard interception return for a touchdown. “That excellence is expected from all of our coaches. From coach (John) Baxter on special teams, from coach (D.J.) Durkin on defensive side of the ball, and the offense, their job is to score points. But it’s expected. We have to be great. That’s the standard around here.”

For the past seven years, greatness seemed to be more dream than reality. But demolishing the No. 13 team in the country sets a new standard moving forward.

As with the win over BYU two weeks earlier, the Wolverines took control in the first half and put it on cruise control on offense in the second.

It took only 13 seconds for the first score, as Jehu Chesson took the opening kickoff back 96 yards for a touchdown. From there, the Wolverines were able to do almost whatever they wanted.

They toyed with the nation’s No. 1 scoring defense on each of their first two offensive drives, both lasting less than 4 minutes, breaking loose with a long pass and ending in a touchdown. Less than 13 minutes into the game, it was basically over, with Michigan holding a 21-0 lead.

The Wolverines’ third touchdown of the first quarter matched the total Northwestern had allowed all season through its first five games. It showed the Wolverines could move the ball as they needed to, using three tailbacks, two tight ends and a receiver, and showing some creativity along the way.

For only the second time all season, Michigan did not commit a turnover. The Wolverines also made a statement with a fourth-quarter touchdown, taking more than 7 minutes off the clock before a Derrick Green rushing touchdown.

Saturday’s early special teams and offensive fireworks provided a cushion, but overshadowed the continuously dominant defense, which has allowed seven points in the past 19 quarters. And Lewis’ interception return pushed the halftime lead to 28-0.

Michigan’s defense produced some uncommon numbers: holding a team averaging 248.8 rushing yards to 38, and holding a team averaging 391 total yards to 168.

Or how about this? Over the past three games, the Wolverines have scored 97 unanswered points.

Next week against No. 4 Michigan State will be as great a test as the Wolverines will get for the next six weeks. Unfortunately, the Wolverines will play the first half of that game without linebacker James Ross, who was ejected for targeting in Saturday’s third quarter.

So here’s this week’s caveat: What about against a potent offense, a defense with elite players and a team that has won five of six in a bitter intrastate rivalry?

Yet for every question since the season-opening loss to Utah, Michigan keeps finding an answer.

Chesson’s kick return TD gets U-M rolling over Wildcats

Contact Mark Snyder at msnyder@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter at @mark__snyder. Download our new Wolverines Xtra app on iTunes and Android!

Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) is tackled just short of the end zone by Northwestern Wildcats cornerback Matthew Harris (27) in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium.

Cardinal Mooney junior Michelle Rovito spikes the ball past Our Lady of the Lakes freshman Tiffany Senerius during a Class D volleyball quarterfinal Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014 at Lapeer High School.

GROSSE POINTE WOODS The Marysville High School volleyball team defeated Grosse Pointe North 25-21, 22-25, 25-20 and 25-12 Monday night in a Macomb Area Conference Red Division contest.

Payton Husson paced the Vikings with 11 kills and a season high seven blocks. Devan Valko added 23 assists, six digs, four kills and three blocks, Bailey Bowns had seven kills and Hannah Delor had six aces and seven kills.

Marysville (5-2, 29-3-2) will return home Wednesday against Grosse Pointe South.

CARDINAL MOONEY 25-25-25

JEWISH ACADEMY 6-17-23

WEST BLOOMFIELD Janie Gibbons had 17 service points and 12 digs to lead Cardinal Mooney. Abbey Guilliat added 13 service points and 13 digs and Alexis Seeman had two kills.

Cardinal Mooney (3-1, 20-6) will return Tuesday at Detroit Cristo Rey.

Port Huron’s Rachel Bonner runs during the Marysville Invitational cross country meet Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Marysville City Park.

MARYSVILLE — Rachel Bonner owns the Marysville Invitational.

Well, she owns most races, really, but the final meeting of most of the teams in the Blue Water Area has been dominated by Bonner since her sophomore year. On Thursday, the Port Huron senior won the race for the third straight time, finishing with a time of 19 minutes, 10 seconds, 44 seconds ahead of St. Clair’s Gabby Morton who finished second.

“This is like the last time I face all the people in the area, and these are the people that have seen me since my freshman year,” Bonner said. “They’ve been in our jamborees, and all of the smaller invites when I first started winning and finding that I was coming up in the sport. It’s just really cool to come here again, every year. This is just a cool atmosphere.”

Bonner’s time was the fastest she’s run at the Marysville Invitational, a good sign that the work she’s doing to peak in November is working. She’ll get a better idea of that on Saturday, however, when she runs in the ultra-competitive Portage Invitational, which she won a year ago.

“It’s a lot of base training, strong base training and uses races like this as tempos and really focusing on a couple races where I know I want to run fast,” Bonner said. “There’s a lot of girls (at Portage) that have already ran very fast. It won’t be easy. Last year, with a mile to go, I took it and had the lead. It’s a different year, so you never know what can happen.

“A lot of the girls who were freshmen last year are now sophomores and they have experience, so now they’re going to be tough.”

St. Clair’s Jack Keais runs during the Marysville Invitational cross country meet Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Marysville City Park.

St. Clair’s boys are also looking for a strong showing at Portage, and like Bonner, managed to dominate their race. The Saints put all seven runners in the top 11, led by a 1-2 finish from Jack Keais (16:53) and Derek LaDuke (17:10). Brendan Parr was fourth (17:10), Josh Williams was sixth (17:26) and Jacob Redlawski was eighth (17:28). Collin Higgins (10th, 17:37) and Walker Child (11th, 17:39) didn’t score for the Saints, but would have been the No. 1 runner for 12 of the 15 other teams, and no lower than third for any.

“When you have two meets in a week, we just make it part of our speed training – it’s basically like a good, strong tempo run,” St. Clair coach Jon Davidson said. “We didn’t light it up with times, and I told them, ‘I don’t want you to worry about times today, I just want you to compete.’

“Seven in the top 11, I’ll take that. They got out there and competed. Now, Morgan (Beadlescomb of Algonac) wasn’t running, and the three Northern boys weren’t running, but still, they got up there and competed with who ran. I was very happy with the performance.”

The Saints finished with 21 points, 52 ahead of Yale, which placed second. The Bulldogs earned their second straight win against Croswell-Lexington, which has both Blue Water Area Conference jamborees under its belt. The Pioneers finished with 110 points.

Yale was led by Brendan Macias, who was third with a time of 17:09, as he led the non-St. Clair runners in the race. Other runners in the top 20 were Yale’s Carlos Soto (fifth, 17:23), Anchor Bay’s Michael Zedan (seventh, 17:27), Cros-Lex’s Max Whittredge (ninth, 17:34), Yale’s Andrew Vincent (12th, 17:50), Marine City’s Blaik Haney (13th, 18:02), Cros-Lex’s Jarred Jolley (14th, 18:03), Marysville’s Jacob Turpell (15th, 18:18), Almont’s Josh Phelps (16th, 18:20), Imlay City’s Paul Rodriguez (17th, 18:26), Anchor Bay’s Tyler Pulk (18th, 18:28), Port Huron Northern’s Cameron Petrossi (19th, 18:31) and Marysville’s Cody Hepinstall (20th, 18:32).

Anchor Bay won the girls team race, riding a strong front pack of Mackenzie Steveler (ninth, 20:57), Mackenzie Rahn (10th, 21:02) and Jillian Alongi (11th, 21:03). Katherine Greenberg was 22nd in 21:42 for the Tars, while Emily Westphal was 25th in 21:48.

The Tars finished with 77 points, 18 ahead of Croswell-Lexington, which bested third-place Marysville by 32 points.

Other runners in the top 20 were St. Clair’s Morgan Markel (third, 20:06), Northern’s Ashley Defrain (fourth, 20:25), Imlay City’s Camylle Velazquez-Fuentes (fifth, 20:26), Yale’s Megan Dunsmore (sixth, 20:40), Cros-Lex’s Calli Townsend (seventh, 20:45), Marysville’s Kenzie Weingartz (eighth, 20:53), Reese’s Kaitlyn TerBush (12th, 21:04), Imlay City’s Ericka Lathrop (13th, 21:04), Cros-Lex’s Miranda Cates (14th, 21:05) and Megan Cates (15th, 21:15), Lapeer’s Hannah Schultz (16th, 21:18), Marysville’s Audrey Sylvia (17th, 21:24) and Makenna Hill (18th, 21:34), and Marine City’s Samantha Bieth (19th, 21:35) and Sarah Cullimore (20th, 21:40).

Yale’s Brendan Macias runs during the Marysville Invitational cross country meet Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Marysville City Park.

St. Clair’s Gabrielle Morton runs during the Marysville Invitational cross country meet Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Marysville City Park.

Port Huron Northern’s Ashley Defrain runs during the Marysville Invitational cross country meet Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Marysville City Park.

Marysville’s Kenzie Weingartz runs during the Marysville Invitational cross country meet Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Marysville City Park.

St. Clair’s Morgan Markel runs during the Marysville Invitational cross country meet Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Marysville City Park.

Port Huron’s Rachel Bonner runs during the Marysville Invitational cross country meet Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Marysville City Park.

Cros-Lex’s Calli Townsend runs during the Marysville Invitational cross country meet Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Marysville City Park.

Marine City senior Zach Coverdill runs the ball during a football game Friday, October 9, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

With their backs pressed against the wall, the Mariners fought the night away at Memorial Stadium.

Needing to win the rest of its games to lock up its 18th straight playoff berth, Marine City (3-1 MAC Gold, 4-3 overall) beat Port Huron Northern (2-2, 4-3) to the tune of a 41-13 win.

Thanks to Marysville’s win over Sterling Heights, the Mariners are still in the MAC Gold title chase as all three of those teams have a 3-1 conference record. Next week neither team will face each other, so a three-way title share is still possible.

Next week Warren Woods-Tower faces Marine City, St. Clair travels to Marysville and Port Huron Northern plays Sterling Heights. If the Mariners, Vikings and Stallions win, they lock up at least a title share.

The leading man on the ground was Marine City sophomore Dawson Haney, who ran for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Junior Ryan Alexander also gave the Mariners 120 yards and one touchdown.

For Northern, the yards came from the arm of junior quarterback Billy Fealko, throwing for 165 yards and a touchdown.

The Mariners got straight to business, grounding and pounding 279 rushing yards in the first half.

Alexander, who had 105 of those first-half rushing yards, kicked off the scoring with a 29-yard run to make it 6-0 after a missed kick.

On the next drive it was Haney’s turn to shine by scoring on a 10-yard run. Two plays earlier he cranked out a 42-yard run to put the Mariners deep in Northern’s territory. The kick by Jensen Houston was good for a 13-0 lead.

The second quarter started with some man-sized defense by Marine City, stuffing Northern twice on the one yard line to force a turnover on downs. Just like that, the Mariners constructed a 99-yard drive that ended with a 15 yard run by Matt Badke, making it 19-0 after a missed kick.

Northern responded with a scoring drive that included four completions by Fealko and a four-yard touchdown run by Travis Hughes, making it 19-7 with 8:14 left in the half.

The Huskies were moving the ball well later in the quarter, but an interception by Marine City’s Alex Kelley halted the drive. Instead, the Mariners used a quick three-play drive and a 27-yard running score by Haney to take a 26-7 lead into halftime.

Halftime didn’t fade the Mariners’ energy in the slightest, moving the ball downfield at will and getting an 18-yard touchdown pass to Kelley from Kohle Sobol. The made kick turned the contest into a 33-7 Mariners lead.

The Huskies got their second and final touchdown of the night on a short three yard pass from Fealko to Steve Mason. The missed kick kept it at 33-13.

The Mariners kicked off the fourth quarter with a five-yard touchdown scamper by Sobol, also converting on a two-point conversion to make it 41-13.

Week 7 Scoreboard

Marine City 41, PH Northern 13

Romeo 40, Port Huron 7

Marysville 48, Sterling Heights 21

St. Clair 14, Warren Woods-Tower 0

Algonac 21, Almont 7

Richmond 35, Capac 6

Yale 48, Armada 0

Cros-Lex at Imlay City

Sandusky 34, Brown City 12

Marlette 49, Memphis 12

Mooney at Star International

Burton Madison at Deckerville

Kingston at Peck

C-PS at Dryden

Port Huron Northern senior Geyrd Welsh runs the ball and is brought down by a host of Marine City defenders during a football game Friday, October 9, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Marine City senior Matt Badke runs the ball during a football game Friday, October 9, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Port Huron Northern junior Colby Nabozny catches a pass during a football game Friday, October 9, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Port Huron Northern senior Geyrd Welsh catches a pass in front of Marine City junior Ryan Alexander during a football game Friday, October 9, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Marine City sophomore Dawson Haney runs the ball to score during a football game Friday, October 9, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Marine City senior Zach Coverdill runs the ball during a football game Friday, October 9, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Marine City junior Kohle Sobol throws a pass during a football game Friday, October 9, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Blue Devils’ Evan Quigley tries to shake a defender Monday, Oct. 12 during high school soccer action at Almont.

Step one is officially complete for the Richmond boys soccer team – they are the undisputed champs of the BWAC.

After topping Almont 3-0 in a scrappy game, the Blue Devils have an unbeaten 10-0-1 conference record. Even with a game against Armada left on the schedule, the Blue Devils locked up the title as Almont and Imlay City each have three conferences losses.

“That’s just a great feeling right there, being undefeated in the BWAC,” Richmond senior Brandon Kunce said.  “We have one more game coming up, but we just need to get our heads on to play that game and districts next week.”

Kunce was the first of three Blue Devils to score in the game, easily putting the ball in the net as Almont goalie Joe Liblong was on the ground after an acrobatic diving save on a previous shot. That gave Richmond the lead 15 minutes into the game.

It ended up being the only goal Richmond needed thanks to stellar back line play by Steven Gil, Brandon Jacques, Evan Quigley and Brandon VanGorp. Even though the game, at times, bordered on a full contact football game, Richmond’s defense stayed composed to keep Almont out of its 18-yard box.

“We always play very hard and tough,” VanGorp said. “We never let fouls get in the way of our game.”

Thanks to the solid defense, Richmond goalie Allan Szczesniak was called on for just three saves. On Almont’s end, Liblong gave his team eight saves on the night.

One goal that would’ve been hard for even a wall to stop came late in the first half off the foot of sophomore Michael Bullock on a 20 yard volley, finding the upper corner of the net for a 2-0 lead.

“Anytime Bullock gets a foot on the ball it has a chance to go in,” Richmond head coach Lance Whitney said. “He’s a sophomore and extremely skilled player, and he always puts it on frame.”

Richmond’s third and final goal came with 28 minutes left in the game off the foot of senior Alex Meiniche, who rolled it into the right side of the net from 15 yards out. That’s been a common sight for Blue Devils fans as that was Meiniche’s 25th goal of the season.

Richmond is playing as the hottest team in the area right now, not losing in regulation since August. They’ll need to keep that white-hot play intact for next week’s districts as they could see either Almont or Imlay City if they reach the finals.

“I think this game, along with winning a title, is something we can take into districts,” Whitney said. “It’s a confidence booster, and we are looking to make some noise in the state tournament.”

Richmond will enter the state tournament ranked No. 15 in the latest Division 3 Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association rankings. Before they look to turn that 15 into a No. 1 ranking by season’s end, they can kick back and enjoy their weeks-long journey to a conference crown.

“It’s exciting, it really is exciting to be part of the winning end of the BWAC,” Whitney said. “We fell short last year, and it’s really good to be on top of the league for the first time in a long time.”

Blue Devils’ Brandon VanGorp tries to get by an Almont defender Monday, Oct. 12 during high school soccer action at Almont.

Blue Devils’ Evan Quigley tries to shake a defender Monday, Oct. 12 during high school soccer action at Almont.

Blue Devils’ Evan Quigley and Almonts’ Avery Bartlett both go up for a header Monday, Oct. 12 during high school soccer action at Almont.

Blue Devils’ Evan Quigley and Almont midfielder Zach Wichman both battle for the ball Monday, Oct. 12 during high school soccer action at Almont.

Blue Devils’ Evan Quigley and Almonts’ Nick Ferrante get tied up as they battle for the ball Monday, Oct. 12 during high school soccer action at Almont.

Richmonds’ Matthew Schuster tries to keep Almonts’ Zeck McCarthy away from the ball Monday, Oct. 12 during high school soccer action at Almont.

Richmond exchange student Alex Meiniche keeps his eyes on the ball Monday, Oct. 12 during high school soccer action at Almont.

Blue Devils’ Brandon Kunce heads the ball Monday, Oct. 12 during high school soccer action at Almont.

Almonts’ Avery Bartlett and Richmonds’ Robert Trombley battle for possession Monday, Oct. 12 during high school soccer action at Almont.

Richmonds’ Matthew Schuster tries to gain possession of the ball Monday, Oct. 12 during high school soccer action at Almont.

Richmond players celebrate beating Algonac in a football game Friday, October 16, 2015 at Richmond High School.

RICHMOND The action was fast and furious.

Big hits, determined runs and timely plays marked the Blue Water Area Conference showdown between Algonac and Richmond.

With the BWAC championship on the line, the teams battled for every inch on the field and at the end of the day it was the opportune Richmond defense that made the difference.

Richmond didn’t allow a single second half point while forcing a late turnover that proved to be key in pulling out a 15-14 victory to clinch a share of the BWAC championship.

Algonac out-gained Richmond 255-179 in total offense but had four turnovers in comparison to three for Richmond. The last Muskrats turnover loomed large as Algonac never got the ball back after fumbling deep in Richmond territory.

Algonac (6-1, 7-1) will end the regular season next week against Brown City while Richmond (6-1, 7-1) will face Macomb Lutheran North.

Richmond got off to a fast start out of the gates. On the first drive of the game, Chase Churchill connected with Anthony Tavano on a 52-yard pass but the drive stalled when Churchill was picked off in the end zone by Owen Kaatz. All was not lost, however, as Richmond forced a fumble on Algonac’s first play from scrimmage.

Zachary Roberts recovered and Richmond took back over on the Muskrats 14-yard-line. A few plays later, Churchill kept the ball on the ground for a one-yard quarterback sneak and Richmond led 6-0. Richmond then caught Algonac by surprise on a fake point after attempt and Tavano found D’Sean Hamilton on the conversion pass to give Richmond an 8-0 lead.

It appeared momentum was building for Richmond as Algonac quarterback AJ Garshott went down with an apparent ankle injury on the next Algonac drive. The Muskrats offense began to stall deep in Richmond territory and the Richmond defense capitalized to force a turnover on downs.

But the Muskrats defense continued to play well and Richmond settled for an 8-0 lead entering the second quarter.

With his team struggling, Garshott came back into the game. Although hobbled, he made a big difference by leading Algonac on an impressive 17-play, eight minute drive that resulted in an 8-yard rushing score from Shane Asselin to pull Algonac within 8-6 after a failed point after attempt.

The tide really appeared to turn Algonac’s way as Richmond fumbled the kick and the Muskrats recovered on the Richmond 27-yard-line.

Algonac went right back to work and Asselin scored his second touchdown of the game, this time on a four-yard run. The successful conversion pass from Garshott to Nick Folkers gave Algonac a 14-8 lead with 1:15 left in the first half.

But the lead would be short-lived. On the ensuing kick, D’Sean Hamilton scampered 92 yards for a touchdown to give Richmond the lead back at 15-14 and that is where it would remain entering halftime.

The teams came out in the second half and traded interceptions, but Algonac eventually gained control of the battle of field position, starting back-to-back drives within Richmond territory.

Richmond’s defense held firm and the teams entered the fourth quarter with Richmond still leading 15-14. In the fourth quarter, Algonac went on an 8-play drive all the way down to the Richmond 31. But Garshott fumbled on a quarterback sneak with just under five minutes to play.

Richmond took control of the ball once again and never gave it back. Richmond kept the ball on the ground for a 12-play drive that ended with them taking a knee amidst wild celebration.

Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on twitter @jhayes1136.

Richmond’s Chase Churchhill hands off the ball to Stefan Fenwick during a football game Friday, October 16, 2015 at Richmond High School.

Algonac’s AJ Garshott runs the ball during a football game Friday, October 16, 2015 at Richmond High School.

Richmond’s Kyle Tschiggfrey runs the ball after an interception during a football game Friday, October 16, 2015 at Richmond High School.

Richmond’s Chase Churchhill passes the ball during a football game Friday, October 16, 2015 at Richmond High School.

Algonac’s Owen Kaatz intercepts the ball during a football game Friday, October 16, 2015 at Richmond High School.

Algonac’s Luke Stephenson runs the ball during a football game Friday, October 16, 2015 at Richmond High School.

Algonac’s Brendan Piper throws a pass during a football game Friday, October 16, 2015 at Richmond High School.

Algonac’s Joe McKee runs the ball as Richmond’s Andrew Hamel attempts to tackle during a football game Friday, October 16, 2015 at Richmond High School.

Algonac’s Brendan Piper hands off the ball to Dominic Dobrenich during a football game Friday, October 16, 2015 at Richmond High School.

Algonac’s Nick Folkerts runs the ball and is brought down by Richmond’s Matt Poppe during a football game Friday, October 16, 2015 at Richmond High School.

Algonac’s AJ Garshott hands off the ball to Dominic Dobrenich during a football game Friday, October 16, 2015 at Richmond High School.

ANN ARBOR – Don’t bother flipping through the history books – there has never been a crazier finish in the Michigan State-Michigan rivalry than the one that just took place at Michigan Stadium.

U-M punter Blake O’Neill lined up for a sealing punt with 10 seconds left and U-M up 23-21, but he fumbled the snap, took a hit and the ball went into the hands of MSU’s Jalen Watt-Jackson – who streaked all the way for the winning 38-yard touchdown on the final play of the game.

A stadium full of U-M fans expecting to revel in a gigantic rivalry win instead had to watch as the Spartans celebrated wildly in the north end zone, then carried the Paul Bunyan Trophy to the other side to its throng of fans in green.

Somehow, MSU has now won seven of eight games in this rivalry for the first time in history. And the No. 7 Spartans (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) remain alive for their Big Ten title and College Football Playoff pursuits.

Before that stunning play, MSU senior quarterback Connor Cook came up empty in his attempt to bring the Spartans back. His deep pass to an open Macgarrett Kings Jr. on fourth-and-19 hung up and was broken up by Michigan’s Dymonte Thomas to seemingly deliver a win for No. 12 U-M (5-2, 2-1).

MSU’s Arjen Colquhoun, left, and Connor Cook, right, carry the winning Paul Bunyan trophy in Michigan Stadium after teammate Jalen Watts-Jackson ran back Michigan muffed punt for a touchdown and a 27-23 win Saturday. 10/17/2015.

Cook threw for 328 yards and a touchdown and Aaron Burbridge had 132 yards receiving, but the Michigan kicking game dominated MSU’s struggling special teams. Until one of the biggest special teams plays in MSU history.

It was 7-0 U-M early, but the Spartans answered thanks to Cook, LJ Scott and a crucial penalty. U-M linebacker Joe Bolden was ejected on a controversial targeting call after he hit Cook with his helmet, perhaps after he was blocked into Cook.

Cook then hit Burbridge for 13 yards and Scott rumbled 11 on the next play to tie the game. A 38-yard Michigan field goal capped the first-half scoring. It was 17-7 Wolverines, though, after a short drive off an MSU trick play gone bad.

Mark Dantonio went with a fake punt on fourth-and-8 from his 31, and Tyler O’Connor – MSU’s backup quarterback and backup punter, playing in place of Jake Hartbarger – was stopped a yard short on a run. U-M quickly moved 38 yards and finally punched it in from the 1 after three plays and reviews near the goal line.

Then Cook answered. He hit Burbridge for 14, R.J. Shelton for 27 and Kings for a 30-yard touchdown, with Kings burning Jeremy Clark. It was 17-14.

It was 20-14 after a Michigan drive the Spartans stopped at their 3. Cook then moved the Spartans in position to take their first lead, and on fourth-and-10 from the Michigan 32 in the face of a blitz, he delivered a perfect pass to an open Kings – dropped at the 20.

Cook got another chance, but couldn’t get a first down starting from his 4. Another Peppers return started U-M at the Spartans’ 28, and it resulted in a 38-yard field goal to make it 23-14.

Then, boom, Cook hit the Wolverines on a slick play against a blown coverage. Fullback Trevon Pendleton leaked out of the backfield after a run fake and was wide open after a short pass – racing all the way to the goal line, originally ruled in for a 75-yard touchdown. It was deemed short on a review, Scott walked in on the next play and it was 23-21, setting up the final dramatics.

College GameDay visits Ann Arbor for No. 7 Michigan State at No. 12 Michigan on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

Vikings’ Ryan Bennett battles for possession with Lake Shores’ Antonio Kazdaglis Monday, Oct. 19, during soccer districts at Marysville.

Last year the Marysville boys soccer team met history by winning the program’s first-ever district title.

However, this year they won’t be repeating history as they’ve been ousted in the opening night of state playoffs.

Lake Shore’s defense took Marysville to task and pushed the Shorians to a 1-0 victory on the Vikings home turf.

With that the Vikings end their season a few days sooner than they would’ve liked, but end with a solid 14-7-1 overall record and a second-place finish in the MAC Gold.

“I’m going to remember it pretty well – we had a good season,” Marysville senior captain Ian Hall said. “I’m impressed with how well we blended as a team.”

Lake Shore, who plays one level above Marysville in the MAC Blue, continue their season with an 8-11-1 overall record.

Lake Shore fired in its one and only goal into the net just less than ten minutes into the game. Shorian sophomore Zach Magnuson gathered the ball and clipped the inside part of the left post to have the ball ricochet into the net.

“I’m full of energy right now,” Magnuson said after the game, holding his side in a little bit of pain. “I remember last year we lost and felt like crap, but this year it’s a bigger impact to be moving on with energy.”

Five minutes later Marysville senior Nick DiGiovanni made a long run to the net, but he was swarmed by a gang of Shorians and the ball was booted out. That was a common theme of the night as the Lake Shore back line of Jurgen Hedo, Jacob Federlein, Jon Bastien and Peter Mackenzie outnumbered the Vikings attacks whenever they tried to make a scoring threat.

“They never made a mistake,” Marysville senior Jake Carroll said. “If they got their foot on the ball, it was going to someone. And the way we play, it wasn’t right for their defense. We try to kick the ball over the top and it just wasn’t working.”

The closest Marysville did come to a goal in the first half was when Trevor Roeske smoked a shot from 10 yards out, but right to Lake Shore goalkeeper Austin Machnik. The junior goalie was only called on for five saves throughout the night.

For Marysville, sophomore goalkeeper Brett Robinson made six saves for the Vikings.

The Vikings had two shots that almost tied up the game in the second half. The first came early in the second half, when Carroll’s free kick from 30 yards out sailed two feet above the net.

The next best chance came when a cross sailed to Ryan Bennett’s feet, but his shot was stopped by a waiting Machnik.

Marysville will graduate nine seniors from the squad, but the last two seasons they lost key players and responded with solid seasons. And while the season has officially come to a close, Carroll and his teammates already know what they accomplished blew a few expectations out of the door.

“We stunned everybody,” Carroll said. “With the loss of Tony (Mercatante) and Matt (Lashbrook) people thought we had little going for us. We came second in our league, and we did better this year I thought. We really came together as a team.”

Vikings’ Nick DiGiovanni jumps for the ball as Lake Shores’ Jurgen Hodo battles for position Monday, Oct. 19, during soccer districts at Marysville.

Vikings’ Jake Carroll gains possession of the ball Monday, Oct. 19, during soccer districts against Lake Shore High School at Marysville.

Vikings’ Nick Chitwood keeps the ball away from a pair of Lake Shore defenders Monday, Oct. 19, during soccer districts at Marysville.

Vikings’ Trevor Roeske tries to keep possession away from Lake Shore defenders Monday, Oct. 19, during soccer districts at Marysville.

Vikings’ Trevor Roeske runs up field Monday, Oct. 19, during soccer districts at Marysville.

Vikings’ Ryan Bennett runs into Lake Shores’ Trevor Tobias Monday, Oct. 19, during soccer districts at Marysville.

Vikings’ Ryan Bennett battles for possession with Lake Shores’ Antonio Kazdaglis Monday, Oct. 19, during soccer districts at Marysville.

SC4’s Briann Alspaugh celebrates with teammates during a volleyball game Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at the St. Clair County Community College gymnasium.

The St. Clair County Community College volleyball team has quickly developed into a well-oiled machine.

But even the finest piece of machinery can spring a leak. The Skippers were at their best the first two games Tuesday against Schoolcraft College but then fell apart after their libero left the game with an injury.

The end result was a close call, but another SC4 victory, as the Skippers defeated the Schoolcraft College Ocelots, 25-17, 25-19, 15-25 and 25-23.

The Skippers won the Michigan Community College Athletic Association Eastern Conference match-up despite losing defensive specialist Hannah Gordon early in the third game.

“We have never played a game without Hannah before and it was a little tough to make the adjustment,” SC4 sophomore Sarah Phillips said. “When we realized we had to fight for what we wanted we came out and made the adjustment.”

SC4 got off to a torrid start in the first game, scoring the first five points of the contest. The Ocelots pulled within 5-3 and the Skippers countered with a run to take a 9-4 lead.

Skippers middle hitter Jordan Johnson then scored four consecutive points for the Skippers to help them take a 13-5 lead and SC4 never looked back while winning 25-17.

Schoolcraft College appeared to gain traction in the second game. The Ocelots hung with the Skippers and only trailed 12-10. But SC4 once again found another gear and blew past Schoolcraft College. They turned a 15-13 lead into a 19-15 advantage and went on to win 25-19.

The Skippers were clearly in control entering the third game. They took a 4-2 lead out of the gate. But the Ocelots continued to battle and out-scored SC4 7-2 to take a 9-5 lead, which forced the Skippers to call timeout.

The stoppage in play didn’t stop the Skippers slide. Out of the timeout the Ocelots out-scored the Skippers 6-0 to take a 15-5 lead and forced yet another SC4 timeout.

A serving effort from Schoolcraft finally broke the run at 15-6 and the Skippers finally began answering with a run of their own after falling behind 18-6.

But it wasn’t enough to climb all the way back into the game and they lost 25-15.

“St. Clair is a great team,” Schoolcraft College coach Shannon Pummill said. “We found our energy and started talking and putting pressure on them. That was the difference.”

The Ocelots momentum continued into the fourth game as they scored three of the first four points.

They continued to lead throughout the game before the Skippers stormed back with a furious charge. With the game on the line, the Skippers surged forward and finally took a 22-20 lead. But it was short lived as Schoolcraft College surged ahead to take a 23-22 lead.

That didn’t stop the Skippers from closing the gap and they closed the match with a block.

“It was embarrassing because we hadn’t played like that this year,” SC4 sophomore Kendall Stoll said. “The fourth game they came out really loud but I think once we calmed down and got used to their rotation we had to trust each other in the different positions to work and function as a team again.”

Briann Alspaugh paced the Skippers with 13 kills, Stoll added 11 kills and Johnson and Kaitlyn Gilchrist each had six apiece.

SC4 (5-1, 26-4) will return to action Saturday at the Owens Tournament.

Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @jhayes1136

Of course, the score on the field mattered, but the big winners of Friday’s Crosstown Showdown between Port Huron High School and Port Huron Northern were all the students attending Port Huron schools.

Besides being for city bragging rights — which the Big Reds retained 42-0 — the game also was a fundraiser for the Port Huron Schools Endowment Fund.

You can never give enough money to the schools,” said Wayne Moses. “We’d like to think our taxes take care of that, but it’s not always the case.

“The kids need all the help we can give them.”

Moses was being honored as a Vietnam veteran. He and his wife, Mary Ann, graduated from Port Huron Catholic Central, but they have a daughter and a son who graduated from Northern and a son-in-law who graduated from Port Huron.

Port Huron students cheer as the team takes the field during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

“That’s why we have one of each,” said Mary Ann, pointing to the blue lanyard holding her pass and to the red lanyard holding Wayne’s pass.

Port Huron Schools Superintendent James Cain had both bases covered.

“This was the biggest decision of the night,” he said. “I have to represent both schools, so I have a Northern jacket and a Port Huron tie.”

He said it’s important the endowment funds, which most recently have been used to pay for go-to-college effort at the high schools, support academics.

“This is my second game, and I think it’s community pride, pride in the community and in our kids,” Cain said. “It really feels like we’re one community on this night, and that’s awesome.

“We use the athletics event to raise dollars for the fund to use for academics and other functions at the schools.”

Dan Dooley had played in the rivalry game. He and his wife, Kimberly, both graduated from Port Huron High School.

He had a red lanyard — she was wearing a blue one.

“All our daughters have gone to Northern,” Dooley said. “We have one in now, two that have graduated and one going eventually.

“It’s a good cause,” he said. “They started this a couple of years ago and we’ve come every year.

“It’s a good opportunity to hang out with people, socialize and it’s a good cause — plus the food’s excellent.”

The endowment fund, which is managed by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, started with a gift of $100,000 from Stebbins Family Fund. It now totals about $178,000.

Port Huron Northern students cheer and throw baby powder in the air as the team takes the field during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Jackie Hanton, vice president of the community foundation, said the game is a good thing for the school district.

“It’s very visible,” she said. “You take the fun of a rivalry game and we capitalize on that.”

Randa Jundi-Samman, chairwoman of the Crosstown Showdown and the endowment fund, said between ticket sales and sponsorships, the event would likely raise about $18,000.

“It’s a win-win situation,” she said. “It’s a beautiful game to watch and they’re all supporters of the district … and the money is going to a good cause.”

The endowment fund’s advisory board will meet Oct. 28 to decide what to do with the $18,867 available for grants this school year. The board can spend all or part of it, roll it over for spending next year and put it back into the principal where it can’t be touched.

Contact Bob Gross at (810) 989-6263 or rgross@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobertGross477.

Members of the Port Huron Northern marching band perform during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Members of the Port Huron Northern marching band flag spinners perform along to the music during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Port Huron Northern students cheer and throw baby powder in the air as the team takes the field during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Members of the Port Huron marching band perform during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Port Huron students cheer as the team takes the field during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

A Port Huron Northern marching band member conducts the band during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Deckerville players put their helmets together in a huddle after practice Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 at Deckerville High School. Deckerville faces off against Cedarville Saturday, Nov. 15, in the 8-man semifinals.

Deckerville 52, Dryden 6

DR0 6 0 0 — 0

D14 22 16 0 — 52

First Quarter 

D — Austin Spaetzel 3 run (Wade Saldana conversion run)

D —  Jared Philpot 36 run (run failed)

Second Quarter

DR – 35 pass (run failed)

D — Brandon Pattulo 53 run (Philpot run)

D — Austin Fritch 23 run (pass failed)

D — Pattulo 23 run (Fritch run)

Third Quarter

D — Spaetzel 15 run (Philpot run)

D —  Saldana 44 run (D.J. Fritch conversion run)

DR

D

First Downs

5

18

Rushing

29-(-2)

43-373

Passing

84

62

C-A-INT

3-10-0

4-6-0

Punting

6-30

1-40

Fumbles

1-0

2-1

Penalties

5-35

3-35

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING:D — Saldana 10-93, A. Fritch 7-87, Philpot 8-69, Spaetzel 4-63, Pattulo 5-61,

PASSING: D — Pattulo 4-6-0-62

RECEIVING: D — Philpot 2-33, Wyatt Janowiak 1-23, A. Fritch 1-6

Port Huron students cheer as the team takes the field during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

The goal for the Port Huron football team to close out its season was to send its seniors out the right way. Mission accomplished.

Port Huron rolled to a 42-0 win Friday night against cross-town rival Port Huron Northern at Memorial Stadium. It was the fifth straight win for the Big Reds in the series, and second shutout in three years.

The game finishes off a 3-6 season for the Big Reds, who faced a brutal schedule that included three true home games, Friday night’s neutral site game and five road games.

“They really stuck together through some tough times, and it paid off,” Port Huron coach Ryan Mullins said. “With the schedule we played, you fight through that and it pays off in a Week 9 rivalry game like this.

“… For our seniors to win in Week 9 is huge, to win a rivalry game. I’m just proud of the kids because they stuck with it. With all the struggles we had, nobody left the team, the guys stayed around, and it pays off for them.”

Northern finishes the year 4-5 in its first year under coach Larry Roelens.

Port Huron caught a break early on and took advantage, recovering a muffed punt at the Northern 3-yard line and cashing in two plays later on a DeAngielo Sanderson Jr. 1-yard run. Jon Miller’s kick put the Big Reds up 7-0.

Miller added a 31-yard field goal later in the first quarter to put his team up 10-0.

“The special teams early on, the punt block and the fumble on our punt, those two plays are huge momentum plays, which are huge in a game like this,” Mullins said. “I was really happy with how our special teams played all night.”

Port Huron 42, Port Huron Northern 0

Midway through the second quarter, the Big Reds extended their lead with a 10-yard pass from Sanderson Jr. to Clay Carter, making the score 16-0. The drive took nearly 6 minutes off the clock and lasted 13 plays, all runs outside of the touchdown.

Port Huron had a chance to extend the lead again late in the half, but a Michael Burrell interception in the endzone kept Northern out of further trouble.

After a long drive for Northern that came up empty to start the second half, the Big Reds added two more scores in the third quarter. Devon Lynch and Jermaine Drake scored on a pair of 1-yard runs to put their team up 29-0 after three. Drake’s touchdown was set up by a Khrent Lavergne interception deep in Port Huron Northern territory.

“Momentum swings like that, that’s football,” Roelens said. “If you take care of the football, usually you’re going to win football games. Tonight, we had some special teams blunders that hurt us, and they turned into 21 points for them. It one of those nights we were constantly battling momentum. The kids played their butts off, though.”

Lynch added his second score of the night early in the fourth quarter, a 3-yard run that made it 36-0 and start a running clock.

Austin O’Hare added a 20-yard touchdown in the final 2 minutes, which he set up with a 68-yard run one play earlier.

Despite the loss, Roelens had a positive message for his team after the game.

“I told the kids, ‘You’ve done things that haven’t been done around here in a long time,’ and that’s a testament to my seniors,” Roelens said. “I told them, ‘You’re not going to be around for when this thing happens, because it will happen under my watch, it’s going to happen, but you laid that first brick of that foundation.'”

Port Huron junior DeAngielo Sanderson Jr. runs the ball during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Port Huron senior Jake Lee leaps for a pass but is broken up by Port Huron Northern junior Michael Burrell during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Port Huron senior Jermaine Drake runs the ball during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Port Huron senior Devon Lynch runs the ball during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Port Huron Northern sophomore Steve Mason runs the ball as senior Adam Shier clears the way during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Port Huron Northern junior Billy Fealko hands off the ball to junior Travis Hughes during the Crosstown Showdown Friday, October 23, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Port Huron.

Shane Asselin watches the selection show Sunday, Oct. 25, at Algonac High School.

Jim Caldwell spent a season and a half defending his struggling offense, telling anyone who’d listen not to believe what they were seeing with their own two eyes.

But with time running out on this season – and maybe his tenure as Detroit Lions coach – Caldwell made sweeping changes to his offensive staff Monday, firing offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive line coaches Jeremiah Washburn and Terry Heffernan hours before the team boarded a flight to London.

Quarterbacks coach Jim Bob Cooter will take over as the Lions’ play caller beginning with this week’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Wembley Stadium, and tight ends coach Ron Prince is now coaching the offensive line.

“We just were not productive,” Caldwell said. “That’s the key.”

The moves came about two hours after Caldwell, under heavy questioning following another miserable loss, said he did not plan to make any immediate changes to his staff.

He said he re-evaluated the offense’s performance, and notified players of the moves during a mid-afternoon meeting.

Along with Cooter and Prince, running backs coach Curtis Modkins will take on the added responsibilities of running game coordinator and assistant special teams coach Devin Fitzsimmons will work with tight ends.

Caldwell said he made the decisions without consulting with owner Martha Ford, but added, “I’m sure they’re supportive.”

The Lions averaged just 20 points in 23 games with Lombardi as their play caller, and were one of the least productive offensive teams in the NFL this year.

Despite a cast of talent that includes Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and Eric Ebron, the Lions rank 20th in total offense, lead the league in turnovers, rank last in rushing and have the second worst scoring margin in the NFL (minus-61 points) this year.

In Sunday’s 28-19 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Lions gave up seven sacks and scored their only points in the final 35 minutes on a safety the Vikings willingly took when they were punting out of their own end zone with 59 seconds to play.

At 1-6, the Lions have the worst record in the NFL.

“Anytime guys are let go it’s a tough situation,” Stafford said. “You feel a certain amount of responsibility as a player cause you’re the guy, especially at the quarterback position, you’re ultimately out there pulling the trigger getting us wins and losses and helping us move the ball, and I just didn’t do a good enough job of that.”

Stafford, in particular, seemed to regress under Lombardi’s command, with the deep passing game becoming less a part of the Lions’ offense and the team relying more on short crossing routes.

Stafford denied that he had any disconnect, and said he spoke with Lombardi shortly after the firings.

“I think Joe’s an extremely talented coordinator,” Stafford said, “Obviously. Some of the stuff that we had was great. Like I said, I have a ton of respect for him. Just wish I could have played better and helped us win more games.”

Like Lombardi, who was hired after seven seasons as a quarterbacks coach and offensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints, Cooter has never called plays at the NFL level before.

Just 31, the former Tennessee quarterback is widely respected for his football acumen to the point that the Lions denied the Chicago Bears permission to interview Cooter last winter.

Caldwell described Cooter as “bright and smart” and said he “adjusts well.”

“The big thing is to be productive on a continuous basis,” Caldwell said. “Every game requires something just a little bit different and the thing you have to understand, too, and I know you all do is you can’t change an offense in its entirety in two days time or a week’s time. So it’s going to take obviously some adjustments along the way here.”

Stafford said he plans to spend a significant amount of time with Cooter over the next few days to figure out how the Lions offense will change over the next nine games.

“We’ll have to see how much we can change, if we change anything,” he said. “I’m not sure with that yet. Like I said, it’s very early in the process right now.”

While several teams have made coaching changes after bottoming out in London – the Miami Dolphins fired Joe Philbin and replaced him with former Lions tight end Dan Campbell earlier this month and the Oakland Raiders fired Dennis Allen after their London trip last year – Caldwell said decided to make the move before traveling across the Atlantic for simple reasons.

“We don’t have a lot of time,” he said. “We’re running out of time.”

Asked if he feels time is running out on his own tenure with the Lions, he said getting ready for the Chiefs is his only concern.

“I don’t feel any different than I did like I told you in 1979 (when I started coaching),” Caldwell said. “It’s a day-to-day business. It always has been, always will be. We get into this business because we don’t mind that, we can handle that. It’s not a big issue for us.”

Jamie: Instant replay is starting to go too far
‘Phenomenal’ Cooter too valuable for Lions to let go

Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

Who’s in and out

The offensive coaching changes announced by Lions coach Jim Caldwell on Monday — four hours after saying no changes were planned:

Fired

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi

Offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn

Assistant line coach Terry Heffernan.

New duties

QB coach Jim Bob Cooter is the new offensive coordinator.

Running backs coach Curtis Modkins is also the new run game coordinator.

Tight ends coach/assistant head coach Ron Prince is the new offensive line coach.

Special teams assistant Devin Fitzsimmons is the new tight ends coach.

A struggle to score

The Lions’ offense never clicked under offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. The offense’s rankings out of 32 NFL teams over two seasons:

2014 points per game: 22nd

Average: 20.1.

2015 points pergame: 25th

Average: 19.9

2014 yards per game: 19th

Average: 340.1.

2015 yards per game: 13th

Average: 346.6.

2014 rush yards/game: 28th

Average: 88.9.

2015 rush yards/game: 32nd

Average: 68.0.

2014 pass yards/game: 12th

Average: 251.9.

2015 pass yards/game: Seventh

Average: 278.6.

Detroit Lions Matthew Stafford is sacked by the Minnesota Vikings Eric Kendricks in the fourth quarter of the Vikings 28-19 win on Sunday, October 25, 2015, in Detroit. Julian H. Gonzalez/Detroit Free Press

The Port Huron Northern volleyball team has a talented roster.

But throughout the season, Northern has often hurt itself with costly mistakes that have not allowed the Huskies to realize their full potential.

On Tuesday night at Northern, the Huskies showed their ability against Grosse Pointe North but also made several key mistakes. It all amounted to a competitive 22-25, 17-25, 25-22 and 19-25 Macomb Area Conference Red Division loss.

Port Huron Northern senior Carmen Rankin bumps the ball during a volleyball game Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at Port Huron Northern High School.

Brooke Bowerman had 28 assists and six kills to pace the Huskies (1-9, 13-22-2). Jillian Rusch had 11 digs, three service points and two aces, Heidi Wilson had seven digs and two service points and Sami Klink had eight kills and nine digs.

“I think we got caught up in the excitement of senior night and we were kind of rushing,” Wilson said. “I think that made the difference in the games. When we play to our full potential we are a very good team but consistency is our issue.”

Northern battled Grosse Pointe North (5-5, 18-20-4) point by point in the first game. After trailing 22-18, Northern pulled within 23-22. But then served the ball into their own net and North went on for a 25-22 victory.

That would be a theme the remainder of the night. In Game 2, the Huskies fell behind 9-4 early and later trailed 14-7 before mounting a comeback. The Huskies pulled within 16-11 before serving the ball out of bounds and Grosse Pointe North then answered with its own run.

They took a 20-12 lead and never looked back while winning 25-17.

In the third game, the Huskies were at their best. They took a 10-6 lead and also led 15-11. After Grosse Pointe North tied the game at 16 and later 18, is seemed the Huskies might fall short. But even after going down 20-18, the Huskies continued to fight back.

They went on a run to take a 22-19 advantage and later closed out the game at 25-22 with a block.

In the fourth game, however, Northern’s mistakes crept back up again. After tying the game at 10, Northern fall victim to several errors and that allowed Grosse Pointe North to take a 13-11 lead that eventually turned into a 20-15 advantage and ultimately a 19-25 loss.

“(Consistency) has been our struggle all year,” Rusch said. “We get down at a point and it continues until we get a point. We have to work on talking to each other and being loud and being happy.

“I feel like we have to bring it in practice and come together as a team, which we can do. We just have to work on our hitting and work on our hitting at the net. I think our defense is really good. It was mixed emotions tonight. I love playing here but it was really sad. I played here for four years. It’s a home.”

Fortunately for Rusch and the other Northern seniors, they will have at least one more home game. Northern opens district play Tuesday at home against Anchor Bay.

“The first game we missed nine serves and only lose by three points,” Northern coach Tim Langolf said. “That’s something we have struggled with all year. When we are good, we can play with anyone because we have the firepower that is starting to come along. We played really well tonight. North is the real deal.

“I wish I could harness when they are playing well. It’s all about getting them to eliminate the mistakes. They know (next week) is a brand new season and we are lucky enough to host a game starting out.”

Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on twitter @jhayes1136..

Port Huron Northern senior Carmen Rankin bumps the ball during a volleyball game Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at Port Huron Northern High School.

Port Huron Northern senior Jillian Rusch hits the ball during a volleyball game Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at Port Huron Northern High School.

Port Huron Northern senior Heidi Wilson bumps the ball during a volleyball game Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at Port Huron Northern High School.

Port Huron Northern junior Brooke Bowerman and sophomore Halle Shell jump to block a spike during a volleyball game Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at Port Huron Northern High School.

Port Huron Northern sophomore Sammi Klink spikes the ball during a volleyball game Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at Port Huron Northern High School.