Marquette Senior High School graduate Austin Ridl makes a game-changing play for the Northern Michigan University football team during an intense matchup against Saginaw Valley State at the Superior Dome in Marquette on October 5. (Photo courtesy NMU)
CALEDONIA — In a match that ended with a frustratingly familiar result, the Northern Michigan University football team, despite the loss, showcased a thrilling display of offensive prowess.
During an action-packed Saturday afternoon, the Wildcats set a season high for scoring, amassing a total of 31 points, yet fell to Davenport by a score of 52-31.
With this setback, NMU’s overall record now stands at a disheartening 0-10, including an 0-6 mark in GLIAC play. Although the odds are slim, they have one last opportunity to escape the bottom rung of the conference in their upcoming game against Wayne State on Saturday afternoon.
A victory against Wayne State in Detroit, combined with a win by Grand Valley over Roosevelt, could create a three-way tie for sixth place in the eight-team conference, with all teams ending their season at 1-6.
On Saturday, NMU exhibited a strong rushing attack, accumulating 324 yards on the ground – their highest total in six years – while also marking the most points scored since Shane Richardson took the helm as head coach prior to this season.
The team’s offensive strategy skewed heavily towards the run, as Northern Michigan attempted a mere seven passes, opting instead for an astounding 65 rushing attempts.
Marquette Senior High School product Austin Ridl had a modest passing performance, completing 2 of 6 attempts for a total of 23 yards, while teammate Jake Bilitz could not find success on his single pass attempt.
Nonetheless, Ridl emerged as the standout rusher for the Wildcats, leading the team with an impressive 84 yards on 11 carries, closely trailed by freshman Jahi Wood who rushed for 83 yards on 19 attempts.
Former Negaunee High School athletes Nico Lukkarinen and Kai Lacar contributed to the ground game as well, with Lukkarinen tallying 26 yards on nine carries and Lacar scoring a late-game touchdown with an 8-yard run despite gaining only 3 yards on his other two attempts.
NMU initially grabbed the lead in the first quarter, but a problematic second-quarter stretch saw them fall behind. However, unlike in past games, the Wildcats displayed resilience, refusing to bow out even when Davenport scored twice within just 15 seconds early in the second quarter.
Northern Michigan managed to close the gap to two scores on three occasions later in the game, demonstrating their fighting spirit.
The Wildcats’ only lead of the game came from an 8-yard touchdown run by Vince Martin late in the opening quarter, which was capped off by a successful PAT kick from Michael Karlen, putting NMU ahead 7-3. This lead was established after a dazzling 51-yard scrambling run by Bilitz.
Davenport quickly retaliated, with quarterback Mac VandenHout, who despite completing a modest 6 of 11 passes for 156 yards, showcased his dual-threat capabilities by scoring a 6-yard rushing touchdown just over a minute into the second quarter, reclaiming the lead for the Panthers.
Immediately following a fumble by NMU on their next possession, VandenHout capitalized, sprinting 20 yards for another touchdown, extending Davenport’s lead to 17-7.
Javin Tomlinson then added to the Panthers’ tally with a 7-yard touchdown run just before halftime, pushing the score to 24-7. Undeterred, the Wildcats struck back.
After a blocked field goal attempt, a moment of creativity ensued when teammate Jake Price scooped the ball and ran it in for a unique touchdown, showcasing the Wildcats’ unwillingness to give up.
Following a touchdown by Davenport’s Myren Harris early in the second half, NMU responded with a touchdown reception by Sam Peiffer, who outjumped defenders for a 9-yard scoring catch, narrowing the score to 31-21 as the third quarter progressed.
A 32-yard field goal by Karlen brought the Wildcats even closer, closing the gap to just a single score at 31-24.
However, the Panthers thwarted NMU’s comeback hopes with touchdown strikes at the end of the third quarter and early in the fourth, effectively sealing the victory at 45-24.
Despite the setbacks, NMU concluded the game on a high note with Lacar’s touchdown run with just over three minutes remaining.
Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.
**Interview with Austin Ridl: NMU Wildcats Standout After Intense Matchup Against Davenport**
**Editor:** Austin, thank you for joining us today. Despite the loss against Davenport, your team showcased a strong rushing attack and set some impressive new season highs. How do you feel about the overall performance of the team?
**Austin Ridl:** Thanks for having me! It’s definitely a mixed feeling for us. We pushed hard and were able to score 31 points, which is a significant improvement for us. The rushing game was firing on all cylinders, and it showed that we can compete despite the tough circumstances this season. It’s a testament to our hard work and grit.
**Editor:** You personally had an outstanding game on the ground, leading the team with 84 rushing yards. What helped you find success in your rushing performance during this game?
**Austin Ridl:** A lot of it comes down to the offensive line and the support from my teammates. They created some great holes for me to run through. I also think we really committed to the run this game, which allowed me to play to my strengths. When the rushing attack is clicking, it opens up opportunities for everyone.
**Editor:** Early in the match, NMU initially seized the lead, but what do you think led to the challenges faced in the second quarter?
**Austin Ridl:** It was a tough stretch for us, mentally and physically. We had a few mishaps that allowed Davenport to capitalize quickly. But I’m proud of the way the team responded. We could have easily gotten down on ourselves, but we showed resilience and kept fighting back, which is something we can take into our next game.
**Editor:** Speaking of the next game, you have an important matchup against Wayne State coming up. What are the team’s thoughts heading into this game?
**Austin Ridl:** We’re treating it as a fresh start. It’s our last chance to make an impact this season, and we have a shot at tying things up in the conference. Everyone is focused and determined to put forth our best effort. A win would mean a lot for us personally and for the program moving forward.
**Editor:** Lastly, how do you feel about potentially leaving your mark this season, especially with your roots as a graduate of Marquette Senior High School?
**Austin Ridl:** It means a great deal to me to represent my hometown and carry that pride with me onto the field. I want to make them proud, and every time I step on that field, I think of all the support from back home. Regardless of the outcome this season, I’m focused on building something for the future of the program and leaving it in a better place.
**Editor:** Thank you, Austin, for sharing your insights. We wish you and the team the best of luck in your upcoming game against Wayne State!
**Austin Ridl:** Thank you! Appreciate it!