Butch Harmon
Sports Scene
The scoreboard operator will need to get his rest before Merrill’s opening-round game of the Division 8 state playoffs at Sacred Heart Academy.
Although both teams enter the playoffs with 5-4 records, the two teams have as prolific offenses as any in Division 8.
Merrill enters the game with an offense that put up 34.2 points per game during the regular season, while Sacred Heart counters with an offense that put up 35.7 points per game.
Quarterback Kyle Tack is the straw that stirs the drink on offense for the Vandals. Tack ended the regular season having completed 107 of 195 passes (54.6%) for 1,712 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Opponents were unable to pin Tack down as he spread the wealth around on offense. Junior Derek Good led the team in receiving with 35 receptions for 670 yards and eight touchdowns. Jordan Garchow hauled in 24 passes for 352 yards and four touchdowns. Junior Devon Danowski enjoyed an explosive season, as he caught 22 passes for 364 yards (16.5 avg.) and scored five touchdowns, while junior Reid Ott added 19 catches for 243 yards and two scores.
Tack was also effective running the ball. He rushed for 636 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. Garchow also piled up 636 yards rushing (6.5 avg.) while scoring seven touchdowns.
Merrill needed a late rally to qualify for the playoffs. With a 3-4 record after week seven, Merrill defeated Breckenridge 34-15 and Vestaburg 38-20 in the final two weeks of the season to climb above the .500 level and qualify for the playoffs with five wins.
Defense has been the Achilles heel for the Vandals this season. Merrill has been allowing opponents 31.1 points per game.
CROSS COUNTRY
The young Merrill cross country teams continue to work at lowering their times as the cross country season winds down.
At the Saginaw County meet, freshman Ranae Latoski led the way for Merrill with a time of 24:48.6. Fellow freshman Cailey Brown turned in a time of 26:22.6, while freshman Sydnie Michael turned in a time of 26:35.5.
On the boys’ side, junior Andrew Dubay turned in a time of 20:53.8. Dubay’s best time this season came at the TVC league meet when he posted a time of 20:45.4.