Goodrich coach Tom Alward knew that a non-conference road game, late in the season and against an unfamiliar opponent, would not be a picnic, but he felt that his team was ready. ”These kids have battled all year, and in our locker room, there is a flat-out refusal to lose. These kids are a joy to coach.”
The Martians had only lost one game this season, and that was to undefeated Beecher.
On October 24 against St. Johns, they raced out to a 14-0 lead and led 21-6 after the first quarter. But St. Johns coach Dave Mariage made some defensive adjustments, and the only score the Redwings allowed in the second half was an 82-yard kickoff return by Eric Hildebrand.
St. Johns tied the game in the 4th quarter on a 59-yard pass from Blake Thelen to Austin Ervin. Angus Arthur added a 1-yard run to give the Redwings a 35-28 lead with 9:11 to play.
Goodrich quarterback Nathan Ellis marched his team down to the St. Johns 2-yard line. On 4th and goal, he dropped back and looked for his favorite target, Landin Mitchell. Unfortunately for the Martians, St. Johns’ Anthen Ruhf stepped in front of the pass, and the Redwings secured their 8th win of the season, 35-28.
The Redwings were led on both sides of the ball by their do-it-all captain, Angus Arthur. “We gave up 3 touchdowns in the first quarter; we had to settle down and finish plays, and I think we did that in the second half.”
Coach Mariage was impressed by how his team responded. “Goodrich is an excellent team, and this was playoff atmosphere football. “ Mariage said . “Our defense won this game, and I’m really proud of their response.“
Ellis finished the game for Goodrich 21 of 31 for 379 yards and 2 touchdowns.