OTTAWA LAKE — Schoolcraft showed Whiteford why it has been one of the most successful small-school programs in Michigan Friday, beating the Bobcats 54-24 in Whiteford’s home opener.
The Bobcats are 1-2 on the season, the first time they have started the season with two losses in their first three games since 2011.
The visiting Eagles – who halted Whiteford’s 23-game home field win streak – started the game with a 91-yard drive in just five plays, with Kobe Clark finding the end zone for the first of his six touchdowns for Schoolcraft. The Eagles led 13-0 before Whiteford got on the board with a 36-yard touchdown pass from Shea Ruddy to Cole Giesige, but the Bobcats could not draw any closer.
Giesige added a rushing touchdown later and Levi Hillard scored twice for the Bobcats.
Devon Shaw led Whiteford with 92 yards rushing on 17 carries. Nick Marchant had 12 carries for 76 yards.
The Bobcats gained 263 yards rushing on 62 carries as a team and had 319 yards of total offense, compared to 463 for Schoolcraft. Alex Thole completed 11 passes for 322 yards. Marchant had an interception for Whiteford.
Whiteford is back in action next week when it hosts Madison in the Tri-County Conference season opener. Madison is also 1-2.