Lumen Christi, Montague to Battle for State Title

(File Photo Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports)

By, Gabriel Schray | JTV Sports | November 20th, 2018

Jackson, Michigan — After a convincing 42-20 win in the Division Six State Semifinal, The Titans of Lumen Christi have punched their third straight ticket to Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. The Titans are hoping to record a perfect season and a three-peat, after rolling past 10-2 Montrose on Saturday. They will face the Montague Wildcats in a dogfight for the title of champion.

The Titans faced true adversity for the first time this entire season, trailing for the first time all year. For a moment, behind 14-7, it looked as though the Titans may have their hands full with the Rams. This proved untrue, as the Titans scored 34 consecutive points.

Lumen Christi will now play Montague, a 14-7 winner over Traverse City St. Francis in the other semifinal. The Wildcats are a powerful team, and will present a challenge for the Titans- if the Cats can force Lumen to throw the ball. Lumen Christi running back Nick Thomas is in the midst of one of the great seasons in Jackson area football history. Just below freezing temperatures haven’t hampered the running back, as he’s propelled the Titans to win after win on the ground. Listen to his 30th touchdown below.

Montague began their playoff run defeating Fennville, 49-20. They then beat Newaygo, 48-14 and Schoolcraft, 30-14 prior to last weeks win over Traverse City St. Francis, 14-7. Like the Titans, there are a few players the Wildcats put a little extra stock into. These include ball carrier Brice Stark, and receivers Kenyan Johnston and Brennan Schwarz. Montague Head Coach Pat Collins has been able to get these three involved in some way all year long. He’s also been able to capitalize on the talents of two-way linemen Luke Marsh and Evan Eilers, who play both ways.

For all of their strengths, the Wildcats have one critical weakness that will likely be the advantage Lumen needs. They have nine two-way players. When your players are getting that number of snaps, they’re much more likely to tire out quickly. Herb Brogan’s Titans will look to wear down the offensive and defensive line of the Wildcats- and are most likely to pull away on the scoreboard just before the halftime break, or near the end of the third quarter.

JTV will carry the game live on Friday. JTV’s livestream of the championship game can be found by clicking here. Herb Brogan, the Titans head coach, will look to secure another Division Six State Championship on Friday at 4:30pm. This would be the Titan’s third in a row.

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