Timberwolves fall on road, 35-21
ALLENDALE -- The Northwood University football team dropped a 35-21 contest at #8 Grand Valley State Saturday night (November 6).
GVSU is now 9-1 overall, 8-1 in the GLIAC. Northwood stands at 4-6 overall, 4-5 in the GLIAC.
The Lakers came out on fire in the contest, scoring 21 unanswered points in the first quarter. The Lakers out-gained the Timberwolves 220 to -8 in the opening frame.
The Timberwolves defense settled down in the second quarter, holding the Lakers scoreless. Northwood out-gained the Lakers 87-65 in the quarter, but NU was unable to put any points on the board.
Early in the third quarter, the Timberwolves got on the board for the first time. After the Northwood defense recovered a fumble at the GVSU 49, Anthony Brandon (Lansing, Mich./Sexton) wasted no time, finding the end zone on the first play of the drive to make the score 21-7.
Grand Valley State responded with a 56-yard scoring drive late in the third quarter to make the score 28-7. But the Timberwolves responded immediately, going 80 yards on seven plays. The drive was capped by a Cameron Jackson (Dahlongega, Ga.) 32-yard run, cutting the lead to 28-21.
The Timberwolves rolled the dice following the score, recovering a surprise onside kick to get the ball back immediately. Four plays later, Northwood made it a one-score game on a 27-yard run by Brandon. The touchdown made the score 28-21 with 11:25 remaining in the game.
GVSU had a strong response of their own following the Northwood score. The Lakers went 81 yards on seven plays to get the lead back to 14 at 35-21.
Northwood's following drive got all the way to the Lakers 20 yard line, but stalled out on a fourth down attempt. Grand Valley State took over with 4:21 remaining and proceeded to run out the clock, giving the Lakers their 33rd straight home win in conference play.
The Lakers finished the game with a 490-384 advantage in total yards. NU finished the game with 313 yards on the ground.
Brandon led all-rushers with a career-high 172 yards. Jackson added 90 yards as well.
Northwood will finish its season Saturday (November 13) against Ferris State. Kickoff is set for Noon.
