“This last home game is bittersweet. It has been an honor to be part of a team with the heart and soul of a family culture,” said senior defensive lineman Austin Schlicht after Michigan Tech’s hard-fought 20-0 loss to the Grand Valley State Lakers who are ranked second in the region, and fifth nationally on Saturday. Schlicht stood out defensively by recording two sacks, three pressures, and seven tackles, showing determination in the Huskies’ final home game of the season.
The Huskies’ defense game was strong, forcing two punts by Grand Valley. One by a Schlicht sack, to set a tone for the relentless battle. However, in the last two minutes of the quarter, the Lakers managed to find the endzone with a one-yard touchdown run, putting them up 7-0.
The second quarter saw Michigan Tech’s defense make more critical stops, including a fourth and goal turnover that was led by senior linebacker Josh Cribben. With 27 seconds left in the first half, the Lakers found the end zone again with a 10-yard touchdown catch, extending the lead to 14-0 going into halftime. The Huskies’ offense, despite having moments of momentum, struggled against the Grand Valley’s defense.
In the second half, Grand Valley scored one more touchdown with an 11-yard draw play. After missing the extra point, the score set the game to 20-0. The Huskies had standout plays defensively from senior linebacker Owen Watson with 14 tackles and senior linebacker Hunter Buechel with six tackles and a sack, which resulted in three stops in the red zone. One of those critical stops came in the fourth quarter when senior cornerback Jared Tarrance broke up a pass for a fourth and goal from the six-yard line. “I saw the wide receivers outside release, then the ball in the air, and took advantage of the opportunity that was given to me.” This play by Tarrance gave the Huskies a moment of triumph.
The Huskies’ offense showed glimpses of promise, with senior quarterback Alex Fries and senior wide receiver Darius Willis showing off their connection with three receptions for 16 yards. On the ground, sophomore running back Jake Rueff rushed for 59 yards.
Despite the outcome, the seniors showed what it meant to have their final home game. Alex Fries echoed Schlicht’s words, showing the tight bond that defines Michigan Tech Football. “Michigan Tech is a family and brotherhood. I love these guys and love playing for them.”
The Huskies’ loss to the Lakers puts them at a 6-4 record overall and 3-3 in the GLIAC Conference. Michigan Tech has one more game at Saginaw Valley on Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. The game can be viewed online on Michigan Tech’s website through FloSports or listened to on the radio on Mix 93.5 WKMJ.
