Raiders claim a regional title

Almont dismantles Edison 44-8, now in semis

 

ALMONT — Almont inched that much closer to a possible state title game appearance, accomplishing the feat with a 44-8 triumph against Detroit Edison in a Division 6 regional championship encounter it hosted last Friday night.

With the outcome, Almont (12-0) advances to this Saturday’s state semifinals at Novi High School where Jackson Lumen Christi (9-3) provides their opposition. That matchup lists a 1 p.m. starting time.

“It was an exciting night for our school and community.” Almont Coach James Leusby commented. “Our guys showed up with energy and purpose,” he noted.

“They played for each other and you could feel that on every snap. I thought the offensive line did an outstanding job tonight. They opened up running lanes for our running backs and gave quarterback Blake Lane the time he needed to make plays downfield. Definitely, our pursuit and discipline stood out. The players communicated and trusted the game plan. We played fast.”

In Friday’s encounter, Almont bolted out to a 16-0 advantage after one quarter was over and widened the gap to 37-0 at the half.

When play resumed. Almont continued to pull away. Aided by a 7-0 third quarter edge, the Raiders increased their cushion of 44-0.

Detroit Edison then outscored Almont 8-0 the rest of the way, only to drop a 44-8 verdict.

Almont produced their 44-point total aided by a Jacob Stewart 74-yard touchdown run (followed by a Brody Corneau PAT tote); a Blake Lane to Corneau 26-yard touchdown pass (followed by a Corneau PAT tote); a Stewart 27-yard touchdown run (followed by a Corneau PAT tote); a Lane to Corneau 66-yard touchdown pass (followed by a successful extra point kick courtesy of Sean O’Neil; a Lane to Corneau 43-yard touchdown pass; and a Stewart four-yard touchdown run (followed by an accurate extra point boot from O’Neil).

For the night, Lane completed three of three passes for 133 yards as Almont’s quarterback.

All of Lane’s successful tosses went to Corneau.

The Almont ground attack wound up with 290 yards on 28 totes.

Stewart (eight rushes for 156 yards), Matthew Bacholzky (64 yards on six totes) and Dontae DeSano (seven rushes for 35 yards) supplied Almont’s highest rushing outputs The remaining seven Raider totes netted a combined 35-yard gain.

Stewart (four solos and three assists) and Karbel (three solos and four assists) posted Almont’s top tackle totals. Ayden Battani and Dominic Medley (five assists each) along with Cohen Ferqueron (four assists) also made their presence felt.

The Almont defense also registered one takeaway. Aiden DeSano (an interception) furnished that.