Cardinals Rally Past USA Patriots, 19-14, to Open Season 2-0

Unionville-Sebewaing, MI — The Millington Cardinals overcame an early deficit and a third-quarter comeback by the Unionville-Sebewaing Area (USA) Patriots, rallying for a 19-14 road victory Thursday night.

The win moves Millington to 2-0 on the season, while USA, now 1-1 on the season, showed the ability to control stretches of the game before the Cardinals made the decisive plays late.

USA struck first in the opening quarter. Grady Bolzman found the end zone on a 5-yard touchdown run, giving the Patriots a 6-0 lead. Millington's defense kept the deficit manageable, however, setting the stage for a strong second quarter.

The Cardinals responded with 13 unanswered points in the second quarter.

Hudson Myers provided the first big play, breaking free for a 48-yard touchdown run. Evan Kreger added the extra point, putting Millington ahead 7-6.

Later in the quarter, Layden DeLong powered his way into the end zone on an 8-yard touchdown run. The score gave the Cardinals a 13-6 halftime advantage.

USA answered in the third quarter and regained the momentum.

The Patriots recorded a safety, cutting into Millington's lead, before Noah Howard scored on a 1-yard touchdown run. The combination of the safety and touchdown pushed USA in front 14-13 heading into the fourth quarter.

With 1:01 left and the game hanging in the balance, Millington responded once again.

DeLong connected with Kreger on a 13-yard touchdown pass, putting the Cardinals back in front 19-14. The Cardinals' defense then held the Patriots off the scoreboard the rest of the way to preserve the five-point victory.

Millington's offense finds balance

Millington finished with 232 total yards, including 162 yards rushing, as the Cardinals consistently leaned on their ground game.

Myers was the leading rusher, finishing with 82 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. His 48-yard scoring run was one of the game's biggest offensive plays.

Eli Staffne also provided a spark on the ground with 48 yards on just three attempts, averaging 16 yards per carry.

DeLong contributed both as a runner and passer. Through the air, he completed 5 of 11 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown.

Kreger was his primary target, catching three passes for 51 yards, including the game-winning touchdown. Brenden Wascher added two receptions for 19 yards.

The numbers illustrate Millington's ability to move the ball in multiple ways. The Cardinals averaged nearly 7 yards per rushing attempt while also producing the critical passing touchdown when they needed it most.

Patriots control the ground game but struggle through the air

USA finished with 194 rushing yards, keeping the Patriots competitive throughout the night. Their ground attack helped them erase Millington's halftime lead and briefly take control in the third quarter.

Through the air, however, the Patriots completed just one pass for 10 yards. That limited passing production allowed Millington to focus much of its defensive attention on stopping the run during the game's crucial moments.

Defensive effort proves decisive

Millington received several strong defensive performances.

DeLong led the Cardinals with nine tackles, while Gauge Woelzlein recorded eight tackles.

Brason Trato added nine total tackles and also assisted on a tackle for loss. Staffne recorded Millington's lone sack.

The Cardinals' ability to make stops after USA moved ahead 14-13 ultimately proved important. After surrendering the lead in the third quarter, Millington answered with the go-ahead touchdown and then kept the Patriots from responding.

Looking ahead

The victory gives Millington a 2-0 start and provides the Cardinals with another example of their ability to respond when momentum shifts.

USA, meanwhile, demonstrated a strong rushing attack and the ability to battle back from a halftime deficit, but Millington's late offensive execution and defensive stops made the difference.

Millington will return home next week when the Cardinals host Laker(1-1) at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.

USA will travel to face Cass City(2-0) for their first away game of the year at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.