Millington Powers Past Caro 48-7 on Homecoming Night
Cardinals pile up 379 yards of offense, force three interceptions to remain unbeaten at 4-0
MILLINGTON — Layden DeLong accounted for five touchdowns as Millington rolled past Caro 48-7 on homecoming Friday night at Furno Field, keeping the Cardinals unbeaten through four games.
Millington established control immediately behind DeLong and its rushing attack. The senior quarterback scored on runs of 4 and 2 yards in the opening quarter, with Evan Kreger converting both extra points to give the Cardinals a 14-0 advantage.
The Cardinals broke the game open with 20 more points in the second quarter.
DeLong added touchdown runs of 10 and 24 yards before doing damage through the air, connecting with Kreger for a 9-yard touchdown. The scoring burst sent Millington into halftime with a commanding 34-0 lead.
Millington continued to lean on its ground game after the break. Eli Staffne scored from 3 yards out in the third quarter before Gauge Woelzlein added a 1-yard touchdown in the fourth. Kreger converted both extra points as the Cardinals extended the lead to 48-0.
Caro avoided the shutout in the fourth quarter when Mason Henry connected with Brady Parker for a 40-yard touchdown, accounting for the Tigers' only points of the night.
Cardinals Control the Ground
Millington finished with 379 yards of total offense, with 322 yards coming on the ground.
DeLong led the way with 104 yards and four touchdowns on just eight carries, averaging 13 yards per attempt. He was also efficient through the air, completing 6 of 8 passes for 57 yards and a touchdown.
Drake Terwilliger added 73 rushing yards on eight carries, while Staffne finished with 58 yards and a touchdown. Coleton Schisler contributed 42 yards on his only rushing attempt.
Kreger led the receiving corps with three catches for 30 yards and a touchdown. Liam Kreger caught two passes for 14 yards, while Staffne added one reception for 13 yards.
Defense Creates Problems for Caro
Millington's defense complemented the offensive performance by limiting Caro to 57 rushing yards and eight first downs.
The Cardinals intercepted three passes, with Terwilliger, Easton Myers and Evan Kreger each recording a pick.
Millington also generated pressure in the backfield. Brason Trato recorded two sacks, while Staffne and Ben Hitsman combined for another.
The performance allowed Millington to build its early lead and keep Caro off the scoreboard until the fourth quarter.
Game Leaders
| Qtr | Scoring Play | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | MILL — Layden DeLong 4-yard touchdown run (Evan Kreger kick) | 7-0 |
| 1st | MILL — DeLong 2-yard touchdown run (Kreger kick) | 14-0 |
| 2nd | MILL — DeLong 10-yard touchdown run | 20-0 |
| 2nd | MILL — DeLong 24-yard touchdown run | 26-0 |
| 2nd | MILL — DeLong 9-yard touchdown pass to Evan Kreger | 34-0 |
| 3rd | MILL — Eli Staffne 3-yard touchdown run (Kreger kick) | 41-0 |
| 4th | MILL — Gauge Woelzlein 1-yard touchdown run (Kreger kick) | 48-0 |
| 4th | CARO — Mason Henry 40-yard touchdown pass to Brady Parker | 48-7 |
Passing: 6-of-8, 57 yards, 1 TD
Total TD: 5
Defense: 1 interception
Receiving: 1 catch, 13 yards
Defense: 1/2 sack
Defense: 1 interception
Kicking: 6 PATs
FINAL: Millington 48, Caro 7
Key Takeaways
DeLong delivers a five-touchdown performance: DeLong accounted for four touchdowns on the ground and another through the air while needing only 14 total passing and rushing attempts. His 104 rushing yards made him Millington's first 100-yard rusher of the night.
Millington dominates on the ground: The Cardinals rushed for 322 yards, with four players gaining at least 40 yards. Millington averaged nearly 8 yards per rushing attempt.
Defense forces turnovers: Terwilliger, Myers and Kreger each intercepted a pass, giving Millington three takeaways through the air while its defensive front added three sacks.
Another fast start: Millington scored 34 unanswered points before halftime, allowing the Cardinals to control the second half with a substantial advantage.
Cardinals remain unbeaten: Millington improves to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the Big Thumb Conference White Division.
Up Next
Millington faces another Big Thumb Conference White Division matchup of the unbeatens when the Cardinals travel to Cass City on Friday, September 25. This game will likely determine the BTC White Conference champion
