Perfect 9-0: Millington Caps Undefeated Regular Season with 21-12 Victory Over Harbor Beach

DeLong scores twice, Wascher delivers game-changing kickoff return as Cardinals secure 15th undefeated regular season in program history.

HARBOR BEACH, Mich. — The Millington Cardinals put the finishing touches on a perfect regular season Friday night, defeating the Harbor Beach Pirates 21-12 to improve to 9-0 and secure the program's 15th undefeated regular season in school history.

Behind two rushing touchdowns from Layden DeLong, an electrifying 82-yard kickoff return by Brenden Wascher, and a strong defensive performance, Millington overcame a determined Harbor Beach squad to enter the MHSAA playoffs with an unblemished record.

Harbor Beach struck first when Colton Messing powered into the end zone on a 2-yard touchdown run, giving the Pirates an early 6-0 advantage.

Millington responded with DeLong, who capped a scoring drive with a 5-yard touchdown run. Evan Kreger converted the extra point, putting the Cardinals ahead 7-6.

Neither offense could break through in the second quarter, sending Millington into halftime clinging to a narrow one-point lead.

The Cardinals found the end zone again in the third quarter when DeLong broke free for a 16-yard touchdown run, extending Millington's advantage to 13-6.

Harbor Beach refused to back down. Quarterback Kiptyn Sherman connected with Messing on a 5-yard touchdown pass, bringing the Pirates within a single point at 13-12 and setting up a critical moment in the contest.

That moment belonged to Wascher.

On the ensuing kickoff, Wascher delivered the play of the night, racing 82 yards for a touchdown to immediately swing momentum back in Millington's favor. DeLong followed with a successful two-point conversion, extending the Cardinals' lead to 21-12.

With their undefeated season on the line, Millington's defense took control in the fourth quarter, keeping the Pirates off the scoreboard and preserving the nine-point victory.

DeLong led the Cardinals' rushing attack with 92 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. Drake Terwilliger contributed 59 rushing yards, while Gauge Woelzlein added 26 yards on the ground.

Defensively, Kreger delivered an outstanding performance, recording a team-high 10 tackles and an interception. Woelzlein and Eli Staffne each finished with eight tackles, with Staffne also registering a sack. Lucas Fluty added seven tackles.

The victory sends Millington into postseason play with a perfect 9-0 record and another milestone in the program's storied football history.

Key Takeaways

1. A Perfect Regular Season

Millington's 21-12 victory completed a flawless 9-0 regular season, marking the 15th undefeated regular season in school history. The Cardinals enter the postseason carrying significant momentum after another historic campaign.

2. DeLong Delivers in a Close Contest

Layden DeLong continued to be a driving force for the Cardinals, rushing for 92 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. His two-point conversion following Wascher's kickoff return provided Millington with a crucial nine-point cushion.

3. Wascher's Kickoff Return Changes the Game

With Harbor Beach threatening to take control after closing the gap to 13-12, Brenden Wascher provided the turning point. His 82-yard kickoff return touchdown immediately restored Millington's momentum and gave the Cardinals the breathing room they needed.

4. Defense Rises to the Occasion

Millington's defensive unit played a major role in securing the undefeated season. Evan Kreger led the way with 10 tackles and an interception, while Eli Staffne added eight tackles and a sack. The Cardinals' fourth-quarter shutout ensured Harbor Beach never mounted another comeback.

5. Postseason Football Awaits

With the regular season complete, Millington now turns its attention to the MHSAA playoffs. The Cardinals' first-round opponent will be revealed during the MHSAA Selection Sunday Show at 5 p.m. Sunday, October 25, on the NFHS Network.

Looking Ahead

The Cardinals have accomplished their first major goal: a perfect regular season.

Now, the focus shifts to the postseason, where Millington will look to carry its undefeated momentum into the MHSAA playoffs.

With a balanced rushing attack, a defense capable of making key stops, and explosive special teams play, the Cardinals have demonstrated multiple ways to win.

For Millington, the regular season may be complete, but the pursuit of a championship is just beginning.