Making history: Knights celebrate victory over Vikings

In a season that Walled Lake Northern hopes will be one of firsts, it can now cross its first-ever victory over Walled Lake Central off its list.

The Knights not only defeated, but dominated, the Vikings in a 49-7 blowout at home on Friday, Sept. 21, and now have sole possession of first-place in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division with a 3-0 record, marking the first time Northern has ever won its first three division games.

“It was good for our kids, our community and our school. This is special,” said Northern Head Coach Brett Moore. “I think we took advantage of a couple miscues, we didn’t turn the ball over, and we played assignment football.”

Northern (3-2 overall, 3-0 in the KLAA North) had come into last Friday’s game having lost its previous 8 meetings with Central (3-2, 2-1).

Having defeated Walled Lake Western the previous week, the Knights knew a win against the Vikings would be key toward contending for their first division title.

Collin O’Donnell completed 10-of-15 passes for 300 yards and 4 passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown, while Matt Kosmalski had 4 catches for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Jake Ginster had 3 catches for 102 yards and a touchdown along with 7 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown, while P.J. Kern had 14 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown. Chris Cliff also had 4 catches for 52 yards and a touchdown.

On defense, Kosmalski led the Knights with 11 total tackles. Mike Peer had 8 total tackles and a fumble recovery.

“I think our defense is clicking pretty good,” Moore said. “A lot of younger kids are understanding how fast varsity football is now.”

Central quarterback Nick Krumm completed 4-of-6 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 54 yards on 19 carries. Zach Goor had 53 yards on 8 carries while Mike McGrath had 3 catches for 60 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown catch.

“When we needed to make a play, the speed of Northern got in the way. Give them all the credit in the world, they made every play when they had to,” said Central Head Coach Robert Meyer.

The Knights have two division games remaining on the road, beginning on Friday, Sept. 21 when they travel to face winless Waterford Kettering. Northern will then face its Bogie Lake Road neighbor, Huron Valley Lakeland, on Friday, Oct. 5.

“I think we have to put the last two weeks behind us. We don’t want to have a letdown,” Moore said.

Meanwhile, Central will host Lakeland on Sept. 21 before welcoming its rival, Walled Lake Western, on Oct. 5, as it looks to get back in the state playoff race.