It was a win 23 years in the making.
The Goodrich football team traveled to Montrose Sept. 24 and dominated on both sides of the ball on their way to upsetting the previously undefeated Rams 47-26.
The Martians are now 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Genesee Area Conference Red Division, while Montrose, who was ranked No. 1 in Division 5 heading into the game, fell to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the GAC Red. It was Goodrich’s first win against Montrose since defeating the Rams 28-7 in 1981.
‘Everyone just came to play,? Goodrich coach Tom Alward said. ‘They wanted it very badly. They felt confident we could win if they played like they’re capable of playing.?
Once again, Goodrich senior running back Kirk Elsworth had a big game, setting a school rushing record with 313 yards on 29 carries and scoring five touchdowns. Elsworth also kicked field goals of 41 and 25 yards and converted on six extra points.
Elsworth scored touchdowns on runs of 80, 1, 3, 5, and 9 yards. He has scored 21 touchdowns on the season (19 rushing) and rushed for 1,234 yards.
Alward said Goodrich offensive linemen Mike Hanschmann, Andy Klumpp, Scott Edwards, Michael Bradburn, and Mark Johnson deserve a lot of credit for opening holes for Elsworth to run through.
‘They really handled things up front,? Alward said. ‘Kirk had some fabulous runs, but he had runs where he wasn’t touched for 10 yards. That’s a credit to the offensive line.?
In addition, Alward said fullbacks Jeff Decator (who scored on a 24-yard touchdown run in the third quarter) and Adam Compeau did a good job of blocking for Elsworth.
Goodrich’s defense also stepped up and contained the high-powered Montrose offense, led by quarterback Tim Burnison and wide receiver Antraz Burton. The Martians picked off four Montrose passes in the contest.
Seniors Mark Bourassa and Andy Bohlen headed up the Goodrich defense with 15 and 14 tackles, respectively. A.J. Harmon (10 tackles, one interception), Ben Wilson (10 tackles, two sacks), Basil Wilson and Sean Trowbridge also played well defensively, Alward said.
‘It was an outstanding effort,? Alward said. ‘Our offensive line dominated on the line of scrimmage, and so did the defensive line.?
While Alward said it is natural to be concerned about a letdown after such a big win, he believes the Martians are up to the challenge.
‘Our team is buying into improving every week,? he said. ‘We’re going to take the season as it unfolds.?
After taking on Lake Fenton Oct. 1, the Martians return home Oct. 8 for their final home game of the season against Mt. Morris.
Last year, the Panthers shared the GAC Red title with Goodrich and Montrose, earning a 4-1 mark in league play and an 8-3 overall record. This year, Mt. Morris is 2-3 overall and 1-1 in the GAC Red after edging Byron 21-20 in a Sept. 24 matchup.