De La Salle repeats as Division Two State Champions; defeats Muskegon Mona Shores 29 to 16. (Story by: Travis Olson)

This game was a tale of two halves. The first half was a defensive battle with eight punts and only 14 points. The second half had zero punts and 31 points.

De La Salle would come out on top to defend their State title with a 29 to 16 victory.

“It was a hard fought game, I think our defense was lights out they have been that way all year and were tested today” Head Coach of De La Salle Mike Giannone said.

De La Salle was the first to strike in the first half with a one yard touchdown run by Nolan Schultz to give them the early 7 to 0 lead.

“Offensively we did what we had to do to get the win” Giannone said.

Muskegon Mona Shores had many struggles on offense. They didn’t pick up a first down until midway through the second quarter.

“Defensively they are tough (De La Salle), they did what they wanted to do, I thought are kids matched them physically and they did well” Head coach of Mona Shores Matt Koziak said.

It was there defense that came up with a big play forcing a fumble and recovering it in Pilots territory.

The Sailors would capitalize on the field position capping the drive with a four yard touchdown run by Caden Broersma tying the game at seven.

The Pilots came out strong in the second half. On the first drive Quarterback Nolan Schultz would find Jacob Dobbs for a 44 yard touchdown to give them a 14 to 7 lead.

Mona Shores would respond with a 24 yard field goal by Logan Hekkema on there next drive to cut the Pilots lead to 14 to 10.

The Pilots would counter with a one yard touchdown rush by Schultz, his second of the day. That would give the Pilots a 21 to 10 lead in the fourth quarter.

However, the Sailors would respond with a great 14 yard touchdown reception on fourth down by Da’Various Carter to cut the Pilots lead to 21 to 16.

De La Salle once again would respond this time melting much of the clock with the drive ending with a one yard touchdown run by Schultz to give the Pilots a 29 to 16 lead.

“They had a good offense, we didn’t see any weaknesses but our defensive coaches were right on with what they were going to do and we were able to stop them” Linebacker of De La Salle Jacob Dobbs said.

De La Salle would get an interception late to seal the game. Schultz would lead the offense of De La Salle with 189 passing yards and 57 rushing yards with four total touchdowns.