GL back-to-back conference champs; host playoff game Friday

A game-winning Glen Lake drive set up the go-ahead field goal as Glen Lake came back to capture the Northern Michigan Conference Championship (Legacy) 23-22, Friday.

“It was a dog fight,” Glen Lake junior quarterback Parker Robinson said.

The Lakers overcame multiple mishaps, including a 2nd and 20+ along with multiple third-down conversions during the final drive. Robinson had multiple scrambles that led the Lakers to the Mancelona goal line with under 20 seconds left. Laker senior kicker Hunter Cox trotted on the field and kicked through the game-winning 23-yard field goal.

“The coaches told me to get ready. It was a short kick, and I had to get it high over the line. The snap and hold were both good. It felt great to make it,” Cox said.
This was the first field goal in a game this season, aside from extra-point attempts for Cox.
Mancelona led for a majority of the game, including late into the fourth quarter. Glen Lake came out slow but turned it around to win back-to-back conference championships.
The Lakers were led by senior running back Sam Dykstra and Fletcher Middleton. Dykstra ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns while Middleton had 76 yards. Robinson finished with 20 rush yards while going 4/5 for 63 yards.
“It's amazing and the best feeling of my life … and it was super exciting watching our team get together there and show heart of the team,” Dykstra said.

Mancelona started out fast with two touchdowns to take a 14-0 lead before Glen Lake’s Max Lammerson got the scoring started with a 16-yard touchdown run, while Sam Dykstra scored next with a 2-yard touchdown run. Dykstra would strike again to take the 20-14 lead off a 4-yard run. Mancelona would take the lead again off a 42-yard touchdown.  
Mancelona and Glen Lake will most likely meet in the first round of the playoffs, as the Lakers are expected to host a district playoff game.