As the Groves Varsity Football team finishes their 9-0 regular season, they head to the Division 2 playoffs, hosting the 6-3 Ferndale Falcons. With an OAA-White championship under the teams’ belt, confidence and school spirit rise in the students and athletes. The game against Ferndale High School was a great success for Groves, with a final score of 49-14. Touchdowns were scored by quarterbacks Ryan Counts and Lavelle Shannon; along with seniors Noah Woods, Noah Sanders, Mario Campoy-Lovasco and Chris Little. The family section was as fired up as the student section, erupting in cheers and celebrations.
With a first win secured, the Groves Falcons prepared for their second game against the school across the street— the Seaholm Maples. In the last game of the regular season, Groves played Seaholm, leaving the Maples without any points on the board. In the first half, the Falcons had a 14-0 lead. By the end of the game, the score increased to 35-0, with Groves taking the victory over their cross-town rivals. The Groves Falcons faced Seaholm again in the second round of playoffs.
Groves started seeing double as they surged ahead in the first half. At half the score read 29-0, the Mapes trailing behind. Counts, Sanders, and Little scored in the first half. The final score was 36-17, another Groves win. Second-half points came from Counts throwing to Little.
With two wins against Seaholm, Groves proceeded into the third round of playoffs. Not to mention intense celebrations for the victories over the team’s number-one rival. The team waited patiently to see which team they would play next.
This time last year, the Groves Varsity Football team lost to De La Salle in their regional game. De La Salle then went on to win states. This year, the two teams faced each other, fighting to progress in the 2024 D2 bracket. The game on Friday, Nov. 15, would determine the victor and who would advance to compete against the St. Mary’s v. Carlson game-winner. Welcome to the elite eight, boys. Here’s how Friday Night Lights went:
As spectators filled the stands, the Groves students section, “The Nest” began to chirp towards the opposing side, “The Cockpit”. The score batted back and forth, each drive more exciting than the last. With a blocked field goal, the Groves special teams squad set the mood for the rest of the game. This game was full of controversial catches and arguable calls. The Falcons stood strong as they stopped two-point conversions and sat down De La Salle’s smack talk. As the lights flashed going into the fourth quarter, the Groves community started to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Ryan Counts, Noah Woods and Chris Little scored points. The clock reached zero, and Groves fans erupted in celebration. The Groves Falcons were named the regional champions. De La Salle was Groves’s toughest competitor by far, but up next Groves faced another tough game.
Groves advanced to the next round, where they faced Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. The teams then meet at West Bloomfield to compete in the final four. Groves holds a record of 12-0 while St. Mary’s is 9-3. Despite these records, St. Mary’s is favored to win. But Groves has come back before. Being the underdog doesn’t scare the Falcons. Just ask De La Salle.
Groves’ kickoff is at 1 o’clock, against the wind and bitter cold. Just like last game, the teams are dead even, scoring back-to-back each drive. Noah Sanders and Wyatt Shortridge put the points on the board. Sanders —was able to reach the end zone four times. The score stays tied up until the clock runs out. Now, the boys get ready for overtime. After the second coin toss, Groves goes on offense first. A successful touchdown was scored, putting Groves out in front. However, the team’s two-point conversion was denied, leaving Groves vulnerable and in a risky situation.
It all comes down to Groves’s defense. If they can stop St. Mary’s here, they will secure the win. Disaster strikes. St. Mary’s scores and decides to kick a field goal. The ball floats through the yellow posts and the tears start to pour. After a close game, losing by a single point stings more than ever.
The season doesn’t end how the Falcons wish, but they put up a good fight. Groves ends their season with only one loss. The players and fans are devastated, but so proud of the team’s accomplishments. Congratulations, boys on a hard-fought season. Thank you seniors for your dedication. Rest now, for next fall we’ll be back for blood. #OneLove.
