Oct. 30, 2010

Box Score

Houghton, Mich. - Grand Valley State dropped a 20-17 decision at Michigan Tech Saturday afternoon in Houghton, Michigan. The Lakers fall to 8-1 overall and 7-1 in GLIAC action, while Michigan Tech improves to 6-2 both overall and in GLIAC action. Grand Valley State will host Northwood next Saturday at Lubbers Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Michigan Tech started strong and played error free football the entire game. After receiving the opening kickoff, Grand Valley State QB Kyle McMahon's pass was tipped on the first play of the game and picked off by Michigan Tech's Michael Rittenour at the GVSU 14 yard line. Phil Milbrath scored on the Huskies' first play and the PAT gave Michigan Tech a 7-0 lead just 13 seconds into the game.

Grand Valley State drove 64 yards in nine plays, but the drive stalled and Ryan Stokes was forced to kick a 27 yard field goal to cut the MTU lead to 7-3. The Huskies came back and drove 82 yards in 11 plays for a 23 yard field goal by Tyler Cattelino at the 12:30 mark of the second quarter to up the lead to 10-3 at the half.

The second half started much like the first half as Michigan Tech took kickoff and drove 68 yards in nine plays for a touchdown. Milbrath went the final yard and the PAT gave MTU a 17-3 lead with 10:51 left in the third quarter.

Grand Valley State punter Jay Jandasek dropped a snap from center and MTU dropped Jandasek on the GVSU 12 yard line. GVSU's defense held and forced a 26 yard field goal by Cattelino that upped the Husky lead to 20-3 with 7:10 left in the third quarter.

GVSU 65 yards in three plays for a touchdown as McMahon hit Augustus with a 45 yard touchdown pass at the 5:47 mark of the third quarter. Stokes hit the PAT and the Lakers trailed 20-10. The GVSU defense did stop of fourth down play midway through the fourth quarter, but McMahon was picked off on the Lakers' first play at the 8:02 mark of the fourth quarter. Michigan Tech dropped a punt at the Laker 10 yard with 5:40 left in he game, GVSU drove 90 yards in seven plays for a score. McMahon hit Augustus with a 29 yard TD pass with 4:06 left in the game to pull the Lakers within three (20-17). McMahon and Augustus connected three times for 68 yards on the drive.

GVSU had one last chance in the fourth quarter, taking over possession on its 20 yard line with 3:30 left, but the Husky defense held the Laker offense on fourth down to seal the win. Michigan Tech ran the clock out and celebrated the win.

Grand Valley State managed just 16 yards rushing on 24 attempts, while Michigan Tech tallied 313 rushing yards on 50 carries. McMahon completed 18-of-29 passes for 269 yards and two TDs. WR Jovonne Augustus caught five passes for 131 yards and two TDs. MTU's Phil Milbrath toted the ball 33 times for 293 yards and two TDs, while QB Steve Short compled 7-of-12 passes for 55 yards. Senior LB Justin Victor led the defense with 11 tackles.