Saturday November 7th 2009

Written by Derek Gless

LOWELL—Sophomore quarterback Gabe Dean totaled 226 yards of offense against Muskegon to lead Lowell to a thrilling 26-19 victory.

Dean rushed 32 times for 165 yards and three touchdowns. He also completed 4-of-5 passes for 61 yards. Dean completed passes at crucial times. Perhaps his biggest completion of the night came when he connected with senior Derek Cornish for a 22-yard gain on 4th and 19. The completion to Cornish would lead to a 1-yard touchdown run by senior Austin Graham with 2:49 left in the 4th quarter.

The Red Arrow defense held Muskegon to 65 yards on 25 carries and forced two turnovers. The Big Red's did have success through the air with quarterback Kevonta Keyes completing 5-of-9 passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns.

Lowell stopped Muskegon on the opening possession of the game. The Big Reds came up one yard short on fourth down, turning the ball over to the Red Arrows at the Lowell 37 yard line. Before the defensive stop by Lowell, Muskegon gained 21 yards on six plays and added another 15 yards on a pass interference penalty against the Red Arrows.

Dean would lead Lowell down the field on their first possession of the game. Lowell went 63 yards in nine plays to take a 7-0 lead. Austin Graham carried the ball three times on the drive for 25 yards, including a 21 yard run on his first carry of the game. Dean completed a 12 yard pass to Cornish on third and long to keep the drive alive and added an 11-yard touchdown run.

It didn't take Muskegon long to answer, just fifty seconds later Keyes found an open Greg Wickliffe for a 65 yard touchdown. Wickliffe finished the game with two receptions for 100 yards. The touchdown tied the game at 7-7.

The Red Arrows would take back the lead on their next possession going 65 yards in seven plays. Dean broke free for a 47 yard touchdown run and Kyle Fitzpatrick added the extra point to give Lowell a 14-7 lead.

The Big Reds would answer again, this time Keyes connected with JeVante Hunter in the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown. Keyes completed 2-of-4 passes for 55 yards on the nine play 66 yard drive. On the drive, Wickliffe made his second big catch of the half with a diving reception for a 35 yard gain that put Muskegon deep into Lowell territory. The Big Reds would miss the extra point and Lowell remained on top 14-13.

Lowell was forced to punt on their next possession after the Muskegon defense held them to one first down and nine yards on seven plays.

Three plays later the Lowell defense would get the ball back. Senior Nick White sacked Keyes for a seven yard loss and forced a fumble that was recovered by senior Ryan Olep at the Muskegon 27 yard line.

Dean would score five plays later on a 1-yard touchdown run to extend the Red Arrow lead to 20-13 with fifty five seconds left in the half. The extra point attempt failed.

Lowell moved the ball into Muskegon territory on their opening drive of the second half. The drive would end, however, when Dean was intercepted and the Muskegon defender returned the ball 70 yards deep into Lowell territory. It appeared as if the receiver slipped on the play.

Following the interception the Red Arrow defense would come up big. Lowell's defense stopped Muskegon on four plays, giving the ball back to the offense at their own ten yard line.

Muskegon's defense would answer the Lowell stop by forcing the Red Arrows to go three and out. Lowell gained three yards on three plays.

The Big Reds scored seven plays later on a 10-yard pass from Keyes to Hunter. The touchdown capped a 49 yard touchdown drive where Keyes completed 2-of-2 passes for 35 yards and rushed four times for 23 yards. Lowell's Keegan Hanrahan would block the extra point keeping Lowell on top 20-19.

After the Muskegon touchdown Lowell's offense would go to work. The Red Arrows would eat eight minutes and thirty-five seconds off the clock on their way to a touchdown. Lowell rushed the ball fourteen times for 32 yards on the drive. Dean completed two passes to keep the Lowell drive alive. The first completion came on a 12 yard pass to Graham on third and long. The second completion was a 22 yard pass to Cornish on 4th and 19. Graham scored from 1-yard out with 2:49 left in the fourth quarter to give Lowell a 26-19 lead.

Lowell attempted a two-point conversion after Muskegon was flagged for encroachment, but failed to convert.

The Big Red's went to the air on the first play after the Lowell touchdown. Keyes was pressured and hit as he threw by senior Marc Destine and senior Randy Hogan was in the right place at the right time to intercept the pass.

After the turnover Muskegon used their two remaining timeouts and forced the Red Arrows to a fourth down attempt. Dean would pick up the first down on a run, allowing Lowell to run out the clock.

Lowell rushed for 242 yards on 56 carries. Graham had 73 yards on 22 carries.

The victory gives Lowell their third straight district championship.

Lowell will face Portage Central (10-1) in the regional final next Friday. The Mustangs defeated Caledonia 28-13.