Main Story

Manistee stunned rival Ludington, 34-28, on a touchdown pass with 10 seconds left, reclaiming the Dad’s Trophy in the teams’ 149th meeting. The Mariners overcame a second-half comeback that erased their 14-point halftime lead, while Ludington’s seven-game winning streak ended ahead of the playoffs.

By the Numbers
  • Manistee: 34 points; Ludington: 28.
  • Hudson Cole’s game-winning touchdown came with 10 seconds remaining.
  • Wyatt Protasiewicz rushed for 146 yards on 16 carries.
  • Asher Forfinski ran for 185 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Yes, But

Ludington rallied from a 28-14 halftime deficit to tie the game at 28, and injuries had forced the Orioles to shuffle their lineup. Coach Brent Gillett said missed chances in the first half proved costly, while crediting Manistee’s effort.

State of Play
  • Ludington finished the regular season 7-2, with its seven-game winning streak snapped.
  • Manistee closed at 4-5 and ended a two-game losing streak to Ludington.
  • Both teams are awaiting their first-round playoff opponents and game sites.
What’s Next

Playoff matchups and locations are expected to be announced Sunday. Ludington will look to keep the loss from carrying into the postseason; Manistee enters the playoffs with momentum from its rivalry win.

Bottom Line

Manistee turned a rivalry game into a statement finish: after surrendering its lead, the Mariners answered with an 11-play, 66-yard drive to secure the trophy and a dramatic boost heading into the playoffs.