By Greg Chrapek
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor
greer@wktv.org
With the playoffs a little over two weeks away, the Godwin Heights football team continues to build momentum.
The Wolverines increased that momentum in a big way last Friday when they snapped a four-year winless streak against conference rival Belding and posted a 20-13 win. That win not only gave Godwin Heights its fifth for the year, but kept the Wolverines in second place in the OK Silver with just one league game remaining.
The game against Belding was a huge one for Godwin for a number of reasons. Not only was it homecoming and senior night, but the Black Knights of Belding came into the game averaging 38.7 points per contest on offense with a 5-1 record. Belding’s Wing-T offense has traditionally given the Wolverines problems as the Black Knights have averaged 46.4 points per game in the last five against Godwin.
Those numbers were of no consequence Friday night as the Wolverine defense held Belding to a season-low 13 points in a game that turned into a defensive struggle.
“I’m really proud of our team for preparing to play against a well-organized Wing-T team,” said Godwin Heights Coach Brandon Kimble. “It was homecoming and senior night, so there was a lot going on leading up to the game. Our boys didn’t let it distract them and were able to lock in and stay focused.”
The Wolverines also entered the game with a healthy squad after battling injuries early season. Despite those injuries, Godwin Heights won four of its first six games. Being at full strength against Belding, however, was a big plus.
“We have been dealing with injuries early in the season,” Kimble said, “so having everyone healthy played a big role. Our main focus was getting our offense rolling early and working to consistently score points. Our defense’s main goal was to limit the plays we know they traditionally run really well. Our defensive line and linebackers played amazing.”
That defensive front was led by the quartet of Josiah Cox- Guyton, Alijah Dickson, Ethan Spears and Jayden Ingram.
Another key for the Wolverines was their play in the second half. Over the past few seasons, Belding has pulled away in the second half, but that was not the case Friday.
“Defense played disciplined football”
“Each of the last few years our game has come down to the second half and they (Belding) have run away with the game each of the past few years,” Kimble said. “I told our defense that has to change and we do that by limiting them early. We worked extremely hard to get stronger in the weight room over the summer. Not just for this game, but the entire season. But you notice it the most when playing against run-heavy teams. Our defense played disciplined football, reading their keys on every play and then using our strength to control the line.”
Defensively, the Wolverines were paced by senior linebacker Hendry Arciniega, who totaled 11 tackles, one quarterback sack and a forced fumble, followed by Josiah Cox-Guyton, six tackles and a pair of tackles for loss; Isziah Walker, four tackles and an interception and Julius Hoskins, four tackles.
On the offensive side, quarterback Martellis Forest completed 9-of-12 passes for 158 yards and three touchdowns. Isziah Walker led the receiving corps with five catches for 76 yards and a touchdown, while Martise Raphael had two receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown and Aidan Jackson caught one pass for 23 yards and a score. Julius Hoskins rushed 15 times for 89 yards.
Playoff push
With a 5-2 overall record, the Wolverines are closing in on a playoff berth. Godwin can nail it down and improve its playoff position with wins in the final two regular-season games. The Wolverines travel to Newaygo Friday to face a 2-5 Lions squad and then close out the season in Week 9 heading down Division Ave. to face rival Kelloggsville.
