DETROIT, MI (WTVB) – In a battle of unbeaten teams, the Reading Rangers completed an undefeated season Friday morning as they defeated Breckenridge 39-20 to claim the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 8 Football title at Ford Field in Detroit.
The Rangers finished 14-0 thanks to a punishing running attack which compiled 276 yards against a defense that had recorded nine shutouts this season. Reading’s defense only allowed 21 yards on the ground as the Rangers had a 299-198 edge in total yards.
The Huskies jumped out to a 6-0 lead before a punt by Reading’s Caleb Miller pinned them at their one yard line. Miller then stripped Breckenridge quarterback Carter Staley of the ball in the end zone. Reading’s Elijah Strine recovered the fumble for a touchdown which started a 24 point run for the Rangers. The M.H.S.A.A. says that was the first fumble recovered in the end zone for a touchdown in the history of the State Finals.
Quarterback Alex Price capped off a 75 yard drive with a four yard touchdown midway through the third quarter which put Reading up 24-6.
Breckenridge pulled to within 24-14 before junior Hunter Midtgard scored on a 52 yard scamper with 6:40 left which sealed the deal.
Senior Ethan LoPresto wrapped up his Ranger career by rushing for 123 yards on 16 carries while Midtgard scored two touchdowns. Since losing the five games of the 2016 season, Reading has compiled a record of 25-4.
