Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University secured a 20-0 victory over Michigan Tech on Saturday in Houghton, Michigan. This win improves the Lakers' record to 9-1 overall and 5-1 in GLIAC play. They will face Roosevelt next Saturday to conclude their regular season.

The game saw Grand Valley State effectively utilizing their running game, starting with a 12-play, 63-yard drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown by sophomore Khalil Eichelberger. Place kicker Mathew Bacik's successful PAT brought the score to 7-0. In the second quarter, junior running back Syone Usma-Harper contributed significantly with a 33-yard run, while quarterback Avery Moore added rushing yards and converted a key third down. Moore then connected with senior wide receiver Kyle Nott for a 14-yard touchdown pass, followed by another successful PAT from Bacik for a halftime lead of 14-0.

In the third quarter, Moore led an eight-play, 51-yard drive ending with his own 11-yard touchdown run to complete the scoring at 20-0.

Grand Valley State's defense was dominant throughout the game, restricting Michigan Tech to only 100 total yards of offense and controlling possession for over two-thirds of the game time. The Huskies were limited to just six first downs compared to GVSU's twenty-seven.

The Lakers amassed a total of 477 yards on offense, comprising both rushing and passing plays. Despite some missed opportunities inside Michigan Tech's five-yard line and one fumble through the end zone for a touchback in the second half, GVSU maintained control with efficient play-calling.

Quarterback Avery Moore completed eight out of sixteen passes for one touchdown and ran thirteen times for ninety-four yards and another score. Running backs Eichelberger and Usma-Harper combined for over one hundred rushing yards. The receiving corps was led by tight end Gavin Cossou who had four receptions totaling seventy yards.

On defense, safety Ian Kennelly and linebacker Anthony Cardamone each made five tackles while linebacker Damonte McCurdy added two tackles along with an interception.

This shutout marks Grand Valley State’s first against Michigan Tech since their last encounter in Houghton ended in a similar fashion in 1980.