SUTTONS BAY – After scoring a last-second touchdown in the 4th quarter to tie the game 36-36 and force overtime, Suttons Bay scored the game-winner on a 70-yard run to slip past Rudyard 42-36 in a thrilling state semifinal, sending the Norsemen to their third straight 8-Man Division 1 state finals.
The Bulldogs led 28-22 heading into the 4th quarter, but a late touchdown from Suttons Bay’s Brayden Opie plus a made two-point conversion put the Norsemen in front 30-28 with six minutes left in the game.
Rudyard then scored with 42.5 seconds left in regulation to regain the lead 36-30.
But, Suttons Bay answered with a 70-yard touchdown run from Shawn Bramer to tie the game at 36-36 with 16 seconds left and send it into overtime.
Then the Norsemen finished it off in overtime with the game-winning touchdown catch from Brayden Opie.
Rudyard’s historic season ends in the program’s first state semifinals since 1982, finishing the year 9-3.
Suttons Bay continues its unbeaten 2021 season, moving to 12-0. The Norsemen will face Adrian Lenawee Christian (12-0) for a rematch of last year’s state finals, which the Cougars won 47-0.
The 8-Player Division 1 state finals will take place at the Superior Dome on Saturday, Nov. 20.
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