Suttons Bay Falls to Lenawee Christian in 8-Player D1 State Finals for Second Straight Year

MARQUETTE – In its third straight 8-Man Division 1 state finals appearance, Suttons Bay fell to Adrian Lenawee Christian 31-20 at the Superior Dome in Marquette on Saturday. The Norsemen finish as state runners-up for the third consecutive year and behind the Cougars for a second straight time.

After losing 47-0 to Lenawee Christian in last season’s state finals, the Norsemen were a much tougher opponent in this year’s rematch for the state crown.

Suttons Bay’s August Schaub came up with a pick-six and returned it over 95-yards to give Suttons Bay the 12-7 lead in the second quarter.

They trailed just 14-12 at halftime. Then in the fourth, Dylan Barnowski connected with Hugh Periard for his second touchdown of the day to make it 24-20 with just over five minutes to go in the game.

Unfortunately, the Norsemen came up just short and their undefeated season ends yet again in the 8-Player Div. 1 state championship game.

“I think this one hurts the most because it’s my last time ever playing football and we were so close,” said Suttons Bay senior Hugh Periard.

“They held up extremely well and they just fought through. They could have asked to come out but in 8-man football you don’t do that. So, a huge amount of resolve, I’m so proud of these guys,” said Suttons Bay head football coach Garrick Opie.

Suttons Bay finishes its impressive season 12-1. The Norsemen have lost just three games the past three seasons, all coming in the state final.

In 2019, they fell to Colon 26-14 in the title matchup.