Birch Run Celebrates Big Homecoming Victory 47-0 over North Branch

Birch Run celebrated their homecoming with a big 47-0 win over North Branch. The Panthers came out and dominated from the opening kick-off on offense and defense. The first offensive play of the game Birch Run QB, Tony Arnold, completed a 60 yard bomb to Derek Michels and a few plays later the Panthers led 7-0 after Nolan Bovee's extra point. Birch Run's defense was just as good not giving up a first down until the 2nd quarter. The scores just kept on coming for the Panther offense as they have weapons all over the field. One of those weapons is Chase Gibson who made a leaping grab over top of a Broncos defender and ran it in for a 75 yard touchdown in the 2nd quarter. Birch Run took a 40-0 lead into halftime and with a running clock in the second half the Panthers were able to start celebrating their homecoming victory. On the night Birch Run had 512 yards of total offense with Logan Turner leading the way with 5 carries for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns. Trent Naragon had 77 yards on 6 carries and also ran for 2 touchdowns. Derek Michels had 12 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown. Michels also had 80 yards receiving. Tony Arnold was 2 for 3 passing for 155 yards with a touchdown passing and also had a rushing touchdown. Chase Gibson had 75 yards receiving and a touchdown. The defense was just as good in the win and Chase Gruno led all tacklers with 13 take downs. Mark Nidecken and Brock Cook harassed the Broncos offense all night from their defensive end positions with Nidecken getting 7 tackles and 1 sack and Cook getting 6 tackles and 1 sack. Trevor Beck also had a good defensive game with 7 tackles. Joe Pagel and Nick Vandercar both chipped in with 5 tackles and 1 sack each. Evan Parrish recorded an interception. A great defensive effort as North Branch never threatened to score. Birch Run now sits at 2-3 with there 3 loses coming against teams that are a combined 15-0. With a match up against Frankenmuth this week the Panthers will have a chance to prove they are ready for the next step. Anticipate a very tight, hard hitting, game next week at Birch Run, game time 7:00.