On Saturday, November 16, 2024, the Lansing Catholic Cougars defeated the Newaygo Lions, 49–36, in the MHSAA Division 6 Regional Final held in Newaygo. The Cougars pushed past the Lions with dominant performances in the middle quarters, ending Newaygo’s stellar season just one win shy of the state semifinals.
A Season of Transformation
Newaygo’s 2024 campaign marked a dramatic turnaround under veteran head coach Ralph Munger, a Hall of Fame coach in his 42nd season, now in his second year at Newaygo. After a 3–6 record in 2023, the Lions surged to a 10–3 overall record and delivered their first district championship since 2012.
Coach Munger—widely respected for his intense passion, old‑school discipline, and football IQ—embraced every aspect of leadership, from “Simon Says” drills to sideline coaching that tested both mental focus and physical grit. His previous success included high school state titles and more than 340 career wins, lending instant credibility and confidence to the program.
Building the Lions
Under Munger’s direction, Newaygo leaned on a rugged power running game and disciplined defense. Key contributors included:
- QB Blake Kerr, who completed 55‑of‑99 passes for 805 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading the offense through balanced leadership.
- Junior RB Porter Slominski, who punched in 13 rushing touchdowns on 130 carries for 934 yards.
- Senior RB Ethan Reyburn, who added 673 yards and eight scores on the ground.
- Senior captains Henry Wood (tight end / linebacker) and Hunter Yearsovich (split end / defensive back) provided dual-threat impact on both sides of the ball.
- Defensive standouts Luis Ceja Alvarez and Xavier Stroud anchored the team’s tackling force.
The Lions entered the regional final after winning their district championship with a win over perennial playoff power Central Montcalm—the school’s first playoff victory since 2018.
Playoff Clash: How the Game Unfolded
Although Newaygo entered the game with confidence and momentum, Lansing Catholic stormed ahead in the first half, trailing only briefly before exploding for 28 second-quarter points to take control. The Cougars amassed a commanding 35–14 lead at halftime—thanks to consistent scoring and forcing turnovers in key moments.
In the third quarter, Lansing Catholic added another touchdown, stretching the margin to 42–14. Newaygo attempted a fourth-quarter comeback, rallying with two rushing touchdowns and successful two-point conversions to narrow the score to 42–36. Lansing Catholic sealed the game with a late passing touchdown, making the final 49–36.
Comparing the Journey: Expectations vs. Reality
Newaygo’s season was defined by steady progress. The regular season included strong wins such as 53–36 over Lakewood, and the Lions finished with a record of 9–2 entering the regional final. Their path demonstrated clear growth compared to the previous year, showing marked improvement in depth, execution, and toughness.
Lansing Catholic, meanwhile, advanced to the next round to face Boyne City, riding their own 9–3 season momentum and leveraging high-octane scoring and strategic efficiency.
What It All Means
For Newaygo, the game capped an impressive season—marked by a cultural shift, renewed belief, and competitive success. Coach Munger restored structure and confidence to a program that had floundered in recent years.
For the Cougars, this victory reaffirmed their status as one of the top Division 6 programs, moving onward with offensive firepower and postseason poise.
Final Thoughts
Newaygo’s rise under Coach Ralph Munger—from a 3–6 record in 2023 to a district championship and regional final berth in 2024—stands as a testament to leadership, resilience, and community pride. Though their postseason journey ended at 49–36, the foundation for future success has firmly been laid.