By Chad Wingert (Contact / Staff Bio)

Originally published October 31, 2009, 12:45 a.m. EST. Updated October 31, 2009, 12:45 a.m. EST

By Chad Wingert

Sports Editor

FLINT — When many felt that they were the underdog, the Vassar Vulcans stormed into Flint Beecher High School and handed the Bucs a 28-0 playoff loss. Not only did the Vulcans bring Beecher’s season to a screeching halt, they did it by handing the Bucs their first loss of the season.

“It feels great to get this win,” Vassar head coach Jason Kiss said. “These kids played hard and they really deserve it.”

Not only did the Vulcans grab the school’s first win in playoff history, they did it by shutting out a very quick and talented Beecher squad. The Bucs running back Tory Cordell came into the game with Vassar averaging 186 yards a game, but Kiss and his squad executed their game plan to a tee and held Cordell in check.

“We held him to only 60 yards tonight, and that was huge,” Kiss said. “Our defense played great tonight. And really, we are just getting more and more focused as the season rolls on.”

The Vulcans took a 14-0 lead into the half, and when most teams would be unsure, Vassar continued to roll by closing the door on the Bucs with a 14-point fourth quarter.

“We are a talented squad,” Kiss said. “We played a very tough schedule this year and we have great speed. It’s OK for people to underestimate us. But, we know that we have earned our spot here.”

Vassar was led by Keif Vickers who totaled 111 yards and four touchdowns for the Vulcans while Troy Hecht also got some touches in the backfield. Hecht handled the ball 12 times for 78 yards.

Through the rain and wind, Kyle Auernhamer went 2-for-8 passing, totaling 52 yards while finding Kevin Pratt and Jeremy Schiefer. Pratt hauled in a four yard reception while Auernhamer found Schiefer on a 48-yard play.

Defensively, Vassar was led once again by Tyler Best, who racked up 11 tackles. Joe Harper wrapped up eight tackles.

Now, a picture perfect matchup is set in round two of the playoffs as the Vulcans will travel to Millington for a matchup that Kiss and his coaching staff are all too familiar with.

“This is a great rivalry game and we are already excited,” Kiss said. “We played each other for 100 years until last year. Small town vs. small town - this is a dream come true for us.”

With the win, Vassar improves to 7-3 on the season.

Millington 53, Carrollton 21

MILLINGTON — Millington jumped out to a 21-0 lead on the state-ranked Carrollton Cavaliers after the first quarter, and really, they did not look back.

“This is a good win for us,” Millington head coach Tim Furno said. “We are really becoming atoned to the mud, but really, we are happy we got the win.”

Getting up on the Cavs by 21 points was exactly the game plan that Furno and the Cardinals had hoped to execute. But really, it did not stop there.

“After the first quarter when we were up by 21, they had the wind and rain in their face for almost the rest of the game,” Furno said. “That really changed the game and really, they were in trouble before they knew it.”

Millington’s offensive stallion Justin Stutler once again came prepared to play as he led the Cardinals scoring charge by posting 146 yards and four touchdowns on 29 carries.

“He is stronger than a lot of people give him credit for,” Furno said. “When he has the ball, he will break one or two tackles every time. People just seem to bounce off of him”

Cam Wilson also got in on the scoring action by finding the endzone twice. Wilson rushed one in and also came through with a big special teams play by scooping up a muffed Carrollton punt to run it in for six. Also getting on the score board was Jesse Stewart, scoring one touchdown.

Quarterback Noah Moore went 2-for-2 passing, finding Josh Williams on both tosses that totaled 37 yards.

Millington coaches were also very pleased with the performance of sophomore kicker Mitch Wilkerson as a new addition to the varsity squad. Wilkerson booted five kicks through the back of the endzone and put points on the board for the Cardinals by going 4-for-4 on PATs.

Coach Furno was very pleased with the first round win, but he was also able to find a victory within the game as the Cardinals did not turn the ball over once against the Cavs.

“We had no turnovers tonight, and I think its the first game all year,” Furno said. “That alone is something to be very proud of.”

Now, the Prepare for one of the oldest rivalry games in the state of Michigan as they host Vassar next week in round two of the playoffs.

“We invite the rivalry,” Furno said. “We have been playing Vassar since 1911. Vassar is really a great town.”

Just two years removed from the Tri-Valley East, Furno knows a little bit of what to expect from the Vulcans but more importantly, he is happy that this rivalry can be renewed.

“I would really like to play this game again someday, other than in the second round of the playoffs. Vassar has great kids and great coaches. Next week will be a great night when we get the chance to meet up again.”

With Millington rolling into round two with only one loss, its easy to see a team like the Vulcans when they are hot. And Vassar’s late success is something that is no stranger to Furno and his staff.

“They have a lot of speed, as well as momentum going into this game,” Furno said. “This is going to be a fun, but tough game.”

Millington is now 9-1 overall.