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Eight is great: Eagles rout Lakers for

third straight District Crown

By Jason Paetz

  The Frankenmuth Eagles lost one of the most prolific scorers in program history three weeks ago. Apparently, nobody told their offense.

  For the second time in three days, Frankenmuth unleashed an overpowering offensive performance, beating Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port 8-1 Thursday night, October 22, to capture its third consecutive district championship and sixth in eight seasons under head coach Marcus Baker.

  This time, it was sophomore Nolan “NJ” Joyce who stole the spotlight.

  Entering the match with just two goals on the season, Joyce delivered the first hat trick of his varsity career, while Landon Jacobs added two goals and the Eagles received scoring contributions from all over the field.

  A team that once relied heavily on record-breaking senior Carter Stapleton has suddenly become one of the most unpredictable attacks in the postseason.

  And with the district trophy secured, the Eagles have their sights set on something bigger.

  Coming off Tuesday's 6-0 district semifinal victory over Garber, Frankenmuth arrived in Montrose with plenty of offensive momentum. The Lakers had other plans.

  Under sunny skies and temperatures that began in the mid-60s before cooling under the lights, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port opened with a compact defensive formation designed to frustrate the Eagles.

  Four defenders held a tight back line, supported by two holding midfielders who clogged the center of the field and forced Frankenmuth to attack from the wings. For the first several minutes, the strategy worked. But there was one problem. Brayden Karwat.

  Twelve minutes into the match, the senior launched one of his signature long throw-ins from roughly 25 yards out. Jacobs met the service just outside the six-yard box and flicked it toward goal. The ball struck senior Matthew Schoenow near the goal line and deflected directly into the path of senior Brady Mort. Mort needed only a touch. 1-0 Eagles.

  It wasn't the prettiest goal Frankenmuth had scored all season. It counted just the same.

  For much of the remainder of the half, the Lakers managed to keep Frankenmuth from extending its lead.

  Then, with seven minutes remaining, the Eagles began to find their rhythm......

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