Onaway football team looks to end losing skid tonight
The Onaway High School football team will look to win its first game of the season tonight (Friday) when the 1-2 Gaylord St. Mary Snowbirds come to town. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Cardinals fell to 0-3 last Friday with a 26-18 loss at 2-1 Forest Area, which came after defeats at 2-1 Inland Lakes and at home against 2-1 Rogers City. The Cards were within one touchdown in the fourth quarter in all three losses.
Penalties have been a problem for the Red Birds this season, with the team racking up 186 penalty yards in the loss to the Hurons. Onaway cut that down to 70 yards in the loss to the Warriors, but the penalties still hurt.
“We played a good game,” said coach Jim Cleaver. “We still had 70 yards in penalties, but the kids played hard. We had three kids go out with injuries, which really hurt, but we need to get ready for St. Mary and try to get that first win.”
Matthew Tollini threw for 175 yards and three touchdowns, and ran for 119 yards. Chris Cleaver had two catches for 65 yards, including a 49-yard touchdown reception.
Carlos Bautista hauled in three catches for 47 yards, including a 27-yard TD reception, while Tommy Auger caught three balls for 35 yards, including a 17
Tollini made 20 tackles and recovered a fumble, while Chris Cleaver made 18 tackles, forced a fumble, and recorded a sack. Frankie Ramos made 11 tackles, Bautista had nine, and Cody Morell had eight.
Bacon and DJ Fenstermaker had six tackles apiece, while Isaac Nave had five.
Dion Burke had 19 carries for 135 yards and two touchdowns to lead the way for Forest Area.
The game with the Snowbirds is the first of three straight at home for OHS. The Cardinals host Mancelona next Friday and Pellston on October 4.