What started as a promising and potentially history-making outcome, ended in disappointing fashion Saturday for Milan’s football team.
The Big Reds built a 14-6 lead over Williamston in the Division 4 regional final but were unable to sustain that success as the Hornets outscored them 31-7 in the second half en route to a 38-21 victory.
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It was Williamston’s first regional title since 2018, while Milan missed out on the regional crown for the eighth time in program history.
Milan led 14-6 at halftime, but Williamston opened the second half with back-to-back scores to take an 18-14 lead.
After the Big Reds answered with a Cole McElvany TD run in the third quarter, the Hornets scored three-consecutive touchdowns to put the game out of reach and advance to the state semifinals next Saturday.
They’ll face Detroit Country Day with a trip to Ford Field on the line.
For the Big Reds, their postseason woes in the regional final round continues as they fell to 0-8, but still ended the season at 8-2.
McElvany finished the game with 142 rushing yards two rushing scores and a touchdown pass to Kendrick McBride. McBride hauled in six receptions for 94 yards and added a sack on defense.
Despite the defeat, it was still Milan’s seventh 8-win season in the past 10 years and its sixth-consecutive season in the playoffs.
“Our young men came out, executed the game plan and played hard,” said Milan coach Jesse Hoskins. “Williamston was tough up front and made some key plays in the second half. The past two weeks preparing for this game was a blessing. This a great group to be around.”
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