It's History in the Making: Goodrich Heading to State Finals

It was a proud day to be a Goodrich Martian on Saturday. For the first time in the school's history, the Goodrich Varsity Football team secured a spot in the State Playoffs.

After winning their first appearance in a semifinal game against Riverview with a51-26 in the Division 4 semifinal matchup, the team will head to Ford Field on Thanksgiving weekend in their quest for the championship. Goodrich is set to play Grand Rapids South Christian on November 25 at Ford Field in the state championship game.

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In an interview, Goodrich Varsity Coach Tom Alward said his team has its eye on making history for the school.

“These guys want to win it all,” Alward said. “They wanted to get to Ford Field, but they’re not going to be satisfied with just getting to Ford Field, so we’re not going to have any trouble getting them ready to go this week.”

After an opening season loss to Frankenmuth, the Martians have won the past 12 games leading up to Saturday's showdown with Riverview who has also unbeaten in its last 12 games. Senior Goodrich running back and linebacker Jace Simerson was a major part of the team's win scoring a total of 5 touchdowns in the semifinal game sending the team to Detroit for the finals.

Coach Tom Alward, who is in his 30th year as the head coach at Goodrich, says the team is more than ready to bring home the trophy. He is encouraging his team to keep up the momentum.

“We’re going to Ford Field!” Alward told his player at midfield after time expired. “We ain’t going there to lose. We’re going to bring back a state championship".

Goodrich will take the field in Detroit against Grand Rapids South Christian for the D4 state title at 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 25. Go Martians!

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