The Pioneers (9-1) defeated Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, 22-21, to advance to the district final round in Division 7.
Riverview Richard football made school history on Friday by reaching nine wins in a season for the first time ever.
The Pioneers (9-1) defeated Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, 22-21, to advance to the district final round in Division 7.
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“It’s a testament to the kids working hard all off-season, setting a goal and believing we ain’t done yet,” Richard coach Thomas Michalsen said.
Senior quarterback Devin Gleason threw the game-winning touchdown – a 23-yard pass to junior Jerry Esquible – with 26 seconds remaining.
In the Pioneers’ second-ever district title game, they will face Madison Heights Madison (10-0), led by junior quarterback Austin Brown.
Brown, a Novi Detroit Catholic Central transfer, threw for 2,270 yards and 31 touchdowns during the regular season, including eight TDs in Madison’s Week 1 win vs. Warren Lincoln.
“They are the favorites,” Michalsen said. “We have nothing to lose, (and) we will play loose and free, like the ‘Riverboat Gamblers’ we are.”
