Oct. 25, 2003

Box Score

Midland, Mich. - Michael Tennessee led the Laker offense with a single-game record 49 carries for 189 yards and two TDs as GVSU claimed a 33-14 GLIAC victory Saturday at Northwood. GVSU improves to 7-1 overall and 6-1 in GLIAC action.

Northwood jumped out to a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter after the Lakers sailed a long snap on a punt over the punters head. Chris Gruse scored from three yards out to give NU a 7-0 lead. GVSU answered with a 7-play, 74-yard drive that culminated when QB Cullen Finnerty hit WR Micah Staley with a 12-yard TD pass. The Lakers forced a fumble on the following kickoff and PK David Hendrix hit a 35-yard field goal to give GVSU a 9-7 lead. Finnerty then hooked up with Brandon Langston on a 5-yard TD pass to give GVSU a 16-9 lead. NU struck just before the half when Robert Height took an option pitch and ran 90 yards for a TD to pull the Timberwolves within two (16-14) at the half.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Lakers scored 17 fourth quarter points and held onto the ball for 13:45. Michael Tennessee scored twice on runs of one and-four yards, while Hendrix booted a 25-yard field goal.

GVSU held a huge advantage in time of possession (41:33-18:27) and total plays (91-50) in the contest. The Laker defense limited NU to just 216 yards of total offense (90 of which came on one play) and forced four turnovers. Cullen Finnerty completed 17-of-26 passes for 140 yards and one TD. Dustin Cole led the defense with eight tackles, while William Gray chipped in six.