The Alpena Wildcats opened their season with a 27-8 nonconference victory over Boyne City on Friday night, turning a one-score contest into a convincing road win behind Andrew Szymoniak’s four touchdowns and a defense that created key turnovers.
Szymoniak, a senior halfback, finished with 169 rushing yards. His performance helped Alpena answer after Boyne City briefly took the lead in the third quarter and gave the Wildcats a 1-0 record to begin the season.
Alpena strikes first, but leads at halftime by six
Alpena began the game with an 11-play, 62-yard drive. Szymoniak capped the possession with a 21-yard touchdown run a little more than six minutes into the first quarter. The extra-point attempt failed, leaving the Wildcats ahead 6-0.
Boyne City was unable to score before halftime, and Alpena carried the same 6-0 advantage into the locker room. The Ramblers opened the second half with the ball and quickly moved downfield to take their only lead of the night.
Tanner Kelley scored on a 14-yard run with 9:12 remaining in the third quarter, and Boyne City converted the two-point attempt for an 8-6 lead.
Wildcats answer with defense and short fields
Alpena punted on its next series, but Cash Moughon’s kick pinned Boyne City at its own 13-yard line. Two plays later, the Ramblers fumbled, and Alpena linebacker Xavier Szymoniak recovered at the 11.
Andrew Szymoniak gained 10 yards on first down before scoring on a 1-yard plunge with 5:37 left in the third quarter. Eion Eades made the extra point, putting Alpena back in front 13-8.
Boyne City moved the ball on its next possession, but penalties halted the drive. On fourth down at Alpena’s 24-yard line, Brody Misiak stopped the Ramblers’ ballcarrier in the backfield. Alpena took over with 49.7 seconds left in the third quarter and held a 13-8 lead entering the final period.
Four-touchdown night seals opening win
The Wildcats extended their margin by converting a fourth-and-1 on a quarterback sneak. On the next play, Andrew Szymoniak broke a 21-yard touchdown run and added the two-point conversion, giving Alpena a 21-8 lead with 7:52 remaining.
Alpena’s defense then forced a turnover on downs in Boyne City territory with about six minutes left, effectively ending the Ramblers’ comeback opportunity. Taking possession near midfield, the Wildcats faced third-and-12 from the Boyne City 45-yard line before Szymoniak broke free for his fourth touchdown of the night.
The extra point failed, leaving the score 27-8 with just over five minutes remaining. With 3:07 to play, Wildcats cornerback Conner Kauffman intercepted a pass. Alpena controlled the ball for the rest of the game and ran out the clock.
Alpena will play next Thursday at Cadillac. Boyne City, now 0-1, will host Charlevoix on Friday.