Central Lake-Ellsworth Sets School Scoring Record in 71-6 Rout of Alcona
Central Lake-Ellsworth turned an early defensive touchdown into a record-setting evening, defeating Alcona 71-6 on Friday, Aug. 28, in Central Lake, Michigan. Mason Henderson delivered the decisive opening statement with a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown, and the Knights continued creating short fields and scoring opportunities on the way to a new school scoring record.
The Knights’ defense forced turnovers early and often, with Henderson finishing with two interceptions and seven tackles. Nolan Essenberg added two interceptions, including a 46-yard return for a touchdown, along with five tackles and a 17-yard reception. Josiah Chellis also intercepted a pass while making a team-high 13 tackles, and Riley Shafer recorded seven tackles and another interception.
Central Lake-Ellsworth converted those takeaways into a balanced offensive performance. Bill Hopp rushed for 145 yards and three touchdowns while making six tackles on defense. Brady Roggenbeck completed 3 of 9 passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns, then added 64 rushing yards and two scores. The Knights produced touchdowns through the air, on the ground and from their defense.
Josiah Chellis was a central part of that production, catching three passes for 100 yards and three touchdowns while adding 11 rushing yards and another score. Riley Shafer contributed 34 rushing yards, three 2-point conversions and made 2 of 4 extra-point attempts. The varied production helped Central Lake-Ellsworth sustain its scoring pace after Henderson’s early pick-six.
The game featured 84 plays in the first half compared with 30 in the second, reflecting a turnover-filled and high-scoring opening half before the running clock was imposed after halftime. Central Lake-Ellsworth’s tackling remained steady throughout, with Nolyn Whisler making 11 tackles and Tristan Druckenmiller adding seven.
CLE will travel to Gaylord St. Mary's on Thursday for a critical Bridge Alliance Conference showdown.
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