Goodrich’s Homecoming game proved to be just the stage for Kirk Elsworth to etch his name in the Genesee Area Conference record books.
Elsworth, a junior running back for the Martians, ran for 279 yards on 35 carries, the fourth-best total in league history, and added two touchdowns as the Martians defeated Lake Fenton 21-14 in their Sept. 26 contest.
“It was a big win for us,” Goodrich coach Tom Alward said. “The kids played well. They (Lake Fenton) kept coming back at us. We made a couple mistakes, but we hung in there.”
Alward said Elsworth’s performance is indicative of what he’s contributed to the Martians this season.
“He’s carrying the load for us,” he said. “He’s an outstanding running back and difficult to bring down. He’s earning a lot of his yards on second and third efforts, sometimes fifth and sixth efforts.”
Goodrich (2-3 overall, 1-1 in the GAC Red Division) scored first when senior running back James Loftis found paydirt on a six-yard touchdown run to put the Martians up 7-0.
After Lake Fenton tied the game at seven in the third quarter, Goodrich reclaimed the lead when Elsworth scored on a 16-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Elsworth then scored the winning touchdown on a one-yard run with 8:35 left in the fourth.
Goodrich traveled to Mt. Morris, who upset previously unbeaten Montrose 23-14 Sept. 26, to take part in an Oct. 3 contest.
The Martians return to action Oct. 10 when they host LakeVille in a 7 p.m. contest. The Falcons defeated Byron 13-8 on Sept. 26 to improve to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the GAC Red Division.