Lake Orion’s varsity football season came to an end last Friday with a 34-21 non-conference loss to the Saline Hornets, one of the top teams in the state.

The Dragons finished the season at 3-6 overall and 1-4 in the OAA Red division, sitting in fifth place in the division just above Southfield A&T, which finished 1-4 in the league but 2-7 overall. West Bloomfield (8-1 overall, 5-0 OAA Red) finished undefeated in the OAA Red, followed by Clarkston (8-1, 4-1), Oxford (5-4, 3-2) and Stoney Creek (4-5, 1-4).

Against Saline, the Dragons were forced to punt after only three plays to start the game. The Lake Orion defense then made a goal line stand to stop the Hornets from scoring on their first possession.

Saline scored first, kicking a field goal on its second possession, then added two touchdowns to finish the first half 17-0.

In the third quarter the Hornets struck first when running back Josh Rush scored on a 5-yard touchdown run, giving Saline the 24-0 lead.

On their next possession, the Dragons had a long passing play to gain most of their yards on the drive, punching into the endzone with a 1-yard run to put the Dragons’ first points on the board, 24-7.

Saline responded with another touchdown, capping its drive with an 11-yard run into the endzone by Rush, giving the Hornets the 31-7 lead.

Lake Orion added another touchdown when its defense intercepted the ball and returned it for six points. The Dragons made the PAT, cutting the Saline lead to 31-14.

Saline responded with a field goal on its next drive, going up 34-14.

The Dragons added another touchdown late in the game. – J.N.