Houghton’s Jay Halonen (10) breaks free down the sideline for a nice long gain on the play during a game Friday at Kingsford. (Terry Raiche photo)

KINGSFORD — Though the Kingsford Flivvers won their opening game of the 2024 football campaign against Escanaba last week, there was a lot for staff and players to clean up.

In their second outing of the season, the Flivvers improved their offensive execution, cut down on their penalties and received another superlative defensive performance in their 28-8 triumph over Houghton Friday in a West Pac Conference tilt at Flivver Field.

Behind two touchdowns from Gavin Trevillian and one each from Caleb Kleist and Jack Kriegl, Kingsford built a four-touchdown lead early in the fourth quarter and went on to post their second comfortable win of the season.

“Definitely better,” Novara said of his team’s play against Houghton. “We’ve got a couple of young guys up front (on the offensive line) and another guy who hasn’t played up front ever, so we’ve got to continue to work to get better up there.

“I think we were better tonight, but we still have a way to go if we want to push this thing past week nine (and into the playoffs).”

Friday’s game changed almost immediately from the expectations going in. On the fourth play of the game, Houghton senior quarterback Oscar Peterson went down with a right ankle injury and never returned.

Kingsford had prepared to play against Houghton’s no-huddle option offense, which was potent through the air, but after Peterson’s injury, the Gremlins (0-2) became basically a run-only attack.

While senior reserve quarterback Jay Halonen made some plays with his feet, including a 74-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter, the Gremlins recorded just 4 yards passing and never threw a pass in the second half.

“Our game plan going in was stopping the quarterback,” Novara said. “We think (Peterson’s) a good player. But unfortunately, the kid gets hurt. Obviously that stinks for him and no one likes it and any competitor would want him playing.

“(Plus), I think our secondary is quite good and is a big part of our football team and it would have been nice to see them challenged.”

Without Peterson, Houghton’s offense became unbalanced, and an attacking Kingsford defense could play the run almost exclusively. Other than Halonen’s long touchdown run against Flivver reserves, the Kingsford defense surrendered just 144 yards.

Meanwhile, the Flivver offense moved the ball steadily after an early interception. After senior cornerback Gavin Grondin returned the favor and intercepted a Houghton pass on the next series, Kingsford moved 52 yards on six plays to open the scoring on a 14-yard touchdown burst up the middle by Gavin Trevillian with 2:37 remaining in the opening quarter.

“Well, it’s all on the offensive line, honestly,” Trevillian said of his scoring play. “The hole opened up and I made a cut, but all the credit in the world goes to the blockers up front.”

The Flivvers then forced a punt on Houghton’s next possession and Kriegl set his team up with an impressive 39-yard return to the Gremlin 30-yard line.

Five plays later, Trevillian posted his second touchdown of the night on an 8-yard plunge up the gut to put Kingsford up by two TDs.

Last season, the Flivver offensive featured a heavy dose of bulldog running back Elizin Rouse, who now plays for Northern Michigan University. This season, the Kingsford attack is more diversified in the run game with Trevillian, Kriegl, Grondin, Kleist and Trenton VanOss leading the way.

Plus, senior quarterback Nic Novara can complement, if not lead, the Flivver offense with his strong arm.

“There’s obviously no replacing Elizin, he was a force,” Trevillian said. “This year we kind of spread it out more, getting the ball out quicker. We’ve got a few more quick guys this year (so) get the ball out in space and attack that way.”

“Each year is different and we’re just starting to find our identity (offensively) a little bit,” Coach Novara said. “We’re dual threat because I think we can throw and I think we can run. I think we’re dangerous both ways.

“I think if we continue to get better, this offense can be really explosive.”

The Flivvers added to their advantage when they took the second-half kickoff and drove 75 yards on eight plays. Kriegl’s 15-yard scoring scamper off the left side led to a 21-0 lead after junior kicker Sid Olson’s point after.

After holding Houghton again on the next series, the Flivvers kept their ground attack going and took a 28-0 lead after Kleist scored from 1-yard out with 11:40 to play.

Halonen’s long run and ensuing 2-point conversion cut Houghton’s deficit to 20 with 7:06 left but the Gremlins were unable to score again.

The Flivvers finished with 299 yards of offense – 221 on the ground and 78 through the air. Trevillian led Kingsford in rushing with 97 yards on 13 carries, while Kriegl was close behind with 87 yards on 11 attempts.

Nic Novara completed 5 of 7 passes in the game. Kreigl led the Flivvers with four catches for 39 yards and Grondin caught one pass, also for 39 yards.

Halonen accounted for almost all of Houghton’s offense, finishing with 209 yards rushing on 23 attempts. The Gremlins ended with 218 yards in the contest.