The Nest, Inside Orchard View Athletics
Justin Troyer
Presented by: West Michigan Ironmen
Muskegon, MI — Year three of the Aaron James era at Orchard View began with a statement.
The Cardinals opened the football season Thursday night by hosting Wyoming and leaving little doubt about their intentions, rolling to a convincing 49-0 victory over the Wolves.
After finishing 5-4 a year ago and narrowly missing the playoffs, Orchard View entered the season looking to take the next step. Against a Wyoming team that finished 2-7 last season, the Cardinals showed from the opening kickoff that this year’s team intends to be different.
Wyoming showed fight early, but Orchard View’s defense eventually took control while the Cardinal offense continued to find ways to get in the end zone.
Senior quarterback Kenyon McCauley got the Cardinals on the board in the opening quarter, punching in a three-yard touchdown run. McCauley then found junior Tre Thomas on an 18-yard touchdown pass, helping Orchard View build its lead 14-0.
The second quarter turned into a showcase of the Cardinals' big-play ability.
Senior Corey McCain broke loose for a 50-yard touchdown run, displaying the speed and explosiveness Orchard View has in its backfield. McCain finished the night with six carries for 89 yards, providing a spark every time he touched the football.
Senior Kenya Blake also made her mark, splitting the uprights on a PAT for her first varsity points.
Then came one of the most exciting plays of the night.
With Wyoming forced to punt, senior DaMari Wright fielded the ball and turned on the jets. After beating a defender and finding nothing but green grass in front of him, Wright raced 80 yards for a touchdown, sending the Cardinal sideline and home crowd into a frenzy.
The score pushed Orchard View's lead to 27-0 at halftime.
For Wright, the performance was the result of the work the Cardinals put in during the offseason.
“The work in the offseason paid off. Trust in each other.”
Wright said Orchard View entered the game feeling like the underdog, making the opening victory even more satisfying.
“It feels really good to get the first one under our belts.”
And when he saw the opening on the punt return, Wright said there was only one thing on his mind.
“Once I seen the open grass and the blocks my team set for me, all I could think about was getting to the end zone.”
Orchard View didn't let up after halftime.
McCauley later connected with senior Jaden Ross on a three-yard touchdown toss, adding another score to the Cardinal attack.
In the fourth quarter, junior McCayden Carlisle capped the scoring with a rushing touchdown of his own. Carlisle, who had not been on the field since eighth grade, provided one of the night's most rewarding moments as he found the end zone in his return to the field.
Orchard View finished the night a perfect 4-for-4 in the red zone, converting its opportunities when it mattered most.
Wright was a difference-maker on both sides of the football. In addition to his rushing touchdown and big punt return, he recorded six solo tackles while touching the ball three times for 64 rushing yards.
The Cardinals' defense was equally impressive, pitching the shutout and setting the tone throughout the night.
For James, the defensive performance was no accident.
“The defense was tough, and that's by design.”
James pointed to the team's depth and its approach to preparing for adversity.
“We have a mantra of ‘next man up,’ and we practice that way. This way, the standard stays the same.”
While the victory was impressive, James knows one game doesn't define a season.
“Wins are hard to come by. I'm happy to get the win, and we will get better.”
The Cardinals will now turn their attention toward one of their biggest early-season challenges.
Orchard View travels north next week to face Ludington, the defending conference champions.
The Cardinals will take the confidence from Thursday night's performance with them, but they know the challenge will be much different.
For a program looking to build on last year's 5-4 campaign, it's exactly the type of test Orchard View wants.
“We need to use the momentum as a springboard,” James said. “We have a good mixture of great players.”
And as the Cardinals prepare for Ludington, James isn't backing away from the expectations surrounding his team.
“We are prepared to be the best Orchard View team we can be.”
After one night, the Cardinals have certainly made their intentions known.
Cardinal Supporters: Poo Patrol Muskegon
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