MASON — The Mason football team celebrated a noteworthy victory on Thursday, September 3, as they defeated the defending Division 3 state champion DeWitt with a final score of 30-17. This win marks a significant achievement for Mason, who improved their record to 2-0 while handing DeWitt their first regular-season loss since 2023.
The standout player for Mason was Troy Peters, who played a pivotal role in the game. After making a strong impression in the previous season against DeWitt, Peters once again showcased his talent with an impressive performance. He carried the ball 18 times for 193 yards and scored a touchdown, in addition to throwing for another score. His contributions were instrumental in Mason's dominant first half, where they managed to score on five of their six possessions, establishing a commanding 27-0 lead by halftime.
Despite Mason's strong start, DeWitt fought back in the second half. The Panthers, led by quarterback Griffin Braman, narrowed the gap with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Lucius Cappelletti, followed by a successful two-point conversion to Channing Ridley, bringing the score to 27-11 with just over ten minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. However, Peters responded effectively, executing crucial plays that helped Mason maintain control of the game. His efforts led to a drive that consumed valuable clock time and concluded with Jacob Ackley kicking his third field goal of the night, extending Mason's lead to three scores with 4:38 left on the clock.
This victory is particularly significant for Mason as it ends a two-game losing streak against DeWitt, marking their first win over the Panthers since their playoff encounter in 2023. The Bulldogs not only halted DeWitt's impressive 24-game regular-season winning streak but also gained momentum as they prepare for their upcoming Central Athletic Association (CAAC) Red matchup against Haslett next week.
On the other hand, the loss is a setback for DeWitt, who entered the game on a 15-game winning streak. This defeat will serve as a wake-up call as they transition into CAAC Blue play, where they will look to regroup against Everett. The Panthers had not lost a regular-season game since a Week 4 defeat to East Lansing in 2023, making this loss particularly impactful.
Mason head coach Gary Houghton praised his team's performance, highlighting both their execution in the first half and their resilience in the second half. He remarked, "I think the thing that sticks out is not only the execution in the first half, but the grit to hang in there in the second half. DeWitt pulled out all the stops. They were coming after us and they were taking shots and our guys kept coming back for more and I think we answered every time." This statement encapsulates the determination and skill displayed by Mason throughout the game.
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