Fenton coach Jeff Setzke stopped his post-season talk with his team Friday night because a loud horn celebrating another DeWitt victory blared drowning out his every word.
Curses, foiled again by the big bad DeWitt machine. It was an evening where nothing went right for the overmatched Tigers. Setzke couldn’t even give his team a proper send off without disruption. Before the final horn blew Fenton faced an embarrassing 70-26 loss to DeWitt in a Division III regional final at DeWitt Memorial Field.
He paused until the horn shut off and then began to tell his team how much he appreciated their efforts. How this program has grown over the years.
And finally, he told his sophomores and juniors to embrace everyone in the senior class because these are the young man that left a lasting legacy behind.
One thing Setzke forgot to tell his team is the Tigers go out in a tragic fire ball when they are ousted from the state tournament. They have been outscored 203-75 in their last four state playoff losses.
“The seniors have left a lasting legacy for you underclassmen to build upon,” Setzke told his players once the horn stopped blasting. “I am proud of you guys.”
Fenton (8-4) was simply no match for DeWitt (11-0). It was the second time this season DeWitt scored 70 points and the sixth time it scored 50 or more points. DeWitt plays host to Warren De LaSalle (6-6) in a Division III semifinal 1 p.m. Saturday at Grand Blanc High School.
This might be hard to believe, but Fenton actually led in this game when quarterback Noah Shiel hooked up with Landon Becker on a first-play 65-yard touchdown. But DeWitt settled down defensively and struck back with two kickoff returns for touchdowns of 95 yards or more, and touchdown runs of 61, 54 and 14 yards to win going away and to start a running clock.
“Ultimately, we could not hang with them,” Setzke said.
One of the Fenton parents turned into a Tigers hype man screaming: “Don’t give up! Every play counts!”
No words or actions could save the Tigers.
Dewitt quarterback Trev Moore completed all seven of his passes for 110 yards. He also rushed for 181 yards and two touchdowns.
Fenton quarterback Noah Shiel went down in a blaze of glory passing for 386 yards and two scores. Eight of his throws went to brother Roary who gained 164 yards and scored one touchdown.