Lakeshore High School

STEVENSVILLE, Mich. — In a high-powered MHSAA District Semifinal clash on Friday night, the Lakeshore Lancers outlasted the Hastings Saxons 49–44 at Al Stockman Stadium to advance to the District Championship. Lakeshore’s explosive ground attack proved to be the difference-maker in an offensive shootout that featured 93 total points and non-stop highlights. Quarterback Kaden Griffiths delivered a dominant performance on the ground, spearheading the Lancers' offense with 227 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just 12 carries (18.9 yards per carry). Griffiths broke loose for long scoring runs of 51, 45, and 57 yards before powering in a 1-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to keep Lakeshore ahead. Lakeshore established control early in the first quarter behind two touchdown drives finished by Jonah Chavez (7-yard QB keep and a 17-yard run on a pitch). The game’s biggest special teams spark came in the second quarter: immediately after Hastings score to cut the deficit to 21–16, Wyatt Buckenmeyer fielded a kickoff at the 28-yard line and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown, restoring momentum for the Lancers before halftime. Complementing Griffiths in the backfield, Tristan Williams added 104 rushing yards on 14 carries as part of a team performance that racked up 399 total yards on the ground. Kicker Drew Scholten was perfect on the night, converting all seven extra-point attempts. The Saxons kept relentless pressure on Lakeshore behind strong ground efforts from Brenton Purdum (105 yards, 1 TD), Jonah Hamp (104 yards, 3 TDs), and Trevin Russell (55 yards, 2 TDs). Hastings narrowed the gap to five points multiple times in the second half, including a late lateral play with 23 seconds left that capped the scoring at 49–44. However, Lakeshore’s defense produced key stops when it mattered most. Nathan Wagner led the Lancers with 9 total tackles (6 solo), while Wyatt Buckenmeyer added 9 tackles of his own (5 solo). Konrad Fletty snared a crucial interception with a 9-yard return, and Griffiths added a sack on defense to cap off his big night. Next Up: District Championship at Home With the victory, the Lakeshore Lancers (9–1) advance to the MHSAA District Championship game. Lakeshore will host Grand Rapids South Christian High School next Friday, November 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Al Stockman Stadium.