By David Piestrzynski
The Hamtramck High School Football team snapped a three-game losing streak last Friday with a 48-0 thrashing of Saginaw Buena Vista.
The Cosmos were dominant on both sides of the ball.
They charged out to a 42-0 lead late in the second quarter, and held Buena Vista to just one first down the entire game.
“This was the most complete game we’ve played this season,” said Leo Wells, Hamtramck’s head football coach. “(Buena Vista) had some good athletes. But we were able to out there and handled our business.”
The Cosmos did it on the ground, and in the air, offensively.
Junior running back Kevin Bell had 94 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and junior Wontay Jackson added 83 rushing yards. Jackson also found the end zone twice for the Cosmos.
Senior running back Jonathan Blanding, mostly known for his contribution to the Hamtramck running game, had 84 receiving yards and caught two touchdowns.
The Cosmos also provided some fireworks on defense.
Kevin Bell, who also played defensive back, took an interception 72 yards for a touchdown.
Despite the Buena Vista’s offensive line averaging nearly 260 pounds, Hamtramck’s defense held them to six yards overall.
With the win, Hamtramck improved its record to 3-5 overall.
The Cosmos look to finish strong in the season finale against Southfield Bradford Academy on Friday, Oct. 21.
While Hamtramck’s season didn’t go as well as expected, Wells said the team is looking to end on a high note.
“We’re treating this as the first game of next season,” he said. “It’s also a chance for us to end the season undefeated on the road.”
With several players returning for next season, and Hamtramck’s middle school football team currently undefeated, Wells said the football program has a bright future.