In the Long Run: Only 15 Rushers Share State Record with 99-Yard Scoring Sprint
By
Steve Vedder
Special for MHSAA.com
August 26, 2024
Jakob Price remembers the defense forcing him into a subtle change of plans at the line of scrimmage, then about a dozen seconds later finishing his run into the MHSAA record book.
It's a rare story that only 15 football players in MHSAA history can tell, most involving similar circumstances. A couple of key blocks, the opening of but a sliver of a hole, a fortuitous breakdown on defense including a broken tackle or two, capped, in many cases, by simple luck.
When it comes to a rusher busting loose on a 99-yard run, there is much that has to fall into place. In the case of Price, a sophomore at Muskegon when he became the last player to make that rare record-tying dash on Oct. 8, 2021, it was all the above.
"I remember we ran what we called a "power 6" and I hit the line hard," Price said. "I saw that the hole off the center was clogged, and I thought I was going to get hit, but I made a move. Three guys had a shot at me, but someone took out the tackle with a block and I saw nothing but green. It was almost a safety, but then this hole opened up and I was gone."
In comparison, for instance, there have been 81 players who've thrown for at least six touchdowns in a game. But only 15 players in Michigan history have snatched a handoff and sped 99 yards to pay dirt. It's a wide cast of characters that stretches from one player who has played in 12 major league baseball games to another who collected three times as many receiving yards as rushing and whose previous longest run had been a modest 25.
The first 99-yard run chronicled in the MHSAA record book was by James Edington of Morrice, who raced 99 yards against Kingston on Oct. 29, 1999. Edington's run was one of his last during an outstanding four-year career that included being named all-state three times. He remembers the play, which came late in a playoff game, being an inside trap where he broke at least two tackles. Edington said the play wasn't designed for anything more than to keep the defense from notching a safety.
"I was just trying to get out of the end zone, get us some room," said Edington, who remembers having 4.7 speed in the 40-yard dash. "I remember it was at the end of the game and I was so tired. I was a two-way player who rarely came off the field. I know that in a 99-yard run the blocks have got to be there when the defense hits the box. I knew if I could just get past this linebacker, there was a lot of green grass in front of me."
Morrice, coincidentally, also is the only program to have a 99-yard runner in 8-player football. Morrice switched from 11 to 8-player with the start of the 2014 season, and Jake Rivers made the 99-yard sprint twice in 2015.
Saugatuck coach Bill Dunn is the only coach to have two players on the list, including his son Blake, on Sept. 25, 2015, against Decatur.
From a coaching standpoint, Bill Dunn said there is nothing like a crushing 99-yard burst to change a game's momentum. When a team is clinging to the ball at its 1-yard line, the possible outcomes are seemingly dark – from surrendering a safety to a punt that puts the opposition in prime position to score.
"A lot of things have to happen in a 99-yard run," Dunn said. "There can absolutely be luck. And it can be a backbreaker. You got a team at the 1-yard line, and the defense knows it's going to get good field position with a punt. But instead you get a guy who breaks one for 99."
Blake Dunn, now a prospect in the Cincinnati Reds system, was an all-state sprinter in high school as part of earning 16 varsity letters across four sports. Dunn said he made a "mid-line read" after the fullback dove into the line. The defense collapsed on him, Dunn cut back against the grain and was off to the races.
"Our fullback dove down the mid-line, and my read crashed down to him," said Dunn, whose 101 career touchdowns are fourth in state history while his 6,954 rushing yards rank eighth.
"When I followed my blocks through the hole, there was a bunch of open grass. I think there might have been a linebacker that almost tripped me up from the backside, but nobody was able to get me and then 99 yards later it ended in a touchdown. It was pretty cool fun in the moment and fun to look back on it now."
Kyle Raycraft of Frankenmuth made his 99-yard run against Caro on Sept. 5, 2003. Like many of his brethren’s stories, Raycraft, who remembers running for more than 200 yards and three or four touchdowns in the game, said the play came down to a couple of blocks, shaking off potential tacklers, and having daylight in front of him.
"I went up the middle and got good blocking at the line and broke a couple tackles," said Raycraft, also an all-state sprinter and currently an emergency room doctor in Sault Ste. Marie. "I really didn't think that much of it at the time. I think it got us the lead at a key time and that was exciting, but I didn't think it was so rare. There's been a lot of high school football and only (15) kids have done this, so that's a pretty short list."
Matthew Hoffman of Sanford Meridian, by his own admission, wasn't particularly fast. So speed played a minimal part in his run Sept. 11, 2015, against Beaverton.
Hoffman ran track in the spring, but not as a sprinter; he ran distances. His piece of football history was more a result of getting a couple of key blocks, breaking through the line, making a cut and finding running room along the sideline.
"I broke to the line and swerved to the left to the sidelines," said Hoffman, now a certified rescue boat operator working on the Gordie Howe International Bridge for the Bridging North America company. "I was quick and shifty and I'd get a few breakaways, but I wasn't fast. I think the defense was looking for me on the right side, and it was a counterplay to the left. The offensive line did a great job on that play.
"It was exciting, but (instead of records) it was more it just happened so quickly. People met me in the end zone after the play was over, but then we were just focused on defense and the next play."
Coleman's Mitch Franklin has another different slant on his 99-yard story. He was primarily a receiver who recorded 1,014 yards at that position as opposed to around 300 as a running back. But on Sept. 13, 2014, against Charlevoix, Franklin took advantage of a rare handoff after a quarterback sneak had netted virtually no gain on first down.
"Best blocking we had all year. A hole opened up, I stiff-armed a guy and just ran," said Franklin, a former Gladwin County sheriff’s deputy. "I remember I was fortunate to run on our right side where we had bigger guys. It was fortunate that we caught the defense off guard. I think it was about our first power run that game and a lot of fortunate things had to happen.
"One of the things I remember is our principal patting me on the back and telling me what a good run it was."
While the members of the select 99-Yard Club may have different memories as to how they successfully dashed from their team's 1-yard line into the other team's end zone, their goals were the same: Just somehow move their team from the shadow of their own goalposts into more favorable territory.
And one last goal, recalled Franklin.
"Hey, you just don't want to make that long drive home with a big, fat ‘L,’” he said. "You want to win the game. That's what was important."
The MHSAA is continuously adding to its record books, and there is no deadline for an accomplishment to be submitted. Find directions to do so and the football record books in full at this link.
PHOTOS (Top) Coleman's Mitch Franklin (right) turns upfield during a 99-yard scoring run against Charlevoix on Sept. 13, 2014. (Middle) Muskegon's Jakob Price (left) makes a move on the way to a 99-yard touchdown run against Muskegon Mona Shores in 2021. (Below) Saugatuck's Nick Stanberry breaks away for a 99-yard TD run against Kent City in 2018. (Photos provided by Franklin, Price and the Saugatuck football program.)
1st & Goal: 2025 Week 3 Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
September 15, 2025
With at most only nine dates on every football team’s regular-season schedule, every game from August through October can make a difference when it comes to playoff hopes and league title aspirations.
We just finished up Week 3 this fall, but several of the weekend’s games may end up having that impact – and we dive into that below.
Bay & Thumb
HEADLINER Saginaw Swan Valley 31, Freeland 7 The Vikings bounced back from a seven-point Week 2 loss to Frankenmuth to defeat the Falcons (2-1) for the first time since 2019 – and after losing last year’s meeting 34-0. Swan Valley also is 2-1 after starting 0-3 a year ago, its best start since 2020. Click for more from the Saginaw News.
Watch list Saginaw Valley Lutheran 27, Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central 20 Valley Lutheran qualified for the playoffs last season for the first time since 2012, and the Chargers are 3-0 for the first time according to Michigan-Football.com after their first win over Nouvel (2-1) in program history.
On the move Harbor Beach 33, Ubly 6 The Pirates (3-0) kicked off Big Thumb Conference Black play by winning the matchup that decided last year’s league title, adding to last year’s two wins (regular season and playoff) over the rival Bearcats. Grand Blanc 56, Saginaw Heritage 27 The Bobcats (3-0) moved to 2-0 in the Saginaw Valley League South by winning the matchup that decided last season’s league title in their favor. Caro 46, Marine City Cardinal Mooney 7 The Tigers won two games a year ago and have won no more than three in a season since 2018. But they’re up to 2-1 this fall after a big win over a Cardinal Mooney team that while 0-3 has made the playoffs every year this decade.
Greater Detroit
HEADLINER Waterford Mott 42, Walled Lake Western 34 While only three games into the Lakes Valley Conference schedule, Mott has defeated the champion and runner-up from last year with this breaking Western’s 28-game LVC winning streak going back to 2021. Mott (2-1) was only 3-5 last season after making the Division 2 Semifinals in 2023. Click for more from the Detroit Free Press.
Watch list Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 49, Warren De La Salle Collegiate 10 The Eaglets are 3-0 for the first time since 2021 after downing De La Salle (1-2) for the first time since 2019. It was the best-possible way for St. Mary’s to set up for this week’s titanic matchup with Detroit Catholic Central.
On the move Northville 17, Howell 7 The Mustangs (3-0) avenged last season’s 27-12 loss to Howell, breaking the Highlanders’ 11-game regular-season winning streak. Harper Woods 35, Birmingham Groves 8 The Pioneers (3-0) avenged last year’s loss to Groves (1-2) that ended up deciding the Oakland Activities Association White championship. Gibraltar Carlson 42, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 21 The Marauders’ offense has been rolling during the team’s 3-0 start, putting up a combined 152 to at least double up every opponent including the reigning Division 5 champion Fighting Irish (1-2), whose regular-season schedule is quickly looking like it will end up one of the toughest in the state this fall.
Mid-Michigan
HEADLINER Ithaca 42, Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary 40 (OT) This Tri-Valley Conference Blue opener ended up being everything it was billed, as Ithaca stopped an MLS two-point conversion try to start overtime and won the night on the next possession. Offense reigned as both teams are averaging more than 40 points per game through these first three weeks. Click for more from the Saginaw News.
Watch list St. Johns 27, Fowlerville 26 After opening 5-0 a year ago, St. Johns (3-0) is off to another solid start after a third-straight win over the Gladiators by seven or fewer points. Fowlerville (2-1), off to its best start since 2020, will attempt to rebound against undefeated Williamston this week.
On the move Williamston 28, Mason 0 The Hornets (3-0) have now defeated three 2024 playoff teams and with Mason (1-2) also the reigning Capital Area Activities Conference Red champion. Mount Pleasant 63, Midland Dow 39 The Oilers (3-0) received their strongest challenge of the early season and responded by scoring their most points in a game since 2016 while handing Dow (2-1) its only loss. Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 49, Vestaburg 7 Both of these teams returned this season to 11-player football from 8-player, and they will meet again in Week 6.
Northern Lower Peninsula
HEADLINER Gaylord 28, Marquette 27 (OT) The Blue Devils’ turnaround season continued as they moved to 3-0 after going 0-5 to start 2024, this time avenging a 30-0 loss to the Sentinels (1-2) to open the Big North Conference schedule. Gaylord stopped a two-point conversion try to hold on for the victory. Click for more from the Petoskey News-Review.
Watch list Kalkaska 24, East Jordan 20 This arguably was the best win of Kalkaska’s first 3-0 start since 2017, as it avenged last year’s 44-13 loss, gave the Blazers as many wins already as all of last season and came against an East Jordan team (2-1) that’s been in the playoffs every season this decade.
On the move Ogemaw Heights 49, Gladwin 14 The Falcons (2-1) bounced back from a Week 2 defeat to open Jack Pine Conference I play by avenging last year’s District Final loss to Gladwin (0-3). Kingsley 48, Grayling 21 The Stags (2-1) also bounced back from a Week 2 defeat as they began Northern Michigan Football League Legends play by sending Grayling to 1-2 overall. Elk Rapids 8, Oscoda 6 The Elks’ first two games this season came against teams still undefeated, but they got on the board by avenging last year’s 20-0 loss to the Owls (1-2).
Southeast & Border
HEADLINER Ypsilanti Lincoln 21, Tecumseh 17 While the season is only three weeks old, Lincoln has handed a first loss this fall to all three of its opponents in opening 3-0 for the first time since 2012. The Railsplitters also are 2-0 in the Southeastern Conference White after playing in the SEC Red the last four seasons. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.
Watch list Riverview 38, Carleton Airport 6 The Pirates (2-1) opened with a loss to Division 1 Utica Eisenhower but have started Huron League play 2-0 as they look to take back league supremacy after finishing second a year ago.
On the move Chelsea 29, Adrian 12 The Bulldogs (3-0) also are 2-0 in the SEC White, running their overall league winning streak in the league to 12 in handing Adrian (2-1) its lone loss. Dexter 48, Ann Arbor Huron 16 The Dreadnaughts (3-0) will head into this week’s potential eventual SEC Red-deciding matchup with Saline having won all of their first three games by at least three touchdowns. Michigan Center 53, Hanover-Horton 14 The Cardinals’ playoff hopes last season hinged in part on a pair of losses by two points or fewer, and they avenged the first in a big way by sending the Comets to 1-2.
Southwest Corridor
HEADLINER Schoolcraft 32, Constantine 14 Schoolcraft (2-1) bounced back from a Week 2 defeat to break Constantine’s three-year hold on this rivalry series. The teams now go their separate ways in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, both as potential champions. Constantine also is 2-1. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Watch list Marshall 41, Parma Western 6 After a close Week 2 loss to Fowlerville, Marshall (2-1) found its stride to open Interstate 8 Athletic Conference play with its first win over Parma Western (1-2) since 2020. The Redhawks need just one more win this fall to equal last year’s season total.
On the move Battle Creek Pennfield 23, Buchanan 20 Pennfield (2-1) already has surpassed last year’s lone victory, handing returning playoff qualifier Buchanan (2-1) its only defeat. Lawton 22, Kalamazoo United 19 The Blue Devils (2-1) bounced back from a Week 2 loss heading into SAC Valley play, defeating the Titans (1-2) for the second-straight season. Niles 30, Paw Paw 14 Although Paw Paw (0-3) is off to a rough start, this matchup did decide the Wolverine Conference title last year. Niles (3-0) has won six straight in the series including in the playoffs the last two years as well.
Upper Peninsula
HEADLINER Calumet 33, Negaunee 18 The Copper Kings (3-0) earned a significant upper hand on Negaunee in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper, moving into an early three-way tie for first with Menominee and Kingsford by breaking a five-game losing streak against the Miners (2-1). Menominee and Kingsley are up next, respectively, for Calumet. Click for more from the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette.
Watch list Escanaba 27, Petoskey 10 Escanaba (3-0) is moving smoothly through the start of Big North Conference play and checking in as the No. 6 team in Division 4 playoff-point average after downing the reigning league champion Northmen (1-2).
On the move Houghton 42, Hancock 0 The Gremlins (1-2) have won six straight in the Copper Bowl and surely hope this one will get them on track with plenty of tough competition ahead. Kingsford 25, Gladstone 13 After starting the season with a close loss to Escanaba, Kingsford (2-1) has opened West-PAC Copper play with two double-digit wins – right in time to face rival Negaunee this week. Menominee 50, Ishpeming Westwood 8 The Maroons (3-0) got back on the field after their Week 2 game was canceled, earning some no doubt valuable prep in advance of this week’s matchup with Calumet.
West Michigan
HEADLINER Whitehall 35, Zeeland West 28 After playing the eventual Division 3 champion to one of last season’s highest-scoring games – a 60-43 loss – Whitehall (2-1) avenged with the go-ahead score during this game’s final minute. The Dux (2-1) hadn’t lost a nonleague game since 2018. Click for more from the White Lake Mirror.
Watch list Grand Rapids Catholic Central 28, Jackson Lumen Christi 14 The Cougars’ first game this season against an in-state opponent was one to remember as they moved to 3-0 in downing the reigning Division 6 champion Titans (1-2).
On the move Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern 42, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 10 Forest Hills Northern (1-2) earned its first win over the rival Huskies since 2004 and after FHC had won the last 10 (including once in the playoffs) since the teams began playing each other annually again in 2016. Grand Rapids West Catholic 27, Grand Rapids South Christian 20 The Falcons will take a winning streak into Ottawa-Kent Conference White play this week after avenging last season’s three-point loss to the Sailors (1-2). East Kentwood 54, Jenison 7 East Kentwood is 3-0 for the first time since 2017 after handing Jenison (2-1) its only loss and with this week’s matchup against Rockford a major opportunity to prove it’s an O-K Red contender.
8-Player
HEADLINER Climax-Scotts 44, Adrian Lenawee Christian 41 These two have built a nice cross-state rivalry first in 11-player and now in 8-player over the last six seasons. Climax-Scotts (2-1) broke a 28-28 tie during the closing minutes of the third quarter this time to send the Cougars to 2-1 as well.
Watch list Gogebic 38, Ishpeming 16 The Miners (3-0) have rumbled with 173 points (and only 22 allowed) over their first three games, coming off a 5-3 finish a year ago and seeking their first playoff season since 2014.
On the move Felch North Dickinson 58, Crystal Falls Forest Park 7 The Nordics (3-0) continued to impress, this time with their first win over Forest Park (1-2) since 2012 and the era when these two frequently met in both the regular season and playoffs. Mendon 56, Concord 26 Three of Owen Gorham’s nine carries went for second or third-quarter touchdowns as Mendon (3-0) scored the first points Concord (2-1) had given up. Pickford 53, Newberry 6 Pickford (3-0) appears in midseason form already, outscoring its first three opponents by a combined 168-14 as it opened Great Lakes Eight East play with a big win over previously-undefeated Newberry (2-1).
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PHOTOS (Top) Grand Blanc cheerleaders root for their ball carrier as a Heritage defender attempts to make a tackle Friday. (2) Mount Pleasant attempts to block a Midland Dow kick. (3) Bath's Rylen Dixon (10) takes a handoff during his team's game against Pewamo-Westphalia. (4) Calumet's Ben Anderson finds a hole and gains several yards against Negaunee. (Grand Blanc/Heritage photo by Terry Lyons. Mount Pleasant/Dow photo by High School Sports Scene. Bath/P-W photo by John Johnson. Calumet/Negaunee photo by Cara Kamps.)