Coyotes win 56-0

By: Travis Oberlin

A defensive-driven Coyotes squad showed exactly what they could produce, ensuing a 59-0 shutout against the Motor City Jaguars. The Jaguars offensively were held to negative 13 total yards and totaled five turnovers in the loss.

The No. 6 ranked Battle Creek Coyotes improved to 6-3 overall and 5-2 in the MLFA, while the Jaguars dropped to 1-5 in the conference.

The Coyotes came storming out of the gate with a five play, 70-yard drive that resulted in a 1-yard Devington Halliburton touchdown reception from Dee Peters.

Battle Creek never looked back. After a 43-yard field goal from Matthew Coddington, the Coyotes put a stamp on the half with a pair of touchdowns; a 7-yard run from Robbie Crockett, and a 28-yard reception to Halliburton (Peters), his second of the day.

Battle Creek raced out to a 45-0 3rd quarter lead on a 6-yard TD run by Jeremy Mack, an 18-yard interception return from Ben Carmichael, and a 13-yard run by Otis West.

In the final quarter of regulation, the Coyotes completed the shutout with TD runs; EJ Harris from 11 yards out, and Marcus Shafer scoring from nine.

Despite a one-hour game delay due to inclement weather, Coyotes Head Coach Robbie Hattan was pleased with his team’s performance.

“I thought our team played great despite the conditions. As a player it's always tough to sit through storm delays. Our defense played outstanding and a lot of people stepped up, hopefully it carries momentum into next week,” said Hattan.

The Coyotes rushed for over 200 yards and five touchdowns.

Peters completed the contest connection on 6/12 pass attempts for 63 yards and two touchdowns to go with just one interception. Halliburton hauled in 3 catches for 24 yards and 2 TD. Halliburton now leads the team 19 touchdowns on the season.

Defensively, Ben Carmichael finished with a fumble recovery and a 18-yard INT for TD. Matthew Hamilton also had one fumble recovery and a interception.

The Battle Creek Coyotes look to cement their regular season with a win next Saturday as they host the 5-2 Marion County (Ind.) Crusaders. Kickoff is set for 7:10 p.m. at Harper Creek High School. Admission is just $5 for anyone 13 and older.

It will be Kids' Night and Mascot Mania Night next Saturday, July 25. Children 12 and under get in free. The CityLinc Red Wagon will be in attendance at our as the Coyotes look to raise donations of school supplies for the Stuff-a-Bus campaign.

The Coyotes will have many fun activities for the children including on-field game promotions, carnival-type games courtesy of My Fun Services in Bellevue, a bounce house courtesy of the Battle Creek Salvation Army, a coloring contest courtesy of Fox's Pizza Den, and much, much more.

Battle Creek Bombers' mascot, Moe Skeeter, will be in attendance to visit his friend, Coyotes' mascot Harlee the Coyote. Fox’s Pizza Den mascot Frankie the Fox will also at the game to hang out with the fans. The Red Cross Clowns will be there to help entertain the crowd, and former Michigan State and NFL football player, Todd "TJ" Duckett will be in attendance to sign autographs, take pictures, and promote his charitable organization, New World Flood.

All of these promotions are to help raise money for our beneficiary that night, 11-year-old Sammy Bannister, who is battling a brain tumor.  Please come out and have a good time for a good cause.