The Schoolcraft Eagles opened the 2026 football season Friday night with a hard-fought 28-21 victory on the road against the Parchment Panthers.
Parchment entered the season with a unique roster situation, having been granted permission to co-op with players from Gull Lake. The Panthers received the opening kickoff and moved the ball enough to pick up two first downs before being forced to punt.
Schoolcraft took advantage of its first possession, methodically working its way down the field before quarterback Jack DeVries connected with Landon DeVries on a 10-yard touchdown pass. Winn Evans added the extra point to give the Eagles an early 7-0 lead.
Schoolcraft’s defense then forced another Parchment punt, and the Eagles were back in business. This time, Caleb Nishizawa finished the drive by taking a handoff from DeVries and powering into the end zone from the 1-yard line. The extra-point attempt was just wide, leaving Schoolcraft with a 13-0 advantage.
The Eagles carried that 13-0 lead into the second quarter.
Schoolcraft extended its advantage early in the second when Beckett Boyes scored on a 2-yard run. The Eagles’ offense continued to control the game, and the extra point made the score 21-0.
Parchment finally answered with just over a minute remaining in the first half, breaking loose for a 111-yard touchdown run. The Panthers converted the extra point, cutting the deficit to 21-7.
Schoolcraft, however, wasn’t finished before halftime.
With only 14 seconds remaining, DeVries connected with Boyes on a long touchdown pass, giving the Eagles another score just before the break. Evans converted the extra point, sending Schoolcraft into halftime with a 28-7 lead.
The Eagles received the second-half kickoff, but Parchment quickly turned the momentum when Schoolcraft fumbled after several plays. The Panthers recovered and took possession at the Schoolcraft 30-yard line.
Parchment capitalized on the opportunity, scoring with 6:44 remaining in the third quarter to pull within two touchdowns at 28-14.
Schoolcraft had an opportunity to respond when Nishizawa broke off a long run, but the Eagles again put the ball on the ground, with Parchment recovering near its own 30-yard line.
Neither team could add to the scoreboard during the remainder of the third quarter, and Schoolcraft entered the fourth quarter still holding a 28-14 advantage.
Parchment continued to battle.
The Panthers intercepted a Schoolcraft pass at the Eagles’ 1-yard line and used the turnover to mount another scoring drive. Parchment found the end zone with 2:35 remaining in the game, cutting the Schoolcraft lead to 28-21.
The Panthers attempted an onside kick following the touchdown, but Schoolcraft came up with the football.
With the game hanging in the balance, the Eagles were able to protect the football and run out the remaining clock, securing a 28-21 victory in their season opener.
Schoolcraft started the season by building a 28-7 halftime cushion, then held off a furious second-half comeback by the Panthers. Final: Schoolcraft 28, Parchment 21.
