Going into today’s game at Northern Michigan University, the Grand Valley State University football team had forced only one turnover in their first five games.
That wasn’t the case against the Wildcats, as GVSU (3-3, 2-3 GLIAC) intercepted Northern Michigan (3-3, 2-3 GLIAC) quarterback Carter Kopach four times en route to a 42-7 victory.
Led by two interceptions from sophomore safety Eric Thompson – one a 95-yard return for a touchdown – the Lakers forced a season-high four interceptions to slow a Northern Michigan offense averaging 28 points per game coming into this week’s contest.
The play of the defensive line pressured Kopach into a number of bad throws throughout the game, and according to Mitchell, the GVSU defense changed up their rushers and spies in order to slow the senior.
Along with Thompson’s two interceptions, cornerbacks Michael Hatcher and Kenny Veal each had interceptions of their own – both coming with Northern Michigan driving on the GVSU end of the field.
Playing without injured sophomore running back Hersey Jackson, the GVSU offense found its grove early, jumping out to a 21-0 a minute into the second quarter.
Junior running back Norman Shuford put together a successful day on the ground, rushing for 88 yards on 10 carries, while also catching two passes for 35 yards. The rushing success of Shuford and sophomore Mike Rattay – who finished with 68 yards on the ground – set up quarterback Heath Parling in the passing game.
Parling, who accounted for six touchdowns in last week’s win over Tiffin University, continued his strong play this week. The sophomore had only four incompletions while throwing for 171 yards and five touchdowns – four of which were thrown to receiver Jovonne Augustus.
The 6-foot-5 senior played his best game of the season, grabbing four passes, all for touchdowns, to go with 69 yards.
With the win, the Lakers have won consecutive games for the first time this season, and will look to carry the momentum into next weekend’s game at Lake Erie College.

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