Late in the season, the Grand Valley State University football team may not be playing for, what is usually, a guaranteed berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs, but after a 35-10 victory over Northwood University, the team is still

Efficiency was the name of the game for the Lakers (7-3, 6-3 GLIAC) as they put together an offensive effort that saw a 9.5 yard-per-play average and 28 first-half points against the Timberwolves (2-8, 1-8 GLIAC).

Led by the play of sophomore quarterback Heath Parling – who threw for 164 yards while also running for 53 – the Lakers scored big in the first half thanks to three touchdown receptions from junior receiver Charles Johnson and a consistent rushing attack.

Counting Parling, the Lakers ran four players for 199 yards, and helped to set up those Parling-to-Johnson connections.

The duo’s improved play as the season has progressed has been a big reason for the offense’s explosive play this year. Johnson scored in a variety of ways on Saturday, including a bubble screen that he took

Sophomore Zach Galloway played well for the second time in as many weeks on Saturday, recording X tackles and helping a GVSU defense that recorded four sacks and did not allow a completed pass against the option-oriented Northwood offense.

Despite the Timberwolves’ unorthodox attack, GVSU had success in containing the big-play ability that it holds. Northwood quarterback Aaron Shavers left the game early in the first half with a lower-leg injury, and the Lakers smothered his replacement, Dan Nugent.

The redshirt freshman accounted for negative-six yards of total offense, including 0-for-3 passing with an interception to sophomore safety Erik Thompson, who also blocked a punt in the first quarter.

The Lakers are now winners of six straight, and will look to end the season with another win, this time in the “Battle of the Valleys” against Saginaw Valley State University.

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