This story, photo, courtesy of Michigan Tech Athletics

HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech football team saw its four-game unbeaten streak end in a back-and-forth battle ultimately seeing Davenport prevail 24-20 at Kearly Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

"It was a tight GLIAC game and going into the game, we talked about the big momentum type plays—those were the ones that we wanted to be making. Although, I felt like the guys responded to every punch that Davenport threw," Tech football head coach Dan Mettlach said.

"I think when we go back and watch the film, those game changing plays that you don't count on, Davenport made two or three and we didn't make any ourselves. I'm proud of the way our guys played and battled through the whole thing—we just needed to make one more play and we couldn't do it."

Michigan Tech (4-2, 1-1 GLIAC) got the ball to start the game and quickly romped down the field in five plays for 72 yards capped with a 12-yard touchdown run by sophomore running back Jake Rueff. Rueff sparked the drive with an eight-yard gain on the ground with senior quarterback Alex Fries connecting to wide receiver Ethan Champney for a 46-yard bomb setting up the touchdown play.

The Huskies were amped after the quick score but were stunned on the kickoff as Davenport's (4-2, 1-1 GLIAC) Antjuan Collins went 96 yards to the house with the extra point tying the game at 7-7 with only 3:02 played in the opening quarter. 

The offensive explosions slowed as the defensive battle picked up, seeing both teams account for two three-and-outs. 

The second quarter showcased a touchdown by each team with Fries completing a pass to Darius Willis on third and five to keep the drive alive at Davenport's 47-yard line. Fries would Willis five plays later for a 35-yard touchdown pass that broke the program's career touchdown reception record of 24 by Bill Hauswirth (1982-1985).

The touchdown was Willis' 25th of his career in 36 games played for the Black & Gold, giving MTU a 14-7 lead with 12:14 to play in the first half. The Warren, Michigan, native also broke the program career reception yards in the win at UW-Oshkosh earlier this season.