MILFORD, Mich. - A rainy night in Milford, Michigan made for a run-heavy game plan for both teams on Friday, October 29. The Milford Mavericks (7-2) hosted the East Lansing Trojans (6-3) in the Region 2 District 2 Semifinal Game as the MHSAA Division 2 Football Playoffs got underway.

For East Lansing, the run-heavy game was great news; they have Asher Gregory.

The senior running back was sensational, rushing for 179 yards and 2 touchdowns as East Lansing stormed to a 27-0 victory to advance past Milford and on to the District Finals.

Neither offense found a rhythm in the first half as the weather allowed the defenses to tee off. A roughing the passer penalty set up East Lansing's first touchdown, a 6-yard TD run from Brevin Jackson. However, everything was up in the air as the Trojans held a 7-0 halftime lead.

The second half was where Gregory took over. Two plays into the third quarter, Gregory had added 31 yards and a touchdown to his totals. By the time he scored his second TD, a 12-yard TD run in the fourth quarter, he had racked up 100+ yards in the second half alone as East Lansing broke the game open.

After the game, he gave the credit for the big rushing night to his offensive line.

With the win, the Trojans will face the undefeated South Lyon Lions (10-0) in the District Finals. 

First Half

Dylan Jespersen/Tunnel Vision Sports

East Lansing quarterback Brevin Jackson (No. 4) awaits the snap in the first half of the Trojans' 27-0 win over Milford in the District Semifinal Game on Friday, October 29, 2021, in Milford, Michigan.

The steady rain forced Milford, a balanced offense between run and pass, into a situation where they needed a steady run game. That seemed to be no issue early as junior Danny Sternberg took a 47-yard run deep into East Lansing territory on the Mavericks' first drive. Milford looked ready to get on the board first, but East Lansing would block their field goal attempt to keep the game scoreless.

After trading three-and-outs, it looked like East Lansing's drive was sputtering again near midfield. However, a personal foul call on the Milford defense kept the Trojans' drive alive. Asher Gregory would rack up 38 yards in three carries to set up a 6-yard TD run from Brevin Jackson as East Lansing jumped ahead, 7-0.

Second Half

The score stood at 7-0 as the second half opened up. Milford tried to steal possession as they tried to catch the Trojans off guard and opened up the half with a surprise onside kick. However, East Lansing not only recovered the onside attempt but returned the kick to the Milford 31-yard line. That would prove costly as Gregory would score on a 15-yard rush just two plays later.

The Trojans' game plan would revolve around Gregory for the majority of the second half. He got a majority of the carries (21 total carries) as East Lansing controlled the run game. Meanwhile, the Trojans' defense was just as dominant. They forced six three-and-outs from the Milford offense as they held the Mavericks scoreless throughout the game.

As the fourth quarter started, even the 14-0 Trojans' lead seemed insurmountable for Milford. Still, they had a big opportunity to get back in the game as East Lansing faced a fourth down and very long near midfield. However, a screen pass from Jackson to Mason Woods led to a 22-yard gain and a backbreaking first down. Two plays later, Gregory would score his second touchdown of the game from 12 yards out as East Lansing put the game on ice. 

A misplayed punt would lead to another late TD for the Trojans, this time for junior RB Kanye Jackson, as East Lansing put the finishing touches on their opening-round win.

Now, East Lansing's eyes will turn to South Lyon as the undefeated Lions get ready to host the Trojans next week. For Milford, their season is over after an impressive 7-2 record in the regular season.