The Lakeland College football team started their season Saturday squaring off with Carroll University.

The Muskies started the game with kicker Brandon Riesterer kicking the opening kickoff over everyone’s heads into the back of the endzone resulting in a touchback and no chance for a return for Carroll. The excitment didn’t stop there as the Muskies ended Carroll’s first drive early with an interception by defensive back Evan Dieringer.

The Muskies offensive started a bit shaky, but running back Kendrick Burks wasn’t hearing any of that. On what seemed to be a short drive for the Muskies, Burks ran for a one yard gain converting on 4th down and giving the Muskies another set of downs. The Muskies would score later in the drive off of a quarterback keeper by Dylan Van Straten, which gave them a 7-0 lead.

Carroll answered back on the next drive connecting with a 40+ yard pass that resulted in a touchdown, tying the game at 7-7. Carroll then hit a field goal in the second quarter to go up 10-7 at the half.

In the third quarter, when things were looking down for the Muskies, defensive back Ben Manske intercepted a Carroll pass and took it all the way to the endzone. His interception gave the Muskies the lead 14-10 going into the 4th quarter.

But by the end of the game, the Carroll offensive was too explosive for the Muskies. Scoring 10 points in the 4th quarter, Carroll went on to win the nail biter 24-17.

The Muskies have off this week but will play again September 15 against Kalamazoo College.