The Carlson Marauders kicked off their playoff campaign with a solid 42-21 victory over the Bedford Kicking Mules. Carlson’s Avery Ortiz set the tone with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, followed by Joe Krolak’s 76-yard run and Izaiah Wright’s 8-yard run, giving the Marauders a 21-7 lead in the first quarter.
Wright scored twice more in the second and third quarters, while Krolak added another touchdown in the third. Bedford’s Trenton Smithson and Luke Whetstone scored for the Mules, but Carlson’s offense proved too strong.
Krolak led the Marauders with 201 rushing yards, followed by Wright’s 114 yards. Whetstone paced Bedford with 96 yards on the ground. Carlson’s Dean Manthei was perfect on all six extra-point attempts.
With the win, Carlson (9-1) advances to the district final, where they’ll host Livonia Franklin (6-4), who defeated Allen Park 21-14. The Marauders look to continue their momentum in the next round.