NORTH BRANCH - Oct. 3, 2008 - Ogemaw Heights needs a perfect stretch run to ensure itself a playoff spot, and on Friday they got a near-perfect performance by their defense to get themselves started on their quest to return to the post-season.

The Falcons allowed North Branch just four first downs and the offense dominated the ground game and turned the ball over just one time to key a 21-0 shutout of North Branch.

Ogemaw Heights to rushing touchdowns from John Hughes (a 4-yard run in the first quarter), Andrew Funsch (three yards in the third quarter) and Anthony Carollo (six yards in the fourth) to provide all the scoring their team needed.

The Falcons threw the ball just six times all night, rushing 55 times for 349 yards. Funsch led the way with 166 yards on 18 carries, Hughes had 104 yards on 16 carries and Carollo added 71 yards on 13 carries. Hughes also completed 2-of-4 passes for 36 yards, with Nick Thorson catching both passes.

The defense turned in its stellar performance despite still playing without several starters. Lance Griffus had six tackles and four assists to lead the way, with Thorson adding five tackles and four assists, Funsch four tackles and four assists, and Orlando Jarritt five tackles and one assists. Jarritt also was 3-of-3 on PAT attempts.

The Falcons (3-3) travel to Pinconning (2-4) for their final NEMC battle of the season. The Spartans fell 26-16 at Standish-Sterling on Friday.

Ogemaw must beat Pinny, Gaylord (2-4) and Cheboygan (5-1) to reach the magic six wins that would clinch a playoff spot, or win two of those games and hope their playoff point total is enough to grab one of the few remaining spots awarded to five-win teams.