The Braves' Matt Stonehouse celebrates after assisting his team's second goal of the afternoon at Ogemaw Heights.
Tawas Area's D.J. Decker and Ogemaw Heights' Ronnie Trower try to win a ball during the Braves' 3-0 victory on Wednesday.
Linda Eyer
Ogemaw Heights' Kevin Laney drills one downfield against Tawas on Wednesday.

OGEMAW HEIGHTS - Oct. 1, 2008 - Tawas Area clinched at least a share of the North East Michigan Conference boys soccer title on Wednesday by claiming a 3-0 victory at Ogemaw Heights.

Tawas wasted no time getting on the scoreboard as D.J. Decker scored in the game's second minute.

"We came out a little bit flat," said Ogemaw coach Jeff Young. "They came right out and took advantage of it, and the rest is history."

The Braves, playing their third game in three days, didn't score again until the 32nd minute of the second half, when Cody Jordan made it 2-0. Travis Simmons' goal late in the contest.

"It was nice to jump out to an early lead," said Tawas assistant coach Dave Liddell. "I felt we played a better game today (than the previous day's 2-2 tie at Caro). Matt Stonehouse did a great job at defensive stopper."

Tawas, which improved to 8-0 in NEMC play (12-3-2 overall) had Nick Hulea make six saves in goal.

Sean McClintic also had six saves for Ogemaw (8-8-1, 5-3).

The league title is the Braves' third straight. They can clinch sole possession of the championship with a win over either Pinconning or Standish-Sterling next week.