OGEMAW HEIGHTS - Nov. 7, 2009 - Escanaba struck first and last during Saturday's Division 3 district title game at Ogemaw Heights.

But the Falcons struck most, and just kept on striking, dominating the Eskymos 44-20 in a game that wasn't nearly as close as the final score suggests.

Upper Peninsula Player-of-the-Year Mitch VanEffen turned a hitch route into a 72-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage to give Escanaba an early lead, but the Falcons roared back with 44 straight points to take command.

"We missed a tackle (on that first play) and he took it to the house," said Ogemaw coach Andrew Pratley. "We were concerned about VanEffen and he made us pay on that play, but we were able to hold him from there."

The Eskymos weren't able to hold the Falcons down at all.

John Hughes' 39-yard touchdown scamper -- the first of four TD runs for the Falcon quarterback -- tied the game at 6-6. Moments later, the Falcons took the lead for good as Curtis Cameron blocked an Escanaba punt that Alex Jennings recovered in the end zone for another six points.

Hughes and Charlie Murdock added short touchdown runs in the second quarter for a 29-6 halftime lead, and Hughes added scoring runs of 39 and 12 yards in the third quarter to blow the game open.

"We got some momentum back on our first drive," Pratley said. "And then we created a little luck with the blocked punt, forcing a fumble and getting on them early.

"We just played well in all phases of the game."

Hughes finished with 145 yards rushing on 16 carries and completed all four of his passes for 66 yards, including two to Jarritt Orlando for 30 yards.

Cameron, Tyler Brindley and Lance Griffus each had seven tackles to lead the defensive effort.

Escanaba actually outgained the Falcons 404-391 in the game. But almost half of the Eskymos' offense came on two plays -- VanEffen's game-opening touchdown, and reserve quarterback Austin Young's 85-yard touchdown run in the final seconds.

Ogemaw (10-1) travels to Mt. Pleasant to face the Oilers (11-0) at Central Michigan University on Saturday, Nov. 14, for the regional title and a berth in the Division 3 state semifinals.