Broncos edge Chippewas in rivalry heartbreak
As the Central Michigan football team walked off the field after its 24-21 loss, emotions ran high as this would be the last time many on this team would experience the rivalry against Western Michigan.
On the line was the Victory Cannon Trophy which had been housed in Mount Pleasant since November 2024.
“I am just crushed for our kids man,” head coach Matt Drinkall said about the loss Saturday night. “I know how much this means to them. To come up short on this one stinks.”
CMU had every reason to believe Saturday night would end differently.
The Chippewas jumped out early, controlled much of the first half and looked ready to carry the Cannon Trophy back to Mount Pleasant. But in rivalry football, belief only lasts as long as execution – and in the second half, the Broncos proved just that.
After leading up until halftime, Western Michigan’s Jalen Buckley ran for nine yards and a touchdown, tying the score at 14.
The Chippewas’ defense held strong through most of the night. Linebacker Dakota Cochran paved the way with 11 total tackles with linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski not far behind with 9 total tackles.
For both of these veterans this loss runs deep.
“(There’s) a lot to learn from it,” Kwiatkowski said looking down. “I definitely could’ve played better, so I’m going to keep working out the things I need to work at and come back next week.”
The Chippewas found explosive plays through the air with a total of 185 passing yards over Western’s 150.
The most notable drive came in the second quarter after a 77-yard pass from quarterback Joe Labas landed in the hands of wide receiver Langston Lewis who ended the night with 111 receiving yards.
“We play a lot of team ball so in one shot, we all shine,” Lewis said emotionally. “It just felt good making them boys smile because I made a big play. Even though it hurt, we have to flush it and move on to it next week. We have a lot more games left.”
With quarterback Angel Flores out after suffering an injury against UMass, all eyes pointed to a new leader at the helm, Marcus Beamon.
“We kept Marcus on the shelf to get him ready for this situation the entire year,” Drinkall said. “I thought he did a tremendous job today, especially in a circumstance against a very good defense and in an hostile environment.”
Beamon ended the night completing the only pass he threw for a touchdown.
Penalties and third-down struggles only deepened the problem. Every time CMU built momentum, a small reset it.
For a rivalry that thrives on emotion, this one will linger as CMU loses the chance at the Michigan Mid-American Conference Trophy as well.
“Today we’re going to have to be really sad, and then be able to put it behind us,” Drinkall said. “But I can tell you I am proud of these guys. I love this team so much and it’s so fun to watch them play football.”
The Chippewas’ offense averaged 5.1 yards per play, but without consistent drives, Western Michigan slowly took control. A fourth-quarter Bronco touchdown put WMU ahead for good, and CMU’s final drive ended shy of midfield.
Saturday’s loss cuts CMU’s two-game winning streak and dropped CMU to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in conference play. The Chippewas are only one win away to become bowl eligible.
Central Michigan returns home on November 12 at 7 p.m. against Buffalo for its first MACtion night.
