Grosse Pointe Woods

Liggett football earns first playoff victory in program history with 15-14 decision against Douglass

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Roy Feldman Nate Gaggin tossed two touchdown passes for Liggett, which upended Douglass 15-14 in a Division 7 pre-district game Oct. 27. Photo by Roy Feldman Nate Gaggin tossed two touchdown passes for Liggett, which upended Douglass 15-14 in a Division 7 pre-district game Oct. 27.

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — When the Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett football team found itself on the winning side of things this year, it’s usually been thanks to an offense scoring at will.

On Saturday afternoon, the Knights’ offense was limited to just two touchdowns in a Division 7 playoff opener, but it was the defense that had the last laugh in a 15-14 victory against Detroit Douglass.

“It’s the first playoff win in program history, so this is pretty huge for us,” coach Lou Ray said of the Oct. 27 win. “We’re one of just a few teams (in D-7) still playing, which is pretty cool. … Our guys played their hearts out and really earned this one.”

Douglass opened the scoring, taking an 8-0 lead, but LIggett quarterback Nate Gaggin responded later in the first half with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Kevaughn Jackson and the game was even at 8-8 at halftime.

Liggett scored on its opening drive of the second half when Gaggin hit Jackson again on another scoring toss.

But Douglas answered late in the fourth quarter, going for the 2-point conversion instead of the tying the game at 15-15.

“The defense made a huge play,” Ray said. “They played big all day.”

The win ups Liggett’s record to 8-2 and sets up a showdown with Detroit Loyola (10-0) at noon Nov. 3 at the University of Detroit Jesuit.

Loyola beat Royal Oak Shrine 36-14 in another pre-district game.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge,” Ray said. “We know Loyola can score some points, so we’re going to have to find a way to outscore them.”

Gaggin finished the game completing 20-of-38 passes for 173 yards. He also rushed for 80 yards.

In its previous seven wins this fall, Liggett’s offense averaged 39.3 points per game.

Douglass ends the year 5-4.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1038. Follow Mike on Twitter.