{
  "id": 19917294,
  "title": "Jefferson, Whiteford reach semifinals with fourth-quarter dramatics",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/jefferson-whiteford-reach-semifinals-with-fourth-quarter-dramatics",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-14T04:18:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jefferson-whiteford-reach-semifinals-fourth-041800336.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jefferson and Whiteford advanced to the state football semifinals after dramatic fourth-quarter performances. Both teams clinched their spots in the semi-finals with decisive victories in regional championship games on Friday, November 13. The Bears and Bobcats will face off in the semifinals on Saturday, November 21 at locations to be determined next week. Bedford and SMCC also advanced to the state volleyball quarterfinals.\n\nIn their game, Jefferson (11-1) defeated Summit Academy 15-12. With less than four minutes left and trailing 12-7, Jefferson's quarterback, Luke Beaudrie, engineered a game-changing drive. Beaudrie, who had been dealing with a knee injury throughout the season, converted a crucial fourth-and-3 from his own 49-yard line with a 6-yard run. He then handed the ball to Drake Jones for an 11-yard gain, setting up the game-winning 23-yard touchdown run by Beaudrie with 2:27 on the clock. Beaudrie also scored the game's 2-point conversion. Summit attempted to respond but failed with a failed 4th down conversion, sealing Jefferson's victory.\n\nJefferson's coach, Rob Beaudrie, expressed pride in his team's remarkable run, describing it as an \"amazing run\" and proudly noting that this is the team's second consecutive appearance in the state semifinals. After scoring a 7-6 lead in the first quarter on a 3-yard run by Drake Jones and a successful conversion kick by Caleb Henry, Jefferson's defense proved to be the difference-maker in the closing minutes. Jefferson will face Frankenmuth in the semifinals.\n\nWhiteford (11-1) outlasted Jonesville 32-20, with the game going into overtime after a 20-16 deficit in the fourth quarter. Senior Brek Ruddy, who set region records for touchdowns and points in a season and topped 2,000 rushing yards, scored two touchdowns in the final minutes: an 8-yard run and a 73-yard run. Despite Jonesville's efforts, led by John Milks who rushed for 238 yards on 42 carries and scored on runs of 3, 18, and 5 yards, Whiteford's strong defensive performances and Ruddy's remarkable displays of endurance secured the victory. The Bobcats enter the semifinals with a 10-2 record, facing off against Ravenna or North Muskegon.",
  "summary": "Late touchdowns carry Jefferson (Division 5) and Whiteford (Division 7) into state football semifinals.",
  "key_points": [
    "Jefferson and Whiteford advance to state football semifinals",
    "Jefferson wins 15-12 against Summit Academy in fourth quarter",
    "Whiteford defeats Jonesville 32-20 in overtime"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}