Walled Lake Northern tops Walled Lake Central in annual Salute to Service game

Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Northern took the field on Friday, October 3, in a game that was about a lot more than just football. The Viking and Knights recognized the brave men and women who serve our country in their 12th annual Salute to Service game.

Each player wore a special jersey with the name of a member of the military or first responder. After that game, those jerseys were presented to the veterans, active service members, and their families in a postgame celebration.

“I am really appreciative that we get to do this, and we get to show some love to the veterans,” said Walled Lake Central senior Leo Boone. “They deserve all of the love in the world, and this is just a little something that we show our appreciation.”

“I think it’s pretty cool that we get to honor them,” said Walled Lake Northern senior Lukasz Grumowicz. “It’s not only the battle that we put (on the field), but it’s the battle they put to help us play this game.”

Steven Hubbard was recognized as the game’s honorary captain. He took part in the coin toss and was presented a game ball. Hubbard was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army for 13 years with two tours of duty, one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. He also has played in integral part in organizing the Salute to Service game for more than a decade. This year was Hubbard's last with his daughter, Tatum (pictured), graduating from high school this spring.

“I’ve seen some great men and women be honored,” said Hubbard. “To be a part of that legacy of being honored as the honorary captain is just phenomenal.”

On the field, the Knights defense dominated. Reid Widmer took the game's opening kickoff back for a touchdown, and the Knights didn't look back beating Walled Lake Central, 41-28.