The Byron Varsity Football team traveled to Durand on Friday Night to take part in an Operation Freedom Game that was part of the Great American Rivalry Series. Byron came ready to play and set the tone early scoring 22 points in the first quarter in route to a 52-6 victory.

Senior Payne Staton was a force to be recon with leading the team to a victory. Payne went 7 of 14 yards through the air for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns and added 72 yards rushing on just 8 carries for another touchdown. Junior Connor Raymond added 59 yards on 9 carries for a touchdown, Junior Austin Smithingell had one carry for 35 yards and a touchdown as well as 2 receptions for 40 yards and Senior John Helms had one reception for 8 yards and a touchdown and added a rushing touchdown as well. Senior Hunter Richardson had 2 receptions for 31 yards and one touchdown leaping over a Durand player to make a one handed grab in the back of the end zone.   

Byron’s defense was strong and made a statement against Durand only allowing 25 total yards and forcing two safeties in the game. Senior Keiffer Kennedy and Junior Orville Nixon led the way for the Eagles racking up 12 total tackles and 2 sacks between the two of them. Junior Jacob Green had 5 total tackles and Senior Brendan Glennie had 4 total tackles. Seniors Brendan Forgie, Darnell Adams and John Helms combined for 9 total tackles and a sack.