BY YANEEK SMITH

BRITTON, MICH. — Britton Deerfield is ranked No. 3 in Michigan in 8-man football for a reason. The Patriots scored three touchdowns in the first quarter and cruised to a 64-14 win over Danbury.

BD took the lead for good after Logan Shiels connected with Tristan Jackson for a 43-yard touchdown. Shiels later scored on a 1-yard run and Nick Wayne scored on a 38-yard run.

“They are big, strong and fast up front. That’s the No. 3 team in Michigan in 8-man football, at least the preseason rankings,” said Danbury coach Keith Mora. “They’re dangerous, they want to pound the ball, and have the guys to do it. Their quarterback is someone we were trying to pay attention to, and that opened things up from the outside for the running backs and wide receivers.”

Danbury quarterback Jacob Mischler finished 10-of-24 for 176 yards and two touchdowns and Elijah Hatfield, who recorded 17 tackles on defense, had two catches for 126 yards and two scores. Guy Maltese had an interception.

Danbury has a bye this week and takes on St. Mary Central Catholic on Friday, Sept. 9.