GLADSTONE — The Gladstone Braves made their football opener a successful one here Friday night in a 36-7 triumph over Marquette Senior High School.

Gladstone put this nonconference contest out of reach by dominating the time of possession in the third quarter.

The Braves led 24-0 at halftime, then opened the second half by marching 85 yards in 13 plays in a time-consuming drive, which lasted slightly more than nine minutes, for a 30-point advantage.

Sophomore running back Trevor Thorbahn ended that drive by plowing through the middle on a 9-yard touchdown run and senior defensive back Nate Young made it 36-0 on a 73-yard interception return for a TD just 81 seconds later.

“I thought we played well,” Braves coach Craig Ness said. “The biggest joy came in the second half when we marched down the field on that scoring drive. Our offensive line really stepped up. They brought the energy. It’s always good to win the first one.”

Gladstone cashed in on favorable field position three times in the first half, each possession starting inside the Marquette 40-yard line.

The Braves began their first scoring drive on the 33, then took an 8-0 lead on Young’s 25-yard scoring aerial to junior Casey Alworden with 4:56 remaining in the opening frame.

An interception return by Young put the Braves in business at the 33 just 56 seconds later.

Young then heaved a 30-yard TD aerial to senior running back Austin Solis for a 16-0 cushion at 2:19.

Gladstone again took advantage of a short field early in the second.

The Braves, aided by a pass interference penalty, made it 24-0 on Young’s 2-yard TD dash around left end.

“We didn’t do anything well tonight,” MSHS coach Eric Mason said. “Mistakes and lack of execution really hurt us. We just need a better effort and focus.

“Gladstone played a great game. They were ready to go. They beat us in all three facets in the game, which is my fault.”

The Braves ran the ball by committee and rushed for 144 of their 248 total yards. Nine of their running backs had at least one carry, with Solis leading the way with 54 yards in 15 attempts.

Young completed 8 of 19 passes for 104 yards, two TDs and two interceptions, all in the first half. Four of his aerials went to senior wide receiver Elliot Vittito for 43 yards.

Marquette, which was limited to 30 yards on the ground, finished with 181 yards in total offense.

“Holding any team to 30 yards rushing is impressive,” Ness said. “They have some good players. They’re going to get better.”

Marquette junior quarterback Jaxon Jurmu was 15 of 27 passing for 118 yards, a TD and four interceptions, while sophomore No. 2 Ford Richardson was 3 of 11 for 33 yards.

Junior Jacob MacPhee scored MSHS’ only TD on a 10-yard pass from Jurmu early in the fourth.

Gladstone’s Young finished with three interceptions and senior teammate Eli Berthaume added a pick a few minutes before halftime.

Marquette senior Will Gale and junior Kyle Sager had interceptions while senior teammate Kutler Braun recovered a fumble for MSHS, which hosts Alpena Thursday.

Gladstone makes its West PAC debut by hosting Negaunee at 7 p.m. Thursday.

“We just want the kids to play hard,” Ness said. “Win or lose, we’ll hold our heads high.”

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.