ALLENDALE — It was a tough day to expect the first win for Shane Richardson’s career as head football coach at Northern Michigan University.

Not just because the Wildcats had to play in a constant heavy rainstorm, as reported by the home team’s sports information department, but because they made the lengthy road trip downstate to play at national No. 2 Grand Valley State on Saturday night before being handed a 49-17 setback.

NMU (0-6 overall, 0-2 GLIAC) has a more manageable task this Saturday when it hosts GLIAC newcomer Roosevelt at 1 p.m. in the Superior Dome. The Lakers — this new team from downtown Chicago rather than the one Northern just faced Saturday night — are also struggling at 0-5 overall and 0-2 following a 55-13 loss to No. 5 Ferris State and 27-14 downing at home to Saginaw Valley State in their recent conference games.

But it seemed all uphill for the Wildcats in the rain against Grand Valley, which took a 28-3 halftime lead and upped it to 35-3 early in the second half.

It couldn’t have helped that Northern totaled zero yards passing as quarterback Aidan Hoard was just 0 of 5, though without an interception. These Lakers weren’t particularly effective through the air in the wet conditions, either, as a trio of their QBs went just 5 of 11 for 94 yards and an interception made by NMU’s Kade Manzo, the second of his collegiate career.

Instead, Northern lost three fumbles while being outgained 382-206.

The Wildcats were outrushed, 288-206, as NMU was led by Vince Martin gaining 82 yards in eight carries, including a 69-yard TD romp late in the third quarter.

Elizin Rouse added 55 yards in 16 tries, while Jahi Wood made 48 yards in 17 carries. Teammate Tucker Welch had just 16 yards in seven attempts, but one was a 1-yard TD run in the game’s final minute and a half.

Five GVSU ball carriers scored a touchdown, led by Avery Moore as he had 92 yards in six tries to go with the Lakers’ second TD in the game’s first two minutes on a 29-yard run.

The Lakers also had a special teams touchdown and defensive TD. Kellen Reed returned the opening kickoff 92 yards to the house, while Isaiah Johnson scooped up a fumble and brought that back 23 yards for an early fourth-quarter score.

Northern kicker Michael Karlen kept up his perfect season, making a 32-yard field goal and both extra-point boots, while Tim Shannon Jr. led NMU defenders with eight tackles, along with a forced fumble and pass breakup.

Teammate Jax Hertel had 2 1/2 tackles for loss among his six total tackles, while the Wildcats’ Carter Schmitt and McKinley Underwood each had a forced fumble.

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