LaSalle's Sam Fitzpatrick (right) intercepts a Charlevoix pass in the end zone late in the first half. The season opener at Kipke Field in Charlevoix between St. Ignace and the host Rayders is a game that the Saints coaching staff and players would soon like to forget after a 40-13 road setback Friday, August 25.

Ten St. Ignace turnovers (seven intereceptions, three fumbles) that either ended a Saints rally or put Charlevoix in outstanding field position made the difference as the Lake Michigan Conference team took advantage to score six touchdowns off the Saints' miscues.

Nick Montie led the Saints defense with 12 combination tackles and assists. Jake Smith added 11 and one sack, Jeremiey Lee chipped in 11, Billy Matson notched seven, James Peterson and Derrick Clark tallied six, Sam Fitzpatrick charted five and one pass interception, Kyle Smock marked four and one fumble recovery, James Sayles counted four, and Shane McDonald (fumble recovery), Jesse Becker, Shawn Cowell, Derek Rountree (blocked punt), Derek Marshall, Alec Fitzgerald, and Derek Rutledge contributed two each.

The Saints' Jake Smith (left, 52, on ground) makes the first hit on a Rayder ball carrier and is joined by teammates Billy Matson (center, 74) and Nick Montie (right, 54). Kyle Spencer completed six of 19 passes for 119 yards, Mario Calcaterra rushed for 40 yards, Kyle Smock chipped in 37, and Derrick Clark gained 28 yards and punted twice for a 37-yard average.

After a scoreless first quarter, Charlevoix answered on the first play of the second period with a 42yard scoring pass for a 6-0 lead at 11:51. The next two Rayders touchdowns came after pass interceptions to build the margin to 21-0 with 5:26 left in the first half.

Sam Fitzpatrick ended the Rayders next scoring threat with a pass interception in the endzone and the only scoring opportunity during the first half for the Saints came after four pass completions to the Charlevoix 10yard line, but a St. Ignace interception ended the drive with 1:02 on the clock.

Charlevoix added to the score with two touchdowns in the third quarter before the Saints answered with their only scores.

Kyle Smock scored from nine yards out and Derrick Clark kicked the extra point at 6:05 of the fourth quarter. After Clark recovered the onside kick, Mario Calcaterra dashed 35 yards at 5:30 to cut the Rayders lead to 34-13, but Charlevoix closed out the offense with a touchdown in the final two minutes.

LaSalle High School will celebrate parents night as St. Ignace entertains East Jordan Thursday, August 31, at Saints Field. The kickoff is set for 7 p.m.