PHOTOS: Cougars Kick Up Homecoming Spirit, Trounce Grosse Pointe North 35-14

A strong defensive performance, coupled with a pair of touchdowns from senior Trevor Macklem, helped the host Cougars to a 35-14 victory Friday night over Grosse Pointe North.

Despite cold, windy and rainy conditions Friday evening the homecoming spirit at was stellar among those who braved the inclement weather conditions to watch a solid performance from their Cougars and the crowning of the 2011 homecoming king and queen, Joe Beech and Hannah Swanson.

Dakota got on the board first, when quarterback John Shira found Macklem in the second quarter, putting the Cougars up 7-0.

A 12-yard touchdown scamper from Ian Hathaway pushed the Dakota lead to 14-0 with just over 90 seconds remaining in the opening half of play.

That's when things got a little hectic.

North found the end zone with 7.8 seconds left in the second quarter, thanks to a Dylan Balicki-to-Anthony Sarkis touchdown strike, cutting the Dakota lead to seven points, 14-7.

On the ensuing kickoff, Dakota's Seth Balogh broke through a line of Norsemen tacklers and broke to the sideline, taking the kickoff back 86 yards for a score.

Dakota led 21-7 at the break.

The Cougars would add a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter–the first from Dejuan Morton and the second courtesy of Macklem–and take a 35-7 lead into the final 12 minutes of play.

North scored with 3:36 left in the contest when Tod Long cut back and darted 17 yards into the end zone.

Next up for the Cougars is Eisenhower on Oct. 7.