The Muskegon Big Reds were 2:31 from victory, but fell short in the Division 2 title game on Saturday afternoon at Ford Field in a 35-28 loss to Birmingham Brother Rice.
Muskegon quarterback DeShaun Thrower connected with Keondre Craig late in the fourth quarter on a 51-yard touchdown to tie the game at 28.
Brother Rice answered with a touchdown return on the ensuing kickoff to take a 35-28 lead.
The Big Reds were looking for their first state title since 2008 and first under head coach Shane Fairfield.
Javontae Langston, DeShaun Thrower, Marcus Smith and Craig all had touchdowns for the Big Reds in the loss.
Muskegon finishes the season 12-2.
