The Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars entered Friday night with one mission. Defeating Forest Hills Eastern would set them on a crash course with undefeated South Christian, with a battle for the undisputed OK Gold championship on the line. After four quarters of play at the CAT, the Cougars accomplished that goal. Their 28-3 victory will set up an epic contest next Friday night.
Midway through the first quarter, Catholic Central took to the air to get the offense rolling. Joey Silveri and Jace Williams paired up for a twelve yard touchdown strike. Jack Barlow booted the extra point to make it 7-0 Cougars.
Forest Hills Eastern, running a variety of offensive sets, moved the ball down the field in the second quarter. They ended up reaching the five yard line, but they ultimately had to settle for a field goal try. Brady Conlan converted on that twenty-two yard field goal, inching the Hawks closer at 7-3.
The game would then enter a weather delay, as lightning and hail entered the area.
Coming out of the delay, it was all Cougars. Silveri and Williams paired up again the second quarter, pushing the lead to 14-3. They would connect for a touchdown in the third quarter as well, that ball a ten-yard toss.
Ahead 21-3, Nick Hollern extended Catholic Central’s lead with a two-yard touchdown run in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter. That would seal the deal and provide the final scoring in this contest.
At 5-0, Grand Rapids Catholic Central will square off against 5-0 South Christian next week in that much-anticipated OK Gold title bout. That game will be LIVE on Michigan Sports Radio. Forest Hills Eastern will conclude their regular season against Middleville.
