The Muskegon Big Reds welcomed Cedar Springs to town on Saturday in the district semifinals of Division 3. This was a matchup that some saw as an intriguing contest, as the clashing styles went up against each other. Ultimately, when the game got underway, Muskegon was able to set the pace early. The Big Reds would go on to win 34-12.

Halfway through the first quarter, Muskegon got on the scoreboard first. Myles Walton burst through the middle of the defense for a five-yard touchdown run that gave the Big Reds a 7-0 lead.

On the first play of the second quarter, Muskegon struck again. This time, Amari Crowley kept the football on an option play to the left side of the field. He weaved his way through the Red Hawks’ defense for a thirty-yard touchdown. The Big Reds would push their lead to twenty when Walton received an option and went twelve yards into the end zone.

Cedar Springs finally crossed the goal line with two seconds left in the first half. Jeremy Campione and Josh Kriekaard connected for a twelve yard touchdown pass that cut the lead to 20-6 Muskegon at the break.

Muskegon would score first in the second half with their fourth rushing touchdown of the game. Amari Crowley kept the football and the quarterback powered across the goal line from a yard out. Later in the third quarter, Cedar Springs responded. Alex Ream rushed for a nine-yard touchdown, which made the score 27-12 in favor of Muskegon.

The Big Reds would tack on one additional touchdown in the final quarter to increase their margin of victory. Amari Crowley took to the air and found Jeremiah Dault for a twenty-two yard touchdown pass.

Running the football was the main form of offense on both sides in this game. There were only ten combined passes, with the Big Reds outgaining Cedar Springs through the air 96-59. On the ground, Muskegon also held the yardage advantage with a 255-153 mark.

Amari Crowley led the way for the Big Reds with 96 yards passing, 83 yards rushing, and three total touchdowns. Jacarri Kitchen added 77 yards on the ground, while Myles Walton added 73 yards and two touchdowns.

Next Saturday, Muskegon will host Marquette in the district finals. The Redmen topped Mt. Pleasant 21-14 on Saturday in their district semifinals. These two teams met in last year’s playoff opener, and Muskegon dominated Marquette 69-7.