The Central Montcalm Hornets began their 2021 season on Thursday night with a home CSAA crossover matchup against the CSAA-Silver’s Morley Stanwood. After a frustrating postseason exit the past two seasons, it had to be encouraging to Hornets fans that their team started the 2021 campaign off with another strong showing. The defense played stout on their way to a 28-14 victory.
In the first quarter, Central Montcalm scored the lone touchdown. Isaac Johnson broke free, and the junior was off to the races for a 49-yard touchdown run. This gave the Hornets a 7-0 lead. Their lead was doubled when Caleb Crooks aired it out in the second quarter to connect with Preston Scott on a 55-yard score.
Morley Stanwood wouldn’t go away quietly, as the Mohawks passed their way back into the ball game. Aaron Moore took to the air and connected with Demetrius Welder for a 57-yard score to get Morley on the scoreboard. Before the half, they would even the count with another deep pass, this time a 60-yard toss from Moore to Jaqorri VerMaas. The game was deadlocked at 14 as the teams broke for halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Hornets’ offense came back to life in the final frame. Isaac Johnson again used his legs to find the endzone, reeling off a 60-yard touchdown that pushed Central Montcalm back in front. Caleb Crooks would deliver the nail in the coffin with a 2-yard quarterback keeper.
Johnson finished this game with 11 carries for 190 yards and those two key touchdowns. Brandon Cascante Rivas was extremely effective in the kicking game as the junior converted all four extra point tries.
Next week, Central Montcalm will travel to Newaygo in a CSAA-Gold opener set for next Friday. Morley Stanwood will host Carson City-Crystal on Thursday in their home opener.
