Photo Credit: Jenn Bellgraph Photography
The Caledonia Fighting Scots got out to a 2-0 start that surprised many in the area. They faced a tall test on Friday night, as they welcomed a talented 1-1 Grandville club. After four hard-fought quarters, Caledonia’s hot start continues, as the Fighting Scots won 24-14.
After a scoreless first quarter, Caledonia’s offense broke through midway through the second frame. Mason McKenzie kept the football, and the signal caller reeled off a 28-yard touchdown run. The Fighting Scots’ lead would be doubled later in the quarter, as McKenzie rushed for a 4-yard scamper. Caledonia took their 14-0 advantage to the locker room.
In the third quarter, Grandville got on the scoreboard. Cade Pilczuk plowed through the Scots’ defense for a 2-yard score, trimming the deficit in half. On the ensuing drive, McKenzie took matters into his own hands again. He used his legs and was off to the races down the left side, stepping past an outstretched Bulldog defender for a 50-yard touchdown run.
Photo Credit: Eric Tuori
Early in the final frame, Grandville got back within a score. Ian Sanders and Tyson Mann paired up on a 4-yard play action pass that resulted in a touchdown. Caledonia would put the game away when a big run by Brock Townsend on third down set up a 28-yard field goal by Connor Beach. Caledonia would hold their ten-point lead over the final three minutes.
The Fighting Scots outgained Grandville 331-222, racking up 270 yards on the ground. McKenzie was the catalyst with 23 carries for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Brock Townsend added 12 carries for 79 yards for the Fighting Scots. On defense, Luke Mandsager paced the Fighting Scots with 10 tackles. Ben Norris added 8 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss.
Grandville was led by Cade Pilczuk’s 104 rushing yards on 20 carries. Ian Sanders finished 8/17 passing for 76 yards.
Caledonia is now 3-0 on the season for the first time since 2012, when they reached the State Semifinals. Next week, they will try to move to 4-0 when they face East Kentwood. Grandville slips to 1-2 with the defeat, and their schedule remains challenging next week. The Bulldogs will square off with unbeaten Rockford next Friday night.
