The most anticipated OK Gold matchup to date took place on Friday night, as South Christian faced Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Many remember last year’s battle, in which the Sailors narrowly lost by a single point. It would not be the same result on Friday, as the Cougars took home a 28-6 victory.
Neither team would score in the opening quarter of this game. GRCC would break into the scoring column in the first minute of the second quarter. Joey Silveri and Nate VanTimmeren connected on a 13-yard touchdown pass, and John Meyer booted the extra point. The Cougars would take this 7-0 lead into the locker room.
In the third quarter, GRCC’s rushing attack would take over. Ronin Russell-Dixon took the reigns, ripping off a 12-yard touchdown run. Later in the quarter, John Passinault, on in relief of Joey Silveri, powered across the goal line from 5 yards out. This would extend the Cougars’ lead to 21 points.
Passinault and Devin Fridley-Bell paired up on a 16-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter, creating a 27-0 lead for GRCC. Jake DeHaan would end the scoreless drought for South Christian, as he found Jake Vermaas on a five-yard slant.
Jack Rellinger had a strong rushing game for GRCC, with 107 yards on 20 carries. Ronin Russell-Dixon added 30 yards. John Passinault finished 5/8 passing for 58 yards, he added 17 rushing yards and 7 yards receiving. On defense, Passinault chipped in four tackles.
The win streak for Grand Rapids Catholic Central now sits at 27 games. Next week, they will take on Ottawa Hills in an old-school City League battle. South Christian, now 2-2, will continue OK Gold play against Wayland.
