The Big Rapids Cardinals have been one of the surprises in the CSAA Gold, starting the season with a 2-1 record. On Friday night, they faced 3-0 Central Montcalm, and the Cardinals delivered a statement victory. They went on the road, and returned home from Stanton with a 25-21 victory.
Midway through the first quarter, Wil Strickler took to the air, and he found Grant Kidder for an 80-yard touchdown. They would miss the conversion, leaving Big Rapids’ lead at just six points after twelve minutes.
Big Rapids would extend their lead early in the second quarter, as Strickler and Jamal Strickland paired up for the sixth time this season. This 47-yard touchdown gave the Cardinals a twelve-point lead. Mitch Herald would get Central Montcalm on the scoreboard with a 36-yard touchdown run. The Hornets would trail 12-7 entering the locker room.
The third quarter was nearly scoreless. With just thirty-two seconds to play, Big Rapids found the end zone. Strickler and Strickland, the reliable scoring duo, connected on a 28-yard touchdown. This extended the Cardinals’ lead to eleven points with one quarter to play.
Central Montcalm started the fourth quarter scoring with 8:30 to play. Kaleb Crooks kept the football, and the Hornets’ signal-caller powered across the goal line from four yards out. Crooks used his legs for the conversion as well, trimming the deficit to just six points.
Big Rapids responded with a rushing touchdown from their quarterback, Wil Strickler. He covered the length of the red zone, running 25 yards across the goal line. Mitch Herald would score again for Central Montcalm, but they could not overcome the two-score deficit.
Both teams now sit at 3-1 on the season after this game. Big Rapids is 3-0 in the CSAA Gold, while Central Montcalm slides to 2-1. Central Montcalm will take on Chippewa Hills next week, while Big Rapids will square off with Reed City.
