The Caledonia Fighting Scots’ hot start continued on Friday night, as they took down rival East Kentwood. It was an impressive showing on the road, as they return home with a 35-9 victory.
In the first quarter, Caledonia got on the scoreboard first. Justice Reed showed his elusiveness with a 4-yard touchdown run. Connor Beach booted the extra point to put the Fighting Scots up by seven.
Early in the second quarter, the lead increased. Mason McKenzie kept the football, and for the ninth time this year, he rushed for a touchdown. Later in the frame, McKenzie broke the plane of the end zone once again, as he reeled off a 12-yard scamper. Andrew Welch got East Kentwood on the scoreboard with a 24-yard field goal, snapping a nine-quarter scoreless drought. The Fighting Scots took a 21-3 lead into the locker room.
Midway through the third quarter, Caledonia’s special teams made an impact. They blocked a Falcons’ punt, setting the offense up with a short field. Brock Townsend capitalized on the opportunity, powering across the goal line from two yards out. Beach’s fourth extra point gave Caledonia a 28-3 lead after three quarters of action.
McKenzie would return to the scoring sheet, though he took to the air for the final score of the night. Evan Graham was open, and he scored a 12-yard touchdown. Connor Beach finished a perfect night kicking the ball, converting all five extra points.
East Kentwood would break their eleven-quarter touchdown drought in the final frame, crossing the goal line for just the second time this year. Drew Burton broke through the Caledonia defense, finding the end zone from 34 yards out.
Caledonia was led by Mason McKenzie, who was 10/17 passing for 88 yards. He led the team with 19 carries and 91 rushing yards. Brock Townsend had a season-high in carries (13) and yards (87). Jett King also made an impact, completing two passes and rushing for 46 yards. Theren Sanders led the defense with 5.5 tackles, while Owen Graham added five.
The Fighting Scots are 4-0 for the first time since 2012, when Ryan Zoet and Heath Hoogerhyde led the team to the State Semifinals. Next week, they will go for a fifth straight win against Grand Haven. East Kentwood on the other hand, is 0-4 for the first time since 1964, the school’s fourth year of playing. They will hope to end that skid against West Ottawa next Friday.
