The Cedar Springs Red Hawks took on Forest Hills Eastern in the OK Gold’s “Battle of the Birds”. FHE jumped out to a hot start, but ultimately Cedar Springs had too much offensive firepower in a 54-23 victory.
Midway through the first quarter, Clune Van Andel got FHE on the board with a 27-yard field goal attempt. On the ensuing drive, Ryan Mitchell capped off the scoring march with a 3-yard rush. FHE would regain the lead on a deep ball from Brayden Stratbucker to Ashton Thompson that covered 70 yards. This touchdown, with less than two minutes left in the quarter, gave FHE a 10-8 lead.
Cedar Springs would seize control in the second quarter, outscoring FHE 22-7. Ryan West got things started with a 63-yard sprint to paydirt for Cedar, just thirty-six seconds into the quarter. FHE would respond with a lengthier touchdown march. Bryson Kuzdel pick up his score of the evening, a 2-yard bowler.
Cedar Springs would score twice more before the half came to an end. Carter Falan used his legs for the first score, a two-yard rush. On the final play of the first half, Aiden Brunin and Falan paired up on a 29-yard scoring play.
In the second half, it was nearly all Cedar Springs. Alex Ream’s run through the left-side of the Cedar Springs line was the only scoring play in the third quarter. The Red Hawks would add two more rushing touchdowns in April, with Ryan Mitchell and Ryan West each scored of 49 and 21 yards respectively. Sandwiched amongst the action is a touchdown pass from Max Terrick from Brayden Stratbuker.
Ryan Mitchell led all rushers with 15 carries and 134 yards, while while Ryan West had 113 yards on 8 carries. Next week, Cedar Springs will face Middleville in OK Gold action. FHE is facing a must-win scenario against Ottawa Hills.
