The Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars entered Friday night without Joey Silveri, their record-setting signal-caller. The confidence in the team’s passing ability was on full display, as they threw 29 consecutive passes to start the game, capturing a 49-14 victory.
In the first quarter, GRCC scored the first 22 points. John Passinault aired it out for the first three scores, finding Nolan Ziegler on a 9-yard toss, Devin Fridley-Bell on a 43-yard pass, and Joe Mullet on a 20-yard strike. Wayland would respond with a 95-yard kickoff return by Ian Thompson, his third kickoff return touchdown of the 2021 campaign. The Cougars responded with another passing score, as Passinault and Ziegler linked up on a 53-yard toss to jump ahead 29-7.
The scoring continued in the second quarter with more of the aerial assault. Passinault found Ronin Russell-Dixon on a 9-yard connection, before he ceded way to Connor Wolf at quarterback. Wolf picked up where Passinault left off, pairing up with Mullet on a 17-yard touchdown. This pushed GRCC ahead 42-7 at the break.
In the second half, the teams exchanged touchdowns. Wolf and Mullet got things started with the lone third quarter score, a 17-yard strike once again. In the final frame, Maverick Daley powered across the goal line from a yard out.
The Cougars finished the game 23/30 for 347 yards and 7 touchdowns. John Passinault finished 13/18 for 223 yards and five scores. Connor Wolf was 10/12 for 124 yards and two touchdowns.
Eight GRCC receivers hauled in the football. Joe Mullet, Nolan Zeigler, and Ronin Russell-Dixon all recorded five receptions. On defense, Isaac Redmer and Aiden Bruggeman each had 7 tackles to lead the way.
Next week, the Cougars will look to extend their winning streak to 30 games. Standing in their way are the Middleville Trojans. Wayland, now 0-6 on the year, will take on Cedar Springs on Friday.
