The Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars have established themselves as the premier program in the State of Michigan. The three-time defending State Champions extended their win streak to a remarkable 38 straight games on Friday, as they cruised past Port Huron over in Ann Arbor. The 38th straight win is good for the sixth longest streak in MHSAA history.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central wasted no time in creating an advantage over the Big Reds. The Cougars scored twice in the first two minutes to jump ahead 13-0. Connor Wolf got the Cougars started with a five-yard touchdown toss to Jami Williams. This was set up by an explosive run from Kellen Russell-Dixon. After forcing a fumble on their first defensive snap, the Cougars had great field position. This time, Russell-Dixon was able to score on his own, a five-yard carry into the end zone.
Connor Wolf took to the air for the third score of the quarter, finding Jami Williams again. This time, their connection was 38 yards for a touchdown. GRCC opted to go for two, and they failed. As a result, it was 19-0 Cougars after one quarter of action.
Another miscue for the Big Reds set up GRCC in great field position. Derrick Weiss secured the interception that flipped the field, giving the Cougars the ball deep in the red zone. Connor Wolf and Billy Mikolay paired up for a 9-yard score. Wolf would add two more touchdown passes in the first half, finding Jami Williams (4 yards) and Nathan VanTimmeren (on a 37 yard Hail Mary) to extend the halftime advantage to 39 points.
Sean Sullivan got the Cougars rolling in the third quarter with a 55-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage. Isaac Redmer was able to scoop a bobble PAT snap and score the conversion. Sullivan would reel off a 62-yard touchdown dash at the end of the quarter to extend the GRCC cushion to 54 points. This would be the final count for the victors, a commanding 54-0 win.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central outgained Port Huron 427-88 in this game. Connor Wolf was 11/17 passing for 177 yards and five touchdowns. Nate VanTimmeren (37 yards) led the Cougars in receiving yards, Michael App paced the group in catches (4), and Jami Williams hauled in the most touchdowns (3). Sean Sullivan had 138 rushing yards on four carries, while Kellen Russell-Dixon added 104 rushing yards on seven carries.
Next week, Grand Rapids Catholic Central returns to the eastside for a matchup with Detroit Loyola. Port Huron is still outside MAC Blue action with a crossover battle against Eastpointe.
