**ARTICLE BY LIEN VELDBOOM**
The Broncos traveled to play Sparta for their final non-conference game of the regular season. They entered the game with a 1-0 record, and were hungry for another win. The Spartans looked to get back to their winning ways, after a tough opening loss. Coopersville came out ready to battle, creating an early 24-0 lead, which was enough to finish the game with a 45-20 victory.
In the first half, the Broncos took a commanding lead, scoring 24 straight points. They started slowly with a field goal from Evan Raymond but quickly found the endzone three minutes later. Luke Stanton caught the ball for a 23-yard touchdown making the score 10-0 at the end of the first quarter. Dylan Merlo added to the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown run. The final touchdown in this remarkable start also came from Merlo, as he caught a 30-yard touchdown pass.
Sparta would get a 20-yard touchdown from Gunner Busen, resulting in a 24-6 halftime deficit.
The second half had a little more action from both teams. Coopersville struck first when Merlo ran it in again for 21-yards. Shortly after, Colton Bosch found Ryan Serba for a 21-yard catch. The Spartans were able to construct a scoring drive late in the third quarter. This made the score 38-12 after a missed PAT.
The fourth quarter was quiet with only one touchdown a piece. For a third time, Merlo reached the end zone with a 2-yard run. The Spartans closed out the game with a touchdown of their own.
In their first conference game, Coopersville is set to square off against Unity Christian, who is shockingly 0-2 to begin the year. The Sparta Spartans, now 0-2, will travel to Comstock Park to battle the Panthers, who are 2-0.
