**ARTICLE BY HUDSON HARKNESS**
Big Rapids’ offense was too explosive for Chippewa Hills, as the Cardinals win, 41-8.
From the start it was the Cardinals. Five minutes into the game, Wil Strickler takes it up the middle for a 2-yard score. Jace Heck converts the PAT. No longer than 2-minutes later, the Cardinals are back on the 2-yard line, and this time James Brandt gets the call and hits the hole to give Big Rapids six more. Heck’s kick is good. At the end of one Cardinals lead Warriors, 14-0.
With five minutes remaining in the half, Strickler gets his number called again, this time from 4-yards out and he crosses the goal line again. Heck’s kicked good. Big Rapids’ defense steps up big when Zander Prince picks off Gage Saathoff and takes it 20-yards to the house. Heck converts another PAT. The Cardinals offense wasn’t done there, under a minute left in the half, Stickler drops back and finds Prince for a 79-yard pitch and catch score. Kick is good. At the half, Big Rapids 35, Chippewa Hills 0.
The 3rd quarter was quiet, as no one found the endzone. The 4th quarter started with a Noah Brandt 7-yard rushing touchdown. Kick by Heck is good. The Warriors get their only score with 3-minutes remaining, when Gage Saathoff finds Tyler Saxton for the 7-yard touchdown pass. Big Rapids win 41-8.
Big Rapids improves to 3-2. They will host Grant next Friday. Chippewa Hills falls to 1-4. They will host Lakeview in week six.
