Photo courtesy of Lou Murray
The Caledonia Fighting Scots entered Friday night with a perfect 7-0 mark. Looming ahead next week is an epic showdown with Rockford, a season finale that will decide the OK Red title and playoff positioning. With such high stakes ahead in Week 9, it was essential that Caledonia avoided a slip-up against West Ottawa in Week 8. Coach Pennington’s Fighting Scots did just that, cruising to a 48-0 victory.
Caledonia struck first, starting with a big play on the ground. Brock Townsend broke free and raced past oncoming Panthers for a 27-yard score to get this thing started. Later in the first quarter, Caledonia doubled their lead on a 32-yard pass from Mason McKenzie to Derek Pennington Jr. Two successful extra points from Luke Vogeler gave the Fighting Scots a 14-0 lead.
This advantage grew on the first play of the second quarter. Once again, McKenzie and Pennington paired up for a score. This time, it was a quick-hitter on a 2-yard toss. On the ensuing Caledonia drive, McKenzie connected with Justice Reed on a 17-yard strike. This propelled Caledonia ahead by 28 points.
The Fighting Scots weren’t done in the second quarter, with two scores in the final five minutes. Townsend got loose once again, and the shifty back sprung free for a 27-yard jaunt to the goal line. With twenty-five seconds remaining until the half, Caledonia’s defense capped off their phenomenal first half. Theren Sanders stepped in front of a West Ottawa pass, securing the interception and rumbling 14 yards for a score. Caledonia took a commanding 41-0 lead into the locker room.
With the running clock in effect, Caledonia’s possessions were limited in the second half. The Fighting Scots were able to add one final score to their tally, as Brody Betser found Ethan Berends on a 5-yard passing play.
Caledonia outgained West Ottawa 372-181 in this victory. The Fighting Scots were balanced, with 154 passing yards and 218 on the ground. Mason McKenzie finished 7/11 passing for 106 yards and three scores. He added 43 rushing yards on three carries. Brock Townsend paced the ground game with 103 yards on 8 carries. DJ Walker added 25 rushing yards on 10 carries.
Defensively, Tyler Burd (5 tackles, 0.5 sack), Alex Klingensmith (4 tackles) and Jett King (4 tackles, 0.5 sack) led the way, with Sanders adding the interception.
Caledonia is now 8-0 for the first time since 2008. They will look to secure an undefeated regular season and an OK Red title next week, at home against Rockford.
