The Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars took their unbeaten league record into battle on Friday night, as they took on Cedar Springs. The Red Hawks, after two challenging non-league bouts, entered this contest with their own perfect league mark. A fast-paced start in this game propelled GRCC to a convincing 53-14 victory.
The Cougars got started with a trio of touchdown runs by Kellen Russell-Dixon. He got things started with a 2-yard touchdown run, followed that up later in the frame with a 12-yard touchdown score and concluded his stretch with a short 2-yard plunge. Adding in a first quarter safety gave GRCC a quick 25-0 lead just two minutes into the second quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff after Russell-Dixon’s third score, Cedar Springs’ return unit broke free. Kaiden Dreyer was able to slip past the oncoming tacklers for an 85-yard touchdown return.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central responded with a trio of touchdowns to conclude the first half. First, Connor Wolf and Mill Coleman III paired up for a 53-yard touchdown strike. Shortly thereafter, Russell-Dixon returned to the end zone with a 21-yard burst. Finally, GRCC took their 46-7 halftime lead when Wolf and Coleman linked up again.
With the running clock in effect after the half, the offensive opportunities were limited. GRCC was able to find the end zone once, a third quarter touchdown run by Lucas Thelen. Cedar Springs was able to match that score with a short touchdown run by Hudson Pant.
Kellen Russell-Dixon led GRCC with 171 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 22 carries. Connor Wolf added an 11/14 passing day for 218 yards and 2 scores. Mill Coleman III was his favorite target with 3 catches for 124 and the two touchdown passes. Perhaps most impressive was the GRCC defense. They held a typically dynamic Cedar Springs rushing attack to just 124 yards.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central improves to 4-1 on the season with this win. Next week, they will look to build on that mark with a game against Kenowa Hills. Cedar Springs, now 2-3, has another challenging contest next Friday. The Red Hawks will face off with South Christian.
