The Caledonia Fighting Scots fell short of a Division 1 State Championship last year, losing 35-17 to Belleville in the finals. This fall, they are playing in Division 2, and began their playoff pursuit at home on Friday.
Though Caledonia had home field opportunities the past two seasons, the coaches elected to play home games away from Ralph E Meyers Memorial Stadium. This year, with turf installed at the stadium, the hidden gem gladly welcomed a rowdy playoff atmosphere back to its hallowed ground. It was a historical offensive performance for Caledonia, as they posted a 72-30 victory over Portage Northern.
Caledonia scored the first 35 points in this game to take a commanding lead after just the first quarter! They continued that momentum into a 56-16 halftime edge.
Brody Betser finished 6/9 passing for 147 yards and two scores. He found Maddox Greenfield and Brock Townsend for touchdowns through the air. In addition to his touchdown catch, Townsend added 188 yards rushing and three rushing touchdowns on 14 carries. Greenfield and Betser also used their legs for touchdown carries, while the Caledonia defense recorded a safety.
In defeat, Vaughnzell Tyus paced Portage Northern with a phenomenal rushing display. Tyus had 18 carries, totaling 184 yards and scoring three touchdowns.
Last fall, Caledonia scored 68 points in a win over North Farmington. This was their first 60-plus point output since a 2003 throttling of Holland Christian. Tonight’s 72-point affair is in even more rarefied air. This is the most points Caledonia has scored in a game since 1969, when they began their season with a 72-0 throttling of Byron Center. Interestingly enough, Caledonia will play the Bulldogs next week at home in the District Finals, after the Bulldogs upset Portage Central in the first round.
