The Big Rapids Cardinals entered Friday night with a perfect record in CSAA play. In their final league match, the conference title was on the line. Win, and Big Rapids would be crowned the outright league champions. Lose to Newaygo, and Ralph Munger’s Lions would split the crown, with the potential for Reed City to join the party.
A strong start for the Cardinals propelled them to victory, securing the 41-20 win and their third straight conference title.
In the opening quarter, it was the Big Rapids ground attack that got the Cardinals off to a strong start. Garrett Foster found the end zone twice, on runs of 2 and 21 yards each. This gave Big Rapids a 14-0 advantage before Newaygo’s Porter Sominski halved their margin with a 23-yard rushing score.
Big Rapids would respond in the second quarter with two additional scores to create some separation from Newaygo. Cole Haist tossed both touchdowns, linking up with Garrett Foster for a 9-yard score and following that up with a 55-yard passing play to Max Bollman.
Ahead 28-7 at halftime, Big Rapids extended their lead at the end of the third quarter. Haist again took to the air, this time finding Liam Mclaughlin for his 43-yard strike.
In the fourth quarter, Newaygo trimmed the final count with two touchdowns of their own, but the damage was already done.
Cole Haist was 8/11 passing in this win, racking up 150 yards and three touchdowns. Jack Bollman paced a ground game that averaged 5.8 yards per carry.
Next week, Big Rapids (6-1) will take on Coopersville in a game that will be broadcast LIVE on MSR. Newaygo (5-2) will also be out-of-conference when they take on Lakewood LIVE on MSR.
