Photo Credit: Lou Murray

In high school football, rarely is the kicker the star of the team. Most teams struggle with kicking extra points, let alone converting lengthy field goals. In Friday night’s battle between Northview and Grand Rapids Catholic Central, it was all about the kickers. Three field goals were converted, compared to just one touchdown. In the end, Northview buried two of those kicks, allowing them to stun the Cougars 12-3.

After a scoreless first quarter, Grand Rapids Catholic Central started the scoring in the early moments of the second quarter. Conor Nielson converted a 32-yard field goal that gave the Cougars an early 3-0 edge.

Northview would respond on their ensuing drive, marching the field quickly. Jalen Gant put the Wildcats in front with his 2-yard carry, but the Wildcats’ PAT try was blocked by GRCC’s Raef Goosen.

In the second half, Northview’s Oscar Sanchez provided the only scoring plays. The senior kicker buried a pair of 37-yard field goals to extend the Wildcats lead and ensure they would defeat the Cougars.

This is the first time Northview has won seven games in a season since 2018, when they went 6-3 and reached the playoffs. In fact, it’s just the third time since 1978 that they have won seven games in any season. This 7-0 start is their best since 1977, when they won their first seven games of the year.

For Grand Rapids Catholic Central, this is the second time they have scored three or less points in a game this season (shutout against Pontiac Notre Dame Prep). This is the first time that this has happened since 2014, when they scored just 7 in a win against Ottawa Hills and were shutout against Indiana’s Merrillville Andrean.

Northview improves to 4-0 in league play, and they have secured at least a share of the OK Black. They will face Holland Christian next week, with a chance to grab the outright title. Grand Rapids Catholic Central slides to 5-2, and at 3-1 in the OK Black, they will need to beat East Grand Rapids and get a Holland Christian victory over these Wildcats to share the conference crown.