The Coopersville Broncos fell in Week 7 to Kenowa Hills, 43-41, in a game that went back-and-forth throughout the evening. When the MHSAA announced these two would meet again in the opening round of the playoffs, many expected another great showdown. They could not be further from the truth. A fast start allowed the Broncos to build a lead and cruise to a 39-13 victory.
In the first half of this game, it was all Coopersville. The Broncos scored 26 unanswered points to create a massive advantage on the Knights.
On Coopersville’s first drive, Isaac Lemieux provided some fast fireworks. He reeled off an 86-yard sprint, racing past the Knights defenders for a touchdown run. During the opening plays of the second quarter, quarterback Beau Harris got in on the fun with his 0wn 51-yard race to the end zone.
Ahead 13-0, the Broncos continued to run the football. On the ensuing drive, Lemieux showed more power in a 9-yard touchdown carry. Finally, in the closing seconds of the half, Harris bowled across the goal line from two yards out, giving Coopersville their 26-0 lead.
The Broncos began the second half with the football, and they wasted no time expanding their lead. Beau Harris remained ready to show off his running ability, bursting for a 39-yard touchdown carry.
Kenowa Hills finally got on the scoreboard when Lundon Hampton carried the football 3 yards for a touchdown. The Knights made things more interesting early in the fourth quarter, as Hampton returned to the end zone with a 15-yard carry. Now with just under 12 minutes to play, it was 32-13 in favor of Coopersville.
The Broncos would quell any momentum from Kenowa Hills, scoring the game’s final touchdown. Brooks Hadden found the endzone from 16 yards out, icing the game for Coopersville.
This is the third straight season that Coopersville has won its playoff opener. Next week, the Broncos will be on the road to visit Forest Hills Central. The Rangers, two-time consecutive State Finalists, shut out East Grand Rapids 7-0 in their district opener.
