The Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars travelled across town to take on their rivals West Catholic in a District Championship game between two of the state’s most storied programs. It was another thrilling chapter, with the trophy being dealt out in the closing seconds.
West Catholic began the game with the football, and they capitalized with a score. Grady Augustyn took to the air for the touchdown, pairing up with Jack Zegunis for a 33-yard score. This 8-play, 72-yard touchdown drive was the only scoring play of the first quarter.
The Falcons would push their lead farther out early in the second quarter. After a drive deep into GRCC territory, the Cougars forced a field goal attempt. Landon Smith buried the short 22-yard kick, giving West a 10-0 lead.
As the first half drew to a close, Catholic Central got their answer. Odin Spencer tossed a jump ball into the end zone, and Jami Williams was able to haul it in for a 15-yard score. A two-point conversion pass brought the score to 10-8 West Catholic as the teams went to the locker room.
Early in the third quarter, the duo of Spencer and Williams paired up again for a Cougar touchdown. This time, they connected on a 27-yard touchdown that gave GRCC a 15-10 advantage.
On the ensuing West Catholic drive, the Falcons moved their way down the field. Augustyn and Zegunis, in an attempt to not be outdone by their GRCC counterparts, paired up for their second touchdown pass. This 13-yard connection, in addition to a two-point conversion pass, allowed West to regain the lead at 18-15 with three minutes to play in the third quarter.
GRCC put together a strong drive in response, reaching the West Catholic 36-yard line. The Cougars elected to go for a fourth down try needing just a yard, and the Falcons defense stopped them in their tracks.
This defensive stand was echoed, as West Catholic turned it over on their own 4th-and-1 on the ensuing possession. These key plays left the game a three-point contest throughout the fourth quarter.
With less than thirty seconds to go, West Catholic was set to punt the football away with their punter standing on their own 26 yard line. A remarkable special teams play by Brayden Sweeney resulted in a block by GRCC. Sweeney was able to both block the football and secure the loose kick. As a result of this play, the Cougars took over at the West Catholic 12-yard line with 18 seconds to play.
Having seized all of the momentum, but without any timeouts, the Cougars were going to need to go to the air to obtain this victory. Odin Spencer of course looked the way of his favorite target, Jami Williams. In the back corner of the end zone, Williams made a remarkable catch, and with 9 seconds to play, Catholic Central took a 21-18 lead.
A desperation heave by West Catholic fell incomplete, and the Cougars were able to secure their 9th straight District Championship in the most thrilling victory they’ve had in recent memory.
This victory will advance Grand Rapids Catholic Central to the regional finals, where they will face Kalamazoo United. The Titans easily disposed of Berrien Springs, 41-22, in Friday’s District Championship.
