The Frankenmuth Eagles and Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars have been two of the best teams in the state for the last decade or so. While the Cougars may be considered the “gold standard” with their shelf of State Championship trophies, the Eagles have held their own as a model of consistency with at least nine wins in every season since 2012.
The early stages of this game were all Frankenmuth, before Catholic Central mounted a furious rally. In the end, Frankenmuth was able to hold off the Cougars and punch their ticket to Ford Field next weekend.
Just nineteen seconds into this game, Frankenmuth sent a message. Their tailback, Cash Tedford, ripped through the defensive front, sprinting 77 yards for a touchdown. This explosive play gave the Eagles a 7-0 lead and a ferocious batch of momentum.
GRCC was able to respond, as they went on their own touchdown run. Dale Gant Jr, the hero earlier this postseason, found the end zone on a 2-yard plunge. This evened the count at seven, and set the table for a competitive battle.
Frankenmuth, on their ensuing drive, answered back to recapture the lead. Tedford showed a bit more power on this touchdown run, bowling across the goal line from two yards out. Later in the quarter, Frankenmuth began their drive backed up at their own 7-yard line. Quarterback Aiden Labissoniere provided another thrilling highlight, as he broke off a 93-yard touchdown dash. After one exciting quarter of play, Frankenmuth led 21-7.
In the second quarter, the offense was relatively stagnant. There was only one scoring play, and it was yet another display of fireworks from Frankenmuth. Lleyton Hoard provided the highlight reel when he raced 65 yards to the end zone. This gave the ‘Muth a 28-7 halftime advantage, which was a bit of a stunner for most in attendance.
As had been the case when Catholic Central fell behind earlier this fall, the Cougars came out swinging in the third quarter. On their opening drive, Odin Spencer used his legs for a 5-yard touchdown run. After forcing a quick stop, Spencer and the Cougars returned to the end zone. This time, he aired it out and found Jami Williams on an 11-yard touchdown pass, trimming the lead to seven points.
Frankenmuth was able to provide an answer late in the frame, when Labissoniere plunged across the goal line from two yards out. With just twelve minutes to go, Frankenmuth was ahead 34-21. The Eagles could smell their return trip to Ford Field, they just had to finish the deal.
GRCC punched back once again, as they mounted a quick touchdown drive. Spencer took to the air again, this time finding Ace Natte on a 17-yard touchdown connection. After Conor Neilson converted the extra point, GRCC was back within six, 34-28.
With the dire need to answer and keep the Cougars at bay, Frankenmuth began their descent down the field. With just under two minutes to play, the Eagles found their counterpunch. Cash Tedford completed his rushing hat trick, capping off the drive with a 5-yard touchdown carry.
Behind by two scores again, GRCC needed a quick score. They found it on a 30-yard touchdown pass from Odin Spencer to Dale Gant, which again got the Cougars within seven. With only twenty-seven seconds on the clock, they needed an onside kick and another touchdown. Unfortunately for the Cougars, they were unable to create that pair.
Frankenmuth, now 13-0 on the season, will return to Ford Field for the second time in program history (2022). The Eagles will look for the first State Championship next Saturday afternoon, as they take on Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. As a measuring stick for the Eagles, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep bested GR Catholic Central 42-0 early in the season.
