The Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars began their 2025 season with a 180 mile road trip to St John, Indiana, where they took on the Lake Central Indians. This was a rematch of last year’s season opener, a narrow GRCC victory. The Cougars will have plenty to celebrate on their long bus ride home, signing to the tune of a 30-7 victory.
In the first quarter, the Cougars got out to a hot start with a pair of successful scoring drives. Sophomore quarterback Odin Spencer used his legs to cross the goal line on both drives, finding the end zone on keepers of three and four yards to give the Cougars a 14-0 advantage.
GRCC took a 17-0 lead into the locker room by converting on a 27-yard field goal for the only score of the second quarter. Mathew Tidd had a strong first half with two successful extra points and this field goal kick.
Lake Central finally got on the scoreboard in the third quarter, with a stellar play by the defense. Senior Cam Calvert stepped in front of a pass and raced 42 yards to the end zone. TJ Ohlenkamp booted an extra point to trim the deficit to just ten.
Just moments into the fourth quarter, GRCC answered with a rushing touchdown to extend their lead. Dale Gant Jr ripped off a 28-yard carry to put the Cougars back ahead by 16. With ninety seconds to go, Gant iced the game with a 21-yard touchdown carry.
This is the first of two straight out-of-state opponents for the Cougars. They will look to move to 2-0 next week, when they take on Hamilton St Thomas More, a program from the Ontario province of Canada.
