For the second week in a row, the Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars were engaged in a heated defensive battle. This time, they took it even further, capturing a narrow victory over Middleville without scoring a single offensive touchdown. Their defense did one better, outscoring Middleville 7-0, allowing the Cougars to remain unbeaten with a 10-0 win.
This game was scoreless until deep into the third quarter. With 1:08 to play in the frame, GRCC drew first blood with a 22-yard field goal from Noah Zainea. This is the second straight week that Zainea’s boot has elevated the Cougars to victory, with his kick last Friday against East Grand Rapids proving to be the difference in that one.
Just seconds into the fourth quarter, the Cougars defense got on the scoreboard. Collin Lott scooped up a fumble, racing 20 yards for the clinching touchdown. This would be the only touchdown of the entire game, as the Cougars pitch their first shutout of the season.
With the win, GRCC is 5-0 for the first time since 2022. Their defense has allowed just seven points in two conference games, and 38 points in their first five contests. Next week, the Cougars square off with a longtime City League foe in Ottawa Hills. For Middleville, their loss sends them to 3-2. While they placed GRCC tougher than they have in over a decade, there has to be some feelings of a missed opportunity, as the Trojans defense kept the offense out of the end zone. Middleville will look to bounce back next week against Northview.
