The Big Rapids Cardinals, 4-2 on the season, took their team on the road on Friday, paying a visit to the Grant Tigers. It was a low-scoring battle, closer than most expected, but in the end, the Cardinals secured a 21-12 victory over Grant.
Big Rapids jumped out to a 14-0 lead in this game. Midway through the first quarter, Justin Gorczewicz ran to the left side, covering eight yards and powering into the end zone. On the opening play of the second frame, Wil Strickler used his legs on a 5-yard quarterback keeper.
With seventy seconds to play before halftime, Grant got on the board. They completed a 16-play, 80-yard march that took nearly eleven minutes off of the game clock. Brady Jacobs capped off the drive with a 6-yard touchdown run. The Tigers intercepted Big Rapids and had a chance to even the score at the break, but they ran out of time at the twenty yard line. As a result, it was 14-6 Big Rapids at halftime.
Late in the third quarter, Big Rapids extended their lead. Wil Strickler found the end zone once more, using his legs again on a 2-yard run. Grant would get back within single-digits with a 11-yard Brady Jacobs touchdown run, but they still needed two scores.
Wil Strickler finished 7/10 for 95 yards and two interceptions for the Cardinals. Justin Gorczewicz added 78 rushing yards, while Jamal Strickland had 43 receiving yards. Grant, who outgained Big Rapids 241-218, saw Brady Jacobs rush for 161 yards and pass for 63.
Next week, Big Rapids concludes CSAA Gold play with Tri-County. Each team has an outside shot at a share of the league title, though they will need a victory and a Reed City loss to Fremont. Grant, now 3-4 in 2021, will finish their league slate against Central Montcalm.
