On Friday, Sept. 25, I went back to the old stomping grounds of Big Rapids to watch a battle for the top of the CSAA. The Big Rapids Cardinals, who were 2-2 on the year was taking on the undefeated Chippewa Hills Warriors.
Despite the records, the Warriors had an uphill climb. The Cardinals have had their number for most of the 2020’s and with a larger school and more recent success, it would’ve been a statement win for Chippewa Hills. Unfortunately the talent on the Big Rapids roster was too much forthe Warriors, and Big Rapids rolled to a 29-0 shutout win.
There’s a reason why Big Rapids has won the CSAA each of the last four years, alongside multiple district titles. It comes from a strong defense. This year was no difference, with the squad bosting of Max Bollman, one of the best defensive linemen in the state. The unit has proven their worth throughout the season, most notably with a 6-0 overtime win against Tri County earlier in September, and they proved it again on Friday.
The Cardinals held Chippewa Hills to only 191 yards of total offense, recording two sacks and one fumble. Bollman himself recorded two sacks and one tackle for a loss.
The offense had been the main issue with the Cardinals for half of the season, battling injuries and illness. Alexander Brandt who was a first time starter this year at quarterback, showed the flashes of talent that had people excited. He had an efficient night passing, going 11-17 for 126 yards and a touchdown. He also added 52 yards rushing and a touchdown and one reception for 44 yards.
Brandt switched with Dan Langell, who is a speedster that operated as the teams Wildcat QB last year. He finished with 58 yards and two touchdowns rushing and had one completion for 44 yards operating as that same Wildcat option.
It was an efficient offense and a dominant defense that led the way to the Cardinals, and now they are 3-2.
For Chippewa Hills, they had a tough night playing up a division. The defense was impressive, getting multiple goalline stops in the first half that kept the game close, Big Rapids was only up 8-0 at the half.
The offense struggled though, with Brock Pelong going 7-13 for 67 yards through the air. Pelong had found success this year on the ground, but he was kept in check for the night. He had 54 yards rushing on 23 carries. Overall, a rush heavy Chippewa Hills team was held to only 124 yards on 38 carries for an average of 3.3 yards per carry.
The Warriors fall to 4-1 on the season. It’s not the end of the world for them, and they are still well within the playoff hunt as they look to have their best season of the 2020’s.
