Photo by R. Klompstra

The Red Hawk varsity football team’s roller coaster season continued last Friday night with a 28-7 loss to the Coopersville Broncos. The season long struggle to sustain a drive on offense reared its ugly head again as the Hawks were unable to consistently move the ball. The defense bent but did not break, in the first quarter, holding the Broncos out of the end zone. But they yielded two scores in the second quarter, and went into the half down 14-0.

Photos by R. Klompstra

The Broncos scored a quick touchdown on an interception return, putting Cedar down 20-0 early in the third quarter. The Red Hawks showed some resolve and drove the field and scored on a 20-yard run by Shane Bratt. On the ensuing Bronco drive, the Red Hawk defense held and forced them into a fourth down deep in their own end. A strong rush on the punter led to a questionable penalty that allowed Coopersville to retain possession and squash the momentum that the Red Hawks had built. Coopersville closed out the scoring in the fourth quarter for the final off 28-7.

Cedar Springs, 1-2 in conference and 2-3 overall, were led by Bratt on offensive with 122 yards rushing on 12 carries, and Canlon Bruer hauled in three receptions for 28 yards. Cedar is home this coming Friday against Forest Hills Northern at 7:00 p.m. at Red Hawk Stadium. The Hawks will be eager to start Red Flannel weekend off with a victory in front of a full house.