photo by R. Klompstra

The Cedar Springs varsity football team finally found a way to win a close game last Friday night, at Red Hawk stadium, against Comstock Park, with a 21-20 victory. After losing a heartbreaking game the previous week to Forest Hills Northern in overtime 28-27, the Red Hawks were determined to finish and come away on homecoming with a victory. On a rainy night both offenses were prone to turnovers and sloppy play, but it led to a very exciting finish for the crowd.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Panthers opened the scoring after a lengthy drive. The Red Hawks took advantage of a turnover deep in Comstock’s end with a one yard burst by Shane Bratt. With the first half winding down, it appeared that the score would stayed tied, but Comstock’s Trevor Crittendon caught a short pass and broke 6 tackles on his way to a touchdown that gave the Panthers a 14-7 halftime lead.

Photo by R. Klompstra

With a back and forth third quarter that included a blocked punt by Cedar’s Andrew Klompstra, Comstock broke through and scored on a Kevin McCarty’s 5-yard run, but missed the extra point, for a 20-7 lead going into the forth quarter. With 9 minutes to go in the game, the Red Hawks drove the field and scored on Bratt’s second touchdown of the game. Drawing the score to 20-14, the Red Hawk defense forced a quick punt that resulted in the final drama of the night. Cedar’s James Putnam attempted to field the punt but muffed it. Comstock Park apparently took advantage by returning the muff back for a touchdown, but by rule, a muffed punt cannot be advanced. With 2 minutes to go in the game, Comstock had the ball and looked in control. On the second play of the Panther’s drive, Cedar’s Kenny Mitz stole the handoff and ran it back 70 yards for a touchdown, and Ryan Austin’s extra point gave Cedar the final point in the 21-20 victory.

The Red Hawks look to even their record as they go on the road to face Belding with third place in the OK-Blue up for grabs, this coming Friday night.