Photo by A. Brumleve

A winning streak! That is what the Red Hawk varsity football team accomplished with last Friday’s 14-12 thrilling victory over Belding. This team seems to have a penchant for close, down to the wire contests, as this game was not over until Belding missed a potential game winning field goal with 30 seconds left in the game. If the people of Cedar Springs notice the additional grey hairs on the parents and coaches heads, you know why.

Belding got the scoring started with a lengthy drive that took most of the first quarter, with a 32-yard scamper by Chris Daller. The extra point was blocked, however, by A.J. Olszewski. The Red Hawks countered with a fine return of the ensuing kickoff, by Zack Carpentier, that gave them possession deep in Belding’s side of the field. Cedar capitalized on the drive on a 3-yard TD run by James Putnam and the extra point by Ryan Austin. Belding took the halftime lead of 12-7 on a QB keeper by Daller. They missed the extra point again; this would come back the haunt Belding in the end.

From left to right Shane Bratt #30, Scott Vodry #12, Tyler Baker #46, Andrew Klompstra #68.

The Red Hawks took the opening second half kick off and drove down and scored on a 5 yard TD pass from Tyler Covell to Olszewski followed by the Austin extra point. Cedar took a 14-12 lead into the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Belding held the Red Hawks deep in their end and took possession with just 2 minutes remaining. They drove the field and were set up for a 24-yard field goal. The snap was good, hold was good, but the kick was wide right. Jubilation exploded on the Red Hawk sideline and stands.

Cedar, (3-3 in OK Blue and 4-4 overall) will go into their final game this coming week at league leading West Catholic (6-0 in OK Blue and 8-0 overall) with a chance to finish the season with a winning record.