Quarterback Collin Alvesteffer scored both touchdowns against the Muskegon Big Reds. Photo by K. Alvesteffer.

“What a season! Our guys are the best and most honest players…” says Donna Male-Cotten, speaking for members of the Cedar Springs football family. A united “thank you” goes out to each and every player for their dedication and drive. The young men of Cedar Springs football united the community, while playing full on throughout the season, showing strength in offensive play, defensive play, and personal character.

Saturday, the Cedar Springs Red Hawks traveled to Muskegon to take on the Big Red in the district final match up. Under cloudy skies following a morning of rain, teams took to the field for a well matched, well-played game. At the half, Cedar led with a score of 14-7. However, Muskegon was able to come back in the second half and limited the Red Hawks to two first downs through the rest of the game.

Football Senior Captain Caden Burrows working in the trenches. Photo by K. Alvesteffer

The Red Hawks defense made running inside tough on the Big Red team. Senior linebacker MavRick Cotten led the team with 13 tackles, followed by Anthony Toploski with 10 and Collin Alvesteffer with 9.

The Red Hawks defense could not keep the Big Reds out of the end zone in the third and fourth quarters. The Red Hawks fell to the Big Reds 27-14 in the end.

It was a season of records. After a pause of 36 years, the 2014 Hawks brought home the title of OK Bronze Conference Champions! The school record for total points scored in a season was raised to 388. Coach Gus Kapolka endeared himself to the community and earned well-deserved recognition as Detroit Lion’s Coach of the Week.

The long held tradition of team meals the evening prior to every game continued, supported by family members and local businesses. Thank you to the parents and all the businesses who generously gave supported us and gave of their time each week.

The Cedar Springs community says, “Thank you!” to the coaching staff and young men of the Cedar Springs football program for a remarkable year of memories. From Rocket to Red Hawk you make us proud!