Drew Klompstra making a great block for #1 Alex Memry to make a run. Photo by A. Brumleve

The initial contest in the “White Pine Trail” rivalry turned out to be a one-sided affair, as Cedar Springs defeated Tri County 33-6 this last Friday, in the first varsity football game of the season.

The Red Hawks came into the game with 15 returning starters and that experience showed from the opening kick off.  Cedar held the Vikings from the north to a quick three and out and proceeded to display a stout running attack that will carry them for the season. Conner Burrows, 16 carries for 137 yards 2 touchdowns, and Alex Hemry, 9 carries for 109 yards, led the team as they amassed 480 yards on the ground and a 14-0 halftime lead.

The Cedar Springs and Tri County Cross Country teams ran the ball from Tri County to Cedar Springs along the White Pine Trail. Here they are in the final stretch before handing the ball over to the Cedar Springs football team at Red Hawk Stadium. Photo by S. Harthorn.

Tri County would not go away without a fight, however. Falling behind 20-0 after a Jake Fisk 10 yard TD run, the Vikings’ Josh Proctor, Kyle Merlington, and Brandon Skeel compiled a drive that would result in a touchdown and cut the lead back down to just 2 touchdowns. The Red Hawk defense, led by Tyler Baker (13 tackles), Shane Bratt, Andrew Klompstra, and Trevor Hemry, shut down the Viking attack with some heavy pressure applied to the Vikings’ backfield. Touchdown runs by Cedar’s Hank Porter and Zack Carpentier closed out the game.

The great atmosphere of the two close communities coming together for this athletic event will hopefully lead to this becoming a yearly event. Cedar will be back at home tonight, Thursday, Sept. 2, against Forest Hills Eastern. The Vikings will open their home season that same day against Grant.