GR South Christian wins D4 state title

DETROIT (WOOD) - Three West Michigan teams took Ford Field Friday for their chance at a state title -- and the Frenzy crew was there to cover it all.

Grand Rapids South Christian routed Detroit Country Day to win the Division 4 state title.

In the Division 2 game, Birmingham Brother Rice beat Muskegon and in the Division 6 final, Ithaca earned its third straight state title with a win over Constantine.

Division 4
Grand Rapids South Christian beats Detroit Country Day (40-7)

• With 6 minutes left in the 1st quarter, score remains 0-0.
• South Christian scores first with QB-keeper. 7-0 over Country Day.
• With 9 minutes left in the half, South Christian takes a 14-0 lead: QB Derek Woltjer to Jason Miller with a 41-yard touchdown pass.
• With 3 minutes left in the 2nd quarter, Country Day touchdown cuts South Christian lead to 14-7.
• South Christian takes 21-7 lead early in 2nd half.
• South Christian returns a punt for a touchdown. Sailors up 27-7.
• South Christian strikes again. Woltjer runs 69 yards for the TD. Sailors up 33-7 in the 3rd quarter.
• And of the 3rd quarter: South Christian QB Woltjer gets an interception.
• With 8 minutes left in the 4th quarter, South Christian scores again for a commanding 40-7 lead.
• Grand Rapids South Christian wins; 40-7.

Recap from the Associated Press: Quarterback Derek Woltjer ran for 136 yards and two touchdowns as Grand Rapids South Christian beat Detroit Country Day 40-7 on Friday night to win the Division 4 state championship.

Woltjer also threw for two more scores and completed all seven of his passes. He'd replaced starting quarterback Jon Wassink, who missed the game with a shoulder injury.

Chad Sterk also topped 100 yards rushing for the Sailors and returned a punt for a touchdown during the Michigan High School Athletic Association game.

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Division 6
Ithaca beats Constantine (37-27)

• With about 6:47 left in the 1st quarter, Constantine gets the first touchdown. Score: 7-0.
• About 4 minutes left in the 1st quarter: Ithaca scores. 7-7.
• About 3 minutes left in the 1st quarter: Constantine scores again. 14-7.
• With about 3:20 left in the half, Constantine is up 20-14.
• With less than a minute left in the half, Ithaca and Constantine are tied at 20-20.
• In the 3rd quarter, Ithaca leads 27-20 after 1-yard touchdown.
• 11 minutes left in the 4th quarter: Ithaca scores again and pulls ahead for a 30-20 lead over Constantine.
• About 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter: Ithaca leads Constantine 37-27.
• Ithaca wins; 37-27.

Recap from the Associated Press: Ithaca won its third consecutive Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 6 state championship and its 42nd game in a row in a 37-27 decision over Constantine on Friday at Ford Field in Detroit.

It was a rematch of last year's Division 6 title game.

Ithaca quarterback Travis Smith was injured and left Friday's contest with 6:18 left in the first quarter. He later had his right arm in a sling.

But Smith's backup, Logan Hessbrook, threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more scores.

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DIVISION 2
Birmingham Brother Rice beats Muskegon (35-28)

• At halftime, Brother Rice leads Muskegon 14-7.
• In the 3rd quarter, DeShaun Thrower rushes 1 yard for touchdown. Muskegon and Brother Rice tie at 14-14.
• In the 4th quarter, Brother Rice recovers Muskegon fumble at the 12 yard line. Two plays later they take the lead 21-14.
• With 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter, Marcus Smith of Muskegon rushes for 11 yards for a touchdown. Muskegon and Brother Rice tie at 21-21.
• With 3:30 left in the 4th quarter, Brother Rice QB passes 77 yards for a touchdown. Brother Rice leads Muskegon 28-21.
• With about 2:30 left in the 4th quarter, Muskegon QB Thrower passes to Keondre Craig for 51-yard touchdown. Muskegon and Brother Rice tie at 28-28.
• With 2:13 left, Brother Rice runs about 95 yards for touchdown. Brother Rice leads Muskegon 35-28.
• Brother Rice wins; 35-28.

Recap from the Associated Press: Jason Alessi's 91-yard return during a kickoff gave Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice a 35-28 win Friday over Muskegon for the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 state championship.

The victory at Ford Field in Detroit was Brother Rice's second consecutive state Division 2 title.

Alessi's touchdown came after he took a toss across the field from Delano Madison with 2:13 left in the game.

DeShaun Thrower's 51-yard touchdown pass to Keyon-Dre Craig with 2:31 left and Adrian Briseno's extra point tied the game at 28 for Muskegon.

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On Saturday:

Division 5 - Grand Rapids West Catholic vs Portland
Division 3 - Grand Rapids Christian vs Orchard Lake St. Mary's

The Football Frenzy crew will be at Ford Field throughout the weekend. Stay with 24 Hour News 8 for the latest scores and information.