By Staff
CASSOPOLIS -- The visiting Schoolcraft Eagles were too much for the Cassopolis Rangers in the second half of their season opener on Thursday, Aug. 28, winning, 33-6.
The Rangers trailed just 13-6 at the intermission, but were unable to match Schoolcraft's fire power in the second half.
A variety of injuries and cramps hindered the Rangers in any comeback bid.
Cassopolis jumped out to an early 6-0 lead as it took the opening kickoff and marched down the field on the Eagles.
The Rangers (0-1) capped off their drive with a 20-yard run by Ashton Danzy down the Schoolcraft sideline.
Cassopolis' defense did not give up a score in the first half.
On the ensuing kickoff, Andrew Werkema scored on an 81-yard return to make it 7-6 after Justin Wonder's kick.
Corey Smith returned a pass 60-yards to account for all of the first half scoring.
Casey Young and Smith both scored in the third quarter on pass plays from Jacob Manning and Rich Peters respectively as the Eagles opened up a 26-6 advantage.
Erick O'Donnell completed the scoring with a four-yard run in the fourth quarter.
The Rangers finished with just 54 yards rushing and another 29 yards through the air on 6-of-34 passing.
Schoolcraft rushed for 217 yards and 44 yards passing.
The Rangers return to action Friday night as they travel to Gobles for another non-conference contest.
The Tigers were 8-2 last year, losing only to Decatur. Gobles was edged by the Raiders Thursday night, 10-8.
Schoolcraft 7 6 13 7 -- 33
Cassopolis 6 0 0 0 -- 6
C -- Ashton Danzy 20 yard run (run failed).
S -- Andrew Werkema 81 yard kickoff return (Justin Wonders kick).
S -- Corey Smith 60 yard interception return (run failed).
S -- Casey Young 29 yard pass from Jacob Manning (pass failed).
S -- Smith 13 yard pass from Rich Peters (Wonders kick).
S -- Erik O'Donnell 4 yard run (Wonders kick).
EDWARDSBURG -- Just as they did twice last year, the Constantine Falcons defeated the Edwardsburg Eddies in their season opener Thursday, Aug. 26, 42-7.
The Falcons defeated the Eddies in the regular season last year and then put an end to Edwardsburg's playoff run in the district finals.
It was over early for the Eddies as Constantine scored 14 points in each of the first two quarters.
Zach McGill returned the opening kickoff 91 yards and Josh Smith added the extra point to give the Falcons a quick 7-0 lead.
Mike Schragg scored the first of his three touchdowns in the first quarter on a three-yard run.
Brother Jim Schragg then recovered a fumble in the Edwardsburg end zone to make it a 21-0 contest.
Lee Jennings completed the first half scoring for the Falcons with his four-yard run.
Edwardsburg averted the shut out as Anthony Peak hauled in a four-yard pass from brother Nathan Peak. Anthony Peak then converted the extra point kick to make it 28-7.
Constantine added single touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters on runs of four and 16 yards by Mike Schragg who finished with 58 yards rushing.
Constantine, led by Jon Ball's 109 yards rushing, finished the night with 328 yards on the ground.
Edwardsburg managed just 74 yards rushing, however, Nathan Peak was 8-of-18 for 143 yards through the air, including 78 yards to Phil Bretschneider.
Constantine 14 14 7 7 -- 42
Edwardsburg 0 7 0 0 -- 7
C -- Zach McGill 91 yard kickoff return (Josh Smith kick).
C -- Mike Schragg 3 yard run (Smith kick).
C -- Jim Schragg fumble recovery in the end zone (Smith kick).
C -- Lee Jennings 4 yard run (Smith kick).
E -- Anthony Peak 4 yard pass from Nathan Peak (Anthony Peak kick).
C -- Mike Schragg 4 yard run (Smith kick).
C -- Mike Schragg 16 yard run (Smith kick).