Under an unforgiving August sun and amidst the sweltering heat; the Cassopolis Rangers football team kicked its 2013 campaign off with a bang as its dominated every aspect of the game against visiting New Buffalo in a 39-0 victory Thursday night.

It only took Rangers’ freshman Marquise Curtis all of 17 seconds to put his team ahead as he took the opening kickoff of the season 87 yards to pay dirt. From there, Cass never took its foot off the gas or looked back.

The Rangers came out with a new look “power-t” offense that was brought in by former Brandywine football coach and MSHAA Hall of Famer Jim Myers; and by goodness did it ever produce.

Cass outgained the Bison 276-128 on the ground and had four touchdown trots with two of them coming from 50-plus yards. Former Niles student-athlete Travis Edwards left a fantastic first impression for the Ranger faithful as he ran for 129 yards and two scores in his debut with the program.

The defense had a strong showing as well for Cass as they allowed only 148 yards in total for the Bison and forced three-turnovers en route to the shutout.

Coach Dan Purlee, who is entering his second season at the helm of the Cass program, said he was “proud” of his team’s effort in the opener.

“You know, first games are always nerve racking, we installed a new offense and really threw a lot at the kids early, and to come out and start the season off like this, it’s a great thing,” Purlee said.

“We have a great group of guys who are willing to work hard and are determined to do whatever it takes to get better; when you have kids like that, the sky’s the limit.”

The coaches and players will have the chance to see just how well their program measures up when they host perennial state powerhouse Mendon next Friday at 7 p.m.

 

Cassopolis 20 7 12 0 — 39

New Buffalo 0 0 0 0 — 0

C – Marquis Curtis 87 kickoff return (Matt Locke conversion)

C – Vashaun Morgan 64 run (Locke conversion)

C – Nick Murphy 25 pass to Alex Voss (conversion fails)

C – Curtis 10-yard TD run (Locke extra point)

C – Travis Edwards 19- yard TD run (2-pt conversion failed)

C – Edwards 50-yard TD run (Locke kick no good)