The Belleville Tigers and Caledonia Fighting Scots would get ready to strap up their chin straps for a big Division 1 showdown on Saturday. Belleville would come into this one undefeated on the year, while Caledonia came in at 12-1, their lone loss being against a very good Rockford team. A Rockford team that they were able to upend for a District Title in the playoffs.
Belleville would be looking to repeat as state champions in this one. Caledonia has had success at Ford Field as well, taking home a State Championship in 2005. This one would turn out to be everything it was expected in a tight contest throughout.
Caledonia Sets Tone Early
The Fighting Scots would force Belleville to punt on their opening drive of the game. Caledonia would pay the defense off using their ground game to pick up big chunks are yardage on their first drive. Brock Townsend would plunge in from 1-yard out and the Scots would draw the first score of the game, leading 7-0 after a successful PAT.
The Tigers would bounce right back, however. Belleville would put together their own scoring drive when Colbey Reed would find some daylight in for a 38-yard TD. The PAT was good, and we had ourselves a 7-7 game. That’s where it would stand after one quarter of play.
Caledonia would start to drive again on their ensuing drive. They would drive all the way to the Belleville 18-yard line when Adrian Walker would intercept a Mason McKenzie pass to give the Tigers the ball back. The Caledonia defense would step up big for their offense and force a Belleville punt.
They would put together a big drive on the next possession. McKenzie would find Dennis Crawford on a 33-yard pass play that would get the ball all the way down to the Tigers 1-yard line. Townsend would pay it off and find his way in again to put Caledonia up 14-7 after a Luke Vogler good PAT.
The Scots would force a Tigers three-and-out forcing another punt where Jimmie Floyd would pick up a big return. Caledonia would set up shop at the Belleville 40-yard line. The Tigers defense would come up big. On a 4th and 4, Caledonia would opt to go for it, but instead, Lamar Fairfax would come up with a huge sack to give the ball back to the Tigers. The offense would pay their defense off.
Belleville would strike in just five plays when Bryce Underwood would find Adrian Walker from 7 yards away to knot the game at 14-14 after a good Brayden Lane PAT. It was game on heading into the half.
Belleville Imposes Their Will
Neither team would be able to put a lot together on their first drives of the half. Caledonia would drive all the way to the Belleville 5-yard line on their second drive of the half but facing a 4th and goal, would opt to try and grab the lead back. Luke Vogler would connect on the 22-yard attempt, and the Scots found themselves with a 17-14 lead late in the 3rd quarter.
The Tigers offense would sense some urgency. Belleville would strike right back in a hurry when Jeremiah Beasley would scamper in from 36 yards out. It would be Belleville taking their first lead of the game, 21-17.
Caledonia would have a chance to jump right back on top on their next drive but a penalty on 4th and 1 would force the Scots to punt the ball away. The Tigers would take full advantage. Young QB Bryce Underwood would find plenty of space and take it all the way in from 48 yards away. The PAT was good and the Tigers would jump on top, 28-17.
A couple drives later, Caledonia would opt to go for it on 4th and 4 from their own 31-yard line, but a pass from McKenzie to Justice Reed would fall just short. Belleville would start their next drive in great field possession. They would take full advantage. Underwood would find Mychal Yharbrough on a 25-yard TD, and the Tigers would jump on top, 35-17.
With just 2:34 remaining, Caledonia would drive into Tigers territory, but it would be for not. McKenzie would be picked off by Dennis Crawford, sealing the deal for Belleville. The Tigers repeat as State Champions, ending their undefeated run.
The Numbers
The Belleville offense would pile up 443 total yards on the day. Bryce Underwood had himself a day. Underwood would rush for 150 yards and a TD. He would go 15 of 25 through the air for 155 yards and 2 TD’s.
Colbey Reed added 72 yards on the ground and a TD for the Tigers. Jeremiah Beasley added the other rushing TD. Adrian Walker led the receiving attack with 5 catches for 47 yards and a TD. Mychel Yharbrough added the other receiving TD for Belleville.
Beasley also led the Belleville defense with 7 tackles. Dennis Crawford added 3 tackles and an INT for the Tigers defense. Adrian Walked added the other INT. Lamar Fairfax picked up the lone sack on the day for the defense.
Mason McKenzie had a big day for Caledonia on the ground. He would pile up 147 yards rushing and would add 77 yards through the air. Brock Townsend added 2 TD’s for the Scots. Blake Herron led Caledonia in tackles with 7. Reed Vogler pitched in with 6.
Wrap Up
Caledonia will finish off another fine season for their program. They had some chances to take over at points in the game, but Belleville made some big plays when they had to. The Scots will lose some key pieces like Mason McKenzie and Jimmie Floyd but will have a lot of key returners coming back. Look for another possible deep playoff run for Caledonia next season.
Belleville completes another historic season for their program. Like most years, they will lose some key players but will look to reload again for the 2023 season. Bryce Underwood returns as well for the Tigers.
