(Please enjoy the photo gallery from Burrill Strong.)
Chelsea varsity football opened conference play last Friday night with a tough loss to the Grizzlies of Ypsilanti, 20-14.
The defensive struggle ended with Ypsilanti intercepting a Bulldog pass on the 4-yard line with 48 seconds left in the game, as Chelsea was driving for the game-winning touchdown.
The first quarter saw little offense as each team had difficulty moving the football. Ypsilanti mounted the first sustained drive but was stopped by a Graham Kuras interception at the Bulldog 2-yard line. After a Bulldog punt, the Grizzlies again drove down field and finally connected on an 18- yard scoring strike.
The extra point was blocked by Grant Ortbring leaving the score at 6-0.
Chelsea was unable to sustain any momentum on its next possession and after a punt, Ypsilanti was on the move again until their talented QB Marquis Smith scored from 7 yards out and with the extra point, gave the visitors a 13-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
Chelsea finally got a break when Tim Johnson fell on a fumble on Ypsilanti’s first possession of the second half. Chelsea drove inside the Grizzlies 5-yard line thanks in part to a Justice Staton to Noah VanReesema pass play. On 4th and goal from the 3, tailback Cameron Cooper drove into the end zone. VanReesema added the point after making the score 13-7. Cooper finished the game with 150 yards rushing filling in for the injured Ty Nelson.
Momentum quickly swung back to the Grizzlies as on their first play after the kick off, Smith connected on an 80-yard swing pass for a touchdown. The extra point was good making it 20-7. The Bulldogs were unable to move the ball on their next possession but their defense stepped again as an Ortbring sack caused an Ypsilanti fumble, which was recovered by Ty McTaggert near mid field. Two plays later, Jack Bush hit VanReesema on a quick out pattern, who then whirled and pitched to a trailing Cameron Cooper on a hook-and-ladder play. The sophomore running back carried it the next 40 yards for the touchdown. VanReesema nailed the point after cutting the deficit to 6 points and setting up an exciting finish.
After the two teams traded punts, Chelsea received the ball near mid field with time for one last drive. Cooper caught a swing pass and took it 25 yards down inside the Ypsilanti 30. Two plays later, Bush lofted a pass to Bailey Edwards for the potential winning score but the pass was picked off dashing the Bulldogs hopes. Ypsilanti ran out the clock ending physical, entertaining game.
Chelsea is now 3-1 on the season and will travel to Adrian this Friday to take on the Maples at 7 p.m.
