East Kentwood relies on defense in 16-0 shutout of Jenison in WKTV Game of the Week

By Zach Fanko, WKTV Contributing Writer

East Kentwood’s defense delivered another shutout, its second in as many games, as the Falcons halted Jenison’s offense in a 16-0 homecoming victory.

The Falcons clung to a 3-0 lead for most of the first half before Stellan Bowman broke through for a rushing score with just 54 seconds left in the half to put East Kentwood up 10-0 at the break.

Bowman had a stellar game on both sides of the ball with 96 total yards and a rushing score, as well as 15 tackles and a sack on defense.

Quarterback Casey Joppie connected with J’Kari Couch on a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach, finishing with 189 yards through the air on 13 of 28 passing.

Falcons coach Tony Kimbrough praised the defense after the game.

“Our defense won us that game tonight,” Kimbrough said. “We never got clicking on offense and give Jenison credit. Their game plan was to take away our run game and make our quarterback beat them.

“I thought our quarterback played well and we didn’t help him out, but our defense made plays when we needed it.”

East Kentwood players huddle around their coaches during a break in the action. (WKTV/Nathan Piers)

Other contributors on defense for East Kentwood included Braylon Cox with 10 tackles and a forced fumble, as well as Elisee Kanda with 6 tackles and 2 forced fumbles (1 fumble recovery). Jamari Ross and Mekhi Copes each had an interception.

Despite the inconsistencies on offense, the Falcons improved to 3-1 (2-0 OK Red) on the season with a matchup with undefeated Rockford (3-0, 1-0 OK Red) looming.

“Big one next week, we’re going to see what we’re made of,” Kimbrough said. “Any time East Kentwood and Rockford get together it’s going to be a battle.”

With a close loss to Muskegon (3-1, 2-0 OK Green) and a win over Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (2-2) on their resume, East Kentwood is hoping those experiences will help them in this crucial stretch of games.

“We’re battle-tested and 2-7 (last year’s record) is our motivation,” Kimbrough said. “All offseason has been about improving on that record and through four games we have already surpassed that.”

WKTV Game of the Week

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