By Zach Fanko, WKTV Contributing Writer
Friday night’s 36-21 win over Calvin Christian was more than just Kelloggsville’s first win of the season.
It was the first time the Rockets had celebrated a victory on their new home turf installed in 2019.
Both teams came out firing offensively as each team scored on each of its three drives in the first half. Kelloggsville carried a slim 22-21 lead into the locker room.
And then the Rockets’ defense took over in the second half.
“Our defense just got after it in the second half,” Kelloggsville coach Brandon Branch said. “We really shut down what Calvin was trying to do in bend, but don’t break fashion.
“They got some yards, but we kept them off the scoreboard.”
Brendan Tuinstra came up with a key interception in the second half and had 60 rushing yards and two touchdowns. While quarterback Jeremy Tsoumou, filling in for injured starter Zach Zerfas, completed 8 of 9 passes for 208 yards and three TDs.
Wide receiver Cam Townsend was the beneficiary of Tsoumou’s efficient night with six receptions for 190 yards and two TDs.
Despite not being available to play, Zerfas contributed with a couple of his own play calls in the win.
“We needed a first down in the third quarter and Zach said if we run a quick hitch it will be open,” Branch said. “Sure enough, it was open. Great call by our quarterback.”
Later on, Branch described the Rockets first win at home in nearly four years and on that new turf as “cathartic.”
“I actually took the guys after out on the field and took a picture in front of the scoreboard,” Branch said. “Definitely going to hang this one up in the office.”
Kelloggsville (1-4) will travel to Sturgis next Friday night.
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