Photos: Bobby Gable
Michigan has narrowed down its high school state finalists, as three-time reigning champion Grandville and Sparta/Rockford both went 2-0 on the weekend. The duo will meet on Nov. 12 for the championship.
In cold, rainy conditions, Sparta/Rockford played two tough matches, defeating Livingston 35-5 in the first round and Berkley 32-20 in the second. Grandville opened up with an 88-0 win over Lakeview and sent nine different players into the try zone. Angelina Pollice led with four tries, while freshman Sofia Vazquez added three. In preparation for game two against Grand Haven, the Bulldogs were fortunate to be able to rest many starters, a new luxury for Grandville.
Three hours later and in even colder temperatures (37 degrees), Grandville struggled to get things moving against Grand Haven. Finishing passes were an issue, and the Bulldogs took a 10-0 first-half lead on tries from Makiala Vela and Corryn Bush. Coach Magdalene Law righted the team during halftime, and captains Adilene Ochoa and Matja Sarrenhemio-Vanderhorst took control of the game. Ochoa’s big tackles led the way defensively, and Sarrenhemio-Vanderhorst powered her way through tacklers for two tries. Pollice added a try to her weekend tally for the 34-0 win.
Grandville has outscored fall opponents 537-26 and has a 37-game winning streak in Michigan. That said, Sparta/Rockford gave the Bulldogs its best game of the league season – falling just short, 29-21, in late September. Stay tuned for Sunday’s championship.
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