The lights were bright, the stands were packed and the energy at Red Hawk Stadium was everything a homecoming night should be. With an electric crowd behind them and their first win of the season within reach, the Cedar Springs Red Hawks delivered a performance worthy of the moment, defeating Allendale 63-34 on Friday night. Cedar Springs set the tone on its opening drive when Deegan Pike moved the Red Hawks into Allendale territory on very first play. Spencer Schoenborn carried the ball down to the 12-yard line, and Nick Robinson, making his much anticipated return, connected with Pike for a touchdown. The two-point conversion gave Cedar Springs an 8-0 lead. Robinson said being back on the field for the win meant a lot. “It feels great,” Robinson said. “I did my best to be back for them and I knew that they were going to have my back. Everybody did a great job. There’s a lot of things we can do better, though. But it’s good to enjoy a win and we’ll see green next week.” The Red Hawk defense forced a punt on Allendale’s first possession, helped by early tackles from Henry Metiva and Spencer Rosenberger and a sack by Metiva. Cedar Springs quickly added to the lead. Pike broke free for a 39-yard touchdown run, his second of the night, and Robinson found Pike again on the two-point conversion to make it 16-0. Moments later, Kolin Brott, reading the the Falcon offense, stepped up and intercepted an Allendale pass and returned it to the Allendale 6-yard line, setting up a Robinson touchdown pass to Schoenborn for a 22-0 lead late in the first quarter. Allendale responded with a second-quarter touchdown pass, but Cedar Springs answered immediately after Dayton Reynolds recovered an onside kick midfield. On the first play of the drive, Jakson Bravata scored on a long run, and Brott powered in the conversion to push the lead to 30-6. The Falcons scored again to make it 30-12, taking advantage of openings in the defensive line, but the Red Hawks offense kept striking back fast. Brott returned the kickoff to the Cedar Springs 43, and Schoenborn raced 57 yards for a touchdown on the very next play. Brott powered through the middle, scoring the conversion behind a big block from Schoenborn. Cedar Springs added one more score before halftime. Robinson found Ty Lawson to move the ball to the 3-yard line, then kept it himself on a fake handoff for a touchdown. Brott’s conversion gave the Red Hawks a 46-12 halftime lead. Allendale opened the second half with a strong drive, a persistence that would last the entire second half, and scored to cut the lead to 46-18. Cedar Springs answered with a drive into the red zone before Schoenborn kicked a field goal, extending the lead to 49-18. The Falcons continued to battle, scoring late in the third quarter to make it 49-26. But on the first play of the fourth quarter, Schoenborn broke free again for another Cedar Springs touchdown, pushing the lead to 55-26. Allendale added another rushing touchdown and conversion midway through the fourth quarter, but Cedar Springs put the game away on its next drive. Bravata broke loose up the left side to move the ball deep into Falcon territory, and Schoenborn finished the drive with another touchdown. Bravata then found Pike for the two-point conversion, giving Cedar Springs a 63-34 lead. The Red Hawks defense forced a turnover on downs with 2:18 remaining, and Cedar Springs used its running game to drain the clock before taking a knee to seal the win. Head coach Gus Kapolka said he was pleased with the win and the way the offense and special teams executed, but he wants to see improvement defensively before next week’s game against Coopersville. “We wanted to come out and wanted to be physical, and obviously we built up the big lead,” Kapolka said. “They executed well on offense, but we didn’t execute and tackle as well on defense and that was disappointing tonight.” Kapolka praised the team’s offensive execution and Schoenborn’s work in the kicking game, including the field goal. “We won, I’m happy,” Kapolka said. “Happy for our guys who came out and executed well on offense, special teams were great. Defensively, we have lots of things to fix before next week.” For one night, though, Cedar Springs had plenty to celebrate. In front of an electric homecoming crowd, the Red Hawks earned their first win of the season and gave their fans a 63-34 victory to remember.

Creative Technologies Academy marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with a special tribute ceremony and Day of Service, bringing students together with local first responders, law enforcement and members of the military. The annual event gave students a chance to remember the lives lost on Sept. 11 while also learning about service, sacrifice and the people who continue to serve communities today. Firefighters from the Sand Lake, Solon and Montcalm Township fire departments attended the ceremony, along with soldiers from the U.S. Army, who brought a Humvee for students to see up close. Michigan State Police, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and the Walker Police Department were also in attendance. Following the tribute, students had the opportunity to climb through fire trucks, emergency vehicles and other apparatus, ask questions and speak directly with the men and women who serve in public safety and the armed forces. CTA Superintendent Autumn Mattson said the annual event helps students connect history with the responsibility of remembrance. “Twenty-five years later, our students are now the generation being asked to carry the responsibility of remembering forward,” Mattson said. “Today isn’t only about teaching them what happened on September 11th, but helping them understand the courage, service, sacrifice, and care for others that followed." For students, the day offered both a history lesson and a personal reminder of unity. “What remembering 9/11 means to me is it’s just important to remember all the lives lost that day, and just how everyone came together as a country to support each other and help each other rebuild afterwards,” one CTA student said. The ceremony paused as a moment of reflection for the school community, while the Day of Service gave students a hands-on way to meet the people who answer calls for help in their own communities. “Every year we come together for our Day of Service, giving students the chance to connect with firefighters, EMTs, service members, and others who serve our communities and country,” Mattson said. “We want them not only to remember September 11th, but to understand what it means to serve others today.” By bringing students face-to-face with firefighters, police officers, deputies, troopers and soldiers, CTA’s annual event continues to connect the memory of Sept. 11 with lessons of service, courage and community.

Cedar Springs kicked off both Red Flannel and Homecoming season with plenty of school spirit at Red Hawk Stadium, as the seniors defeated the juniors 24-6 in the annual powderpuff football game. Before the game, both student coaches were ready to play up the friendly rivalry and have some fun in a role reversal from their normal padded-positions on the field. “We’re gonna play fast, we’re gonna play hard, we’re gonna play for each other,” Senior Head Coach Spencer Schoenborn said before kickoff. “We’re going to get out there and run the ball. And when they get used to that, we’re gonna toss that rock. That’s what's going to get ’em. That's what's going to drown ’em early.” Junior Head Coach Jakson Bravata said his team was focused on coming out strong. “We’re looking to be physical here,” Bravata said. “Put on a good performance. Make sure everybody is on the same page. And come away with the win.” Once the game got underway, the seniors backed up their coach’s confidence early. After their defense forced a quick stop on the juniors’ first possession, Taylor Gunderson put the seniors on the board with a touchdown run around the end, giving her team a 6-0 lead. This wouldn't be Taylor's only score of the game! Gunderson added another touchdown later in the first half, this time on an off-tackle run, to stretch the senior lead to 12-0. The juniors answered with one of the biggest plays of the night when Adelyn Nesbitt broke loose around the end for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 12-6 before halftime. Nesbitt breaks free for a TD! The seniors led 12-6 at the break and continued to control the game in the second half. Jessie Teesdale helped lead the way after halftime, scoring on a handoff out of the shotgun formation to make it 18-6. Teesdale with the touchdown! The juniors had a chance to get back into the game after a defensive stand near the goal line, stopping the seniors inside the 5-yard line and forcing a turnover on downs. But the seniors’ defense quickly got the ball back and gave their offense another short-field opportunity. Teesdale capped the scoring off with her second touchdown of the night, breaking free from about 30 yards out to put the seniors ahead 24-6 with less than two minutes remaining. Hey, that's not bad! Way to get into it, fellas. After the game, Schoenborn said the win came down to the seniors’ energy and execution. “I knew coming out that they were going to win,” Schoenborn said. “They came out playing hard, playing fast. Throughout the game I saw we were kind of running things. Offense looked good. Defense was doing their job.” The juniors continued to battle until the final whistle, but the seniors held on for the win and the bragging rights that go with it. There were no real losers Thursday night, just Red Hawks flying high with another tradition under the stadium lights. Let's Go Red Hawks!

Looking for a job? You may not need to look much further. Kent County job seekers will have a chance to meet with several local and regional employers during an upcoming hiring event at North Kent Connect. West Michigan Works! will host the event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at North Kent Connect, 10075 Northland Drive NE, Rockford. The event is designed to give job seekers a friendly, face-to-face opportunity to connect with employers, ask questions and learn more about available positions. Those attending are encouraged to bring a resume and be ready to meet with hiring representatives. Participating employers listed for the event include General Formulations, H&R Block, Health Care Associates & Community Care Givers, LoNia’s World Care Center, Morgan Site Services, Peerless Steel, University of Michigan Health-West, the United States Postal Service and Walmart. For anyone thinking about a career change, looking for part-time work, returning to the workforce or simply wanting to see what opportunities are available in the area, the hiring event offers a convenient place to start. West Michigan Works! is a division of ACSET and part of the American Job Center network. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For more information, visit westmiworks.org.

If you happen to be driving through downtown Cedar Springs this morning, you may have noticed a familiar sign that fall is on the way, and the Red Flannel Season has officially arrived. The City of Cedar Springs Department of Public Works was busy hanging the iconic Red Flannel underwear along Main Street, bringing the community's most beloved tradition and icon back into view. The bright red icons are the official sign that Red Flannel Season has arrived in Cedar Springs. For many residents, the hanging of the flannels in the downtown district is a reminder of the community spirit and hometown pride that make the festival special. This year's Red Flannel festivities kicks off tonight at 6pm with the Cedar Springs Powder Puff football game at Red Hawk Stadium. Watch as the Junior Lady Red Hawks take on the Senior Lady Red Hawks in this decades-long traditional flag football game. The festivities continue on Wednesday, September 23 as the smallest Red Flannel Royalty is crowned at the Prince and Princess Contest held at the Kent Theatre at 6pm. The flannels are now hung and the first event is set for tonight. Now, Cedar Springs is once again ready to celebrate its heritage in true red-and-white style.

To many people in the area, “Cedar Springs” stretches past the 2.03 square miles that make up the city limits. All of Solon Township shares the Cedar Springs 49319 zip code, and many township residents and businesses are commonly thought of as part of the broader Cedar Springs community. But legally, the City of Cedar Springs and Solon Township are separate local governments, with different boundaries, elected officials, tax structures and service responsibilities. That distinction is at the center of the city’s 425 agreement with Solon Township. Cedar Springs became a city in October 1959, a change driven in part by the need to develop municipal water and sanitary sewer systems. As the community grew, the need for water and sewer extended beyond the original village boundaries. In 1999, Cedar Springs and Solon Township entered into a development cooperation agreement. This is commonly known as the "425 agreement," named after Michigan Public Act 425 of 1984. The agreement is a tool that allows the city and township to cooperate on economic development and share tax revenue. Locally, it provides a framework for how land west of downtown Cedar Springs, especially around the 17 Mile Road and U.S. 131 corridor, may develop as city utilities become available. For business purposes, Cedar Springs is often viewed in two sections: the traditional downtown along Main Street and nearby side streets, and the “Uptown” or Solon Business District west of downtown. The latter is the area most affected by the 425 agreement. The agreement covers approximately 771 acres, divided into three areas. Phase I includes about 48 acres directly east of U.S. 131, bisected by 17 Mile Road and White Creek. These properties have already been transferred to the City of Cedar Springs and will remain in the city after the agreement expires. Phase II includes about 217 acres east of Phase I and west of the current city limits. These properties remain in Solon Township until a property owner requests water and sewer service for development. Once that request is made, the property may transfer to the City of Cedar Springs through the required process. When the agreement expires, developed Phase II properties that requested water and sewer remain in the city; undeveloped properties remain in the township. The Service Area includes about 446 acres west of U.S. 131. These properties may connect to city water and sewer if utilities are extended west of the interchange, but they remain under Solon Township jurisdiction. In simple terms: Phase I is city property. Phase II may become city property if development using city water and sewer occurs. The Service Area may receive city utilities but stays in the township. The agreement is not just about boundaries. It also shapes what kind of growth occurs near one of the community’s most important corridors. The future land use plan for the 425 area includes highway commercial, light industrial, low, medium, and high-density residential uses. City planning documents note that Cedar Springs is increasingly influenced by growth from the Grand Rapids metropolitan area. The 425 area, with access to U.S. 131 and proximity to downtown Cedar Springs, is expected to play a major role in future business, housing and industrial development. This is evidenced by the new White Creek Flats apartments on White Creek Avenue north of 17 Mile Road. The city’s master plan also emphasizes managed, sustainable growth that supports the local economy, expands housing options, protects environmental and historical assets, and preserves Cedar Springs’ sense of place. In the 425 area, that means paying attention to landscaping, traffic circulation, parking, signage, screening and overall appearance as development occurs. For residents and business owners, the 425 agreement matters because it affects who provides services, who receives tax revenue, and whether certain properties are governed by the city or township. It also reflects a broader reality: Cedar Springs is both a city with defined legal boundaries and a larger community identity shared by many people outside those boundaries. As growth continues west of downtown, the 425 agreement will remain one of the key tools shaping the future of the area many know as the Solon Business District, the Uptown area, or simply Cedar Springs.

The former Rite Aid building on 17 Mile Road has sat quiet for some time, but if a new proposal moves forward, the vacant storefront could soon see a steady stream of activity again; this time as a car wash.

Cedar Springs made the trip to Battle Creek Friday night to take on the Harper Creek Beavers, hoping to pick up its first win of the early season. The Red Hawks showed grit on both sides of the ball and had several promising drives, but were unable to find the end zone in a 19-0 loss. The Red Hawks were still without quarterback Nick Robinson, who was injured in last week’s game and did not return to action Friday night. In his absence, Cedar Springs continued working to find its footing offensively, with Jakson Bravata stepping in under center and the Hawks leaning heavily on their ground game. Harper Creek opened the game with the ball and quickly moved deep into Cedar Springs territory. The Beavers drove inside the 10-yard line, but the Red Hawks defense made them work for every yard. Spencer Rosenberger came up with a good stop, and Ty Lawson made another key tackle near the goal line to keep Harper Creek out of the end zone temporarily. On fourth-and-goal, Harper Creek was able to punch the ball in for the first touchdown of the night. Cedar Springs answered with a bright spot on special teams, getting into the backfield to block the extra point and keep the score at 6-0. The Red Hawks got their first chance on offense starting at their own 23-yard line. Spencer Schoenborn got things moving with an 8-yard run up the middle, and Kolin Brott later powered forward on third down to move the chains. Deegan Pike also got involved early with a solid carry, but the drive ended on downs near midfield. Cedar Springs’ defense kept the Hawks in the game throughout the first half. After Harper Creek got the ball back, the Hawks forced a punt, though the Beavers were able to pin Cedar Springs at its own 1-yard line. Backed up against the goal line, the Red Hawks did not fold. Pike put together a couple of strong runs to bring the ball out to the 37-yard line, giving Cedar Springs some much-needed breathing room. Bravata followed with a big gain on a keeper, moving the Hawks across midfield and into Harper Creek territory. The drive eventually stalled around the Beavers’ 30-yard line, but it showed the kind of fight Cedar Springs would continue to play with throughout the night. Later in the second quarter, Pike delivered one of the hardest runs of the game, breaking loose for 28 yards while dragging several defenders along with him. The run brought Cedar Springs to the Harper Creek 42-yard line and gave the Hawks another chance to build momentum. A holding call, however, pushed the Hawks behind the chains, and they were forced to punt. Harper Creek delivered the biggest blow of the first half with less than a minute remaining. Facing third-and-10, the Beavers broke free for a 57-yard touchdown run. The extra point made it 13-0 with 54 seconds left before halftime. Cedar Springs tried to answer quickly. Schoenborn picked up a strong gain to move the ball near midfield, but a deep pass by Bravata was intercepted. The Beavers tried to take one more shot before the break, but Ryan Larkin came through with a sack to send the teams into halftime with Harper Creek leading 13-0. The Red Hawks opened the second half with the ball and continued to battle. Schoenborn picked up a first down to keep the opening drive alive, but the Hawks were eventually forced to punt. Harper Creek threatened again in the third quarter, but Cedar Springs’ defense dug in and stopped the Beavers on fourth down, giving the offense another chance. The Hawks put together one of their better drives late in the third quarter, with Schoenborn helping carry the offense into Harper Creek territory. Cedar Springs pushed the ball to the Beavers’ 27-yard line, but on fourth-and-10, a deep pass toward the end zone slipped through the receiver’s hands. Harper Creek put the game out of reach late in the fourth quarter with another rushing touchdown, making it 19-0 with 2:38 remaining. Cedar Springs made one final push into Beavers territory, but another interception late in the fourth ended the drive and sealed the game. The final score did not fully reflect the effort the Red Hawks gave. Cedar Springs had strong individual moments from Pike, Schoenborn, Brott, Lawson, Rosenberger and Larkin, and the defense kept the Hawks within reach for much of the game. With the loss, Cedar Springs falls to 0-2 on the season. The Red Hawks are still working to find their rhythm early in the 2026 campaign, but Friday night showed a team willing to keep fighting, even when the breaks did not go its way.

For generations, printed newspapers helped mark the tempo of daily life. They were picked up from porches, unfolded at breakfast tables, and saved in scrapbooks when a familiar name or photograph appeared in print. That familiar routine is changing again. MLive Media Group announced this week that it will stop printing and delivering its eight Michigan newspapers after Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, moving those publications fully to digital formats. The decision affects The Grand Rapids Press, Kalamazoo Gazette, Muskegon Chronicle, Ann Arbor News, Bay City Times, Flint Journal, Jackson Citizen Patriot and Saginaw News. The publications themselves will continue. MLive has said its reporting will remain available online through its website, digital editions, mobile apps, email newsletters and social media. What is ending is the printed newspaper arriving at homes and newsstands. For communities across Michigan, the announcement marks another significant turn in the ongoing move from traditional print newspapers to digital news delivery. MLive Community President John Hiner described the decision as part of the company’s digital evolution, saying reader habits have moved overwhelmingly online. According to MLive, more than 99 percent of its readers now access its journalism digitally, and digital and online newspaper subscribers surpassed print subscribers this year. The company has also said the move will not result in layoffs among its journalists, though reports noted at least one full-time distribution-side position was affected by the decision. Still, for longtime newspaper readers, the end of print editions for some of Michigan’s most recognizable newspaper names carries some concern. The publications have documented generations of local life, from government decisions and business openings to championship seasons, obituaries, weddings and school events. The Grand Rapids Press, in particular, has long been a familiar name for West Michigan readers. Its move away from print is a reminder of how quickly news habits have changed, even for publications with deep roots. The pressures facing newspapers are not new. Across the industry, print readership has declined while advertising dollars have shifted online. At the same time, the cost of producing and delivering a physical newspaper has continued to rise. Many readers now expect news to be available immediately on phones, computers and tablets. While digital news has clear advantages, most notably that it can be updated quickly, corrected when necessary and shared widely within seconds; those same strengths also point to one of the important reasons print still matters. Printed news has historically served as part of the official record. Once printed, it cannot be quietly changed, rewritten or removed with a few clicks. It sits in homes, libraries, and archives as a fixed record of what was reported at that moment in time. MLive’s decision serves as a reminder of the value of preserving local stories in a form people can hold, save and return to years later. As the newspaper industry continues to evolve, the need for reliable, community-focused journalism remains as important as ever.

Rain may have dampened Red Hawk Stadium on Saturday, but it did little to dampen the spirit of the Cedar Springs community during the Kick It Forward fundraiser. The event featured a charity soccer game between the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and the Red Hawk Alumni soccer team, along with a dunk tank, food, and raffle prizes. By the end of the day, the event raised over $1600 for North Kent Connect. The main event delivered plenty of action on the field, with KCSO and the Red Hawk Alumni trading momentum throughout the match. Both goalies made strong stops early as the game went back and forth through much of the first half. KCSO broke through first when Everardo Magallan scored with just over two minutes left before halftime. The Alumni answered with a push of their own, but the chance was stopped by KCSO's goalie Jerimie Fuller, who was quick to intercept the momentum before a shot could be taken. With only 30 seconds left in the half, Kendall Johnson added another goal for KCSO, sending the deputies into halftime with a 2-0 lead. KCSO kept the momentum going early in the second half, scoring almost immediately to make it 3-0. The Red Hawk Alumni, however, was undeterred. They got on the board with a penalty kick, cutting into the deficit and shifting energy back toward their favor. KCSO answered again, however, scoring with 28 minutes left in the game to extend the lead to 4-1. From there, the Red Hawk Alumni began to rally. The Hawks scored again to stay within reach, and scored another goal off a free kick on the very next drive. With 11:03 left in the game, the Red Hawks completed the comeback and tied the match at 4-4. A penalty kick from Pike then gave the Alumni their first lead of the game at 5-4. KCSO responded by driving the ball deep into Hawks territory and keeping pressure on the defense for nearly three minutes, sending shot after shot toward the goal. But the Alumni held strong and kept the deputies from increasing their lead. In the final minutes of the game, the Alumni scored on two more penalty kicks to extend the lead to the final score of 7-4. While the Red Hawks came away with the victory, the night was won for the community. The game brought together deputies, former and current Red Hawk athletes, families and community members for a lighthearted afternoon that still featured plenty of competitive spirit. "It was fun seeing people come out," said Sgt. Paulson after the game. "It was fun to see so many people donate to the cause," he said. Off the field, school board member Brent Willett donated his time in the dunk tank, giving event-goers a chance to test their aim while helping raise money for a good cause. The event also included raffle prizes, donated by Wesco, KCSO, Red Flannel Coffee Co., and several others, helping support the cause. The Kick It Forward event was organized by Sergeant Paulson and Deputy Puckett of the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, both assigned to Cedar Springs. Their efforts helped create an event that mixed friendly competition with community service. Between the soccer match, dunk tank, raffle prizes and community support, the first Kick It Forward event gave Cedar Springs plenty to cheer about. Organizers hope Saturday’s fundraiser was the beginning of a new annual tradition at Red Hawk Stadium. Editor’s note: This story has been updated with a revised fundraising total. More than $1600 was raised. An earlier version reported the amount as $1040 based on information provided at the conclusion of the event.

The atmosphere at Red Hawk Stadium was tense from the opening kickoff Friday night as Cedar Springs fought hard for every inch of turf in a physical season opener against Zeeland West. On Community Night, the Red Hawks delivered early energy and late fight, but the Dux used a powerful rushing attack and several big plays to pull away for a 46-20 win. Cedar Springs started fast, receiving the opening kickoff and returning the ball to the Zeeland West 48-yard line. The Red Hawks moved quickly behind Spencer Schoenborn, Nick Robinson and Deegan Pike. Schoenborn opened with a short gain, Robinson followed with seven yards, and Pike later broke a 13-yard run to help push Cedar Springs deep into Dux territory. Facing fourth-and-two, Cedar Springs went back to Schoenborn, who powered up the middle for the game’s first touchdown. The two-point conversion was stopped, but the Red Hawks led 6-0 with 9:09 left in the first quarter. Zeeland West’s first drive was met with resistance. Kolin Brott made the first stop of the game, and Cedar Springs held the Dux to a punt after allowing little room on the ground. The physical tone was clear early, with both teams trading hard contact at the line of scrimmage. After Cedar Springs’ next drive stalled, a big Zeeland West punt return flipped the field to the Red Hawk 27-yard line. Two plays later, the Dux scored and converted the two-point try to take an 8-6 lead with 1:49 left in the first quarter. The Red Hawks answered by continuing to fight for field position. Jakson Bravata returned the kickoff to the 37-yard line, and Cedar Springs moved near midfield behind Schoenborn, Robinson and Brott. Schoenborn closed the first quarter with another strong carry, but the Red Hawks trailed 8-6 after one. Early in the second quarter, Cedar Springs pushed into Zeeland West territory again. Pike converted a first down with a run around the left side, moving the ball to the Dux 36-yard line. But the drive stalled after stopped runs and incomplete passes, giving the ball back to Zeeland West on downs. The Dux then settled into their Wing-T style rushing attack, a look similar to Cedar Springs’ own offensive identity. Zeeland West converted a key fourth down with a pass over the top, moving deep into Red Hawk territory. On the next play, the Dux broke a 28-yard touchdown run and added the two-point conversion to extend the lead to 16-6 with 5:28 left in the half. Cedar Springs was forced to punt on its next possession, but the Red Hawk defense kept the game within reach before halftime. Spencer Rosenberger, Deegan Pike, Ryan Larkin, Cody Greenland and Aiden Johnson were among those involved in stops as Zeeland West tried to control the clock. Pike also broke up a pass late in the half and later fielded a punt near the goal line, returning it to the Cedar Springs 32-yard line with 13 seconds remaining. At halftime, Zeeland West led 16-6. The second half opened with a major swing. Zeeland West received the kickoff and broke a 65-yard touchdown run on its first offensive play of the half. The Dux added the two-point conversion to push the lead to 24-6 with 11:42 left in the third quarter. Still, Cedar Springs answered with one of its strongest drives of the night. Schoenborn, Pike and Robinson helped move the ball downfield despite a holding penalty. Robinson broke loose around the right side for a first down, and Schoenborn continued to grind out yards into Zeeland West territory. On fourth down, Schoenborn gained enough to move the chains, and a Zeeland West offsides penalty moved Cedar Springs closer. Robinson then connected on a deep pass, aided by Dux penalties for holding and a personal foul, to help set up first-and-goal at the 4-yard line. Schoenborn pushed the ball near the goal line and later finished the drive with his second touchdown of the night. The two-point conversion was no good, but it would cut the Zeeland West lead to 24-12 with 4:12 left in the third quarter. The momentum did not last long. After Rosenberger made a strong stop on kickoff coverage, Zeeland West broke another long rushing touchdown, this one for more than 50 yards. The two-point try failed, but the Dux led 30-12 with 2:47 left in the third. Cedar Springs suffered another setback on its next possession when Robinson went down after a long run to midfield and had to be assisted off the field. After the game, head coach Gus Kapolka said the extent of the injury was not yet known. “I don’t know,” Kapolka said. “We’ll find out later.” Bravata stepped in at quarterback, but the Red Hawks were unable to extend the drive. Early in the fourth quarter, Zeeland West intercepted a pass intended for Schoenborn, then scored three plays later. With the two-point conversion, the Dux stretched the lead to 38-12. Cedar Springs fumbled the ensuing kickoff return, and Zeeland West recovered at the Red Hawk 39-yard line. The Dux turned that possession into another touchdown, extending the lead to 46-12 with 6:34 left in the game. Even with the game slipping away, the Red Hawks kept battling. Malick Traore helped convert a third down, and Brott followed with another key gain deep into Dux territory. A pass to William Dickinson moved Cedar Springs to the 4-yard line, and Brott finished the drive with a late touchdown. The Red Hawks added the two-point conversion to make it 46-20 with 25 seconds left. Zeeland West took the final kickoff and ran out the clock. After the game, Kapolka took responsibility when asked about Zeeland West’s execution compared to Cedar Springs’ own Wing-T system. “Not good. And that’s on me,” Kapolka said. “As a head coach I’m accountable. We had a year to get ready for this game. We had a year to plan for it, and we did not come out and execute well. But at the end of the day, I’m going to wear it and own it. It starts with me and I have to be better.” Kapolka said his postgame message to the team was brief because the staff needed to review the film. “I didn’t want to say too much because I really want to look at the film to understand where exactly we were deficient and where we were not good,” Kapolka said. “It’s like we talk about in every game, if it’s a win, it’s one, if we lose, it’s one. We’re 0 and 1, not 0 and ten, 0 and eleven. There are obviously things we need to fix to get better.” As the Varsity Hawks still work to shape their identity after last year's team immediately stepped out as a dominant, physical force, Friday's opener showed both the toughness they can build on and the mistakes they will need to correct to get established. The Red Hawks will look to regroup next week when they travel to Battle Creek to take on the Harper Creek Beavers.