Sturgis brings Silver Football back home with 34-12 win at Coldwater
COLDWATER - Sturgis took advantage of a big offensive line, a three-touchdown game from Dalton Tisdel and four turnovers by Coldwater in a 34-12 victory over the Cardinals on Friday night.
The Trojans beat the rival Cardinals in the first matchup since the 2020 playoffs. It was the 98th meeting all-time between the schools and with the win, the Trojans brought home the Silver Football.
Sturgis coach Chance Stewart said he was proud of his team's efforts. Many of them are new to the rivalry because the schools have not played in several years, aside from the playoff game in 2020. But Stewart, a home-grown talent from Sturgis, knows the rivalry well.
"All we've heard is we wouldn't be able to run the football this year, but we did that tonight," Stewart said. The Trojans graduated Jacob Thompson, the school's all-time leading rusher, from last year's team. "I don't know if the kids understand the rivalry quite yet, but growing up and watching the game, then playing in it for four years, it means a lot to bring that trophy back."
Sturgis took control early in the game, scoring on the opening drive. The Trojans marched the football down the field, ending in a 1-yard TD plunge from Tisdel. Coldwater scored early in the second, but missed the extra point. The Trojans led 7-6 and were set to receive the kickoff.
That was muffed by the Trojans and Coldwater took over. But nearly immediately after, Brock Fergison caused a fumble, which was scooped up by Kaiden Waldron, who rumbled 90 yards for the scoop and score.
"Who knows what that football game looks like without that play, it was a huge momentum shift for us," Stewart said. "Credit to Brock Fergison there. He muffed the kickoff, but made a huge play there to cause the fumble."
Sturgis would lead 21-6 at halftime. Fergison hauled in a 30-yard TD pass from QB Taner Patrick, who avoided a sack and hurled the football through the air just prior to the halftime festivities.
Tisdel would score twice in the second half on runs of 11 and three yards.
"Offensive line was pushing tonight, since June they have been grinding, we knew they could come in here and play well," Tisdel said. "This is a huge win for us, starting 1-0 is big."
Gibson Cary and Rasean O'Tey intercepted passes for the Trojans in the win. The Trojans will welcome in Kalamazoo Central next week. The Maroon Giants were scheduled to play this week, but forfeited.
"It will be a short week for us, Kalamazoo Central coming in," Stewart said. "But we won't have film on them. We will still put in the work this week and be ready to play at home."
Tisdel led the Trojan ground game with 75 yards on nine carries, Myers rushed for 33 on the ground.
Patrick completed 8-of-14 passes for 85 yards, both Fergison and O'Tey hauled in two passes each.
The defense was led by Callahan Lamb, he made eight tackles while Dawson Miller had six stops. Logan Markey, Myers and Cary were each credited with four tackles in the game, both Matt Wickey and Alex Massey had three tackles.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Sturgis brings Silver Football back home with 34-12 win at Coldwater
