by Jeremy Benson, GrandRiverConference.com
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Brookfield already clinched the GRC title before their final game. Bragging rights and an undefeated regular season were on the line in the Bell Game against Marceline. Marceline came into the game at 4-4, but you can usually throw out the record books like any rivalry.
In the first quarter, it looked like the game would be a defensive battle. Both teams recorded interceptions on their first possession. Cody Rodgers stopped Brookfield's first possession with an interception, but Devan Norman returned the favor when he snatched a Marceline pass to take over for Brookfield. Brookfield drove deep into Marceline territory on their next possession, but a tremendous goal-line stand by the Tigers kept the Bulldogs out of the end zone, keeping the game scoreless after one-quarter of play.
Marceline had the ball when the second quarter started, but Kendrell Carter recorded his first interception of the night with 11:45 left in the half. This time, Brookfield took advantage when Trayce Switzer found Hayden DeJong from 8 yards out to go up 6-0. On the next possession, Carter got his second interception and returned it to the Tigers 4-yard line. The Bulldogs scored two plays later on a Devan Parn rushing touchdown. After the conversion, Brookfield led 14-0.
Carter intercepted his third pass of the night on the next Marceline possession. That interception tied the Brookfield record. But Marceline forced a fumble on the next play. Marceline was unable to take advantage. Brookfield's defense forced a couple of punts in the quarter and scored twice. Switzer completed a 39-yard TD pass to Peyton Parn with 1:38 left in the quarter, and then Switzer found DeJong, who scored from 52 yards with 48.5 left in the half. Brookfield took a 28-0 lead into the half.
Brookfield's defense continued to stifle Marceline in the second half while the Bulldogs added to their lead. Siope Pulu caught a 52-yard touchdown in the third quarter, and Kendrell Carter had a 5-yard rushing touchdown in the 4th quarter. Brookfield came away with a 42-0 victory.
Brookfield ends the regular season at 9-0 overall and 8-0 in the GRC. They clinched the #1 seed in Class 2 District 8 and earned a first-round bye. They will play the winner of the South Harrison-Lawson game on November 8.
Marceline finishes with a 4-5 record overall and 4-4 in the GRC. They will be the #5 seed in Class 1 District 2 and play at Salisbury on November 8.
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