Beal City’s dream of a state football championship ended at Ford Field for the second straight season.
The Aggies lost Friday to Muskegon Catholic Central 35-12 in Detroit for the Division 8 state title.
Catholic Central showed that it meant business on the first play of scrimmage when Alex Lewandoski scampered 78 yards for the touchdown. Beal City responded with a 55-yard drive and 2-yard run by Hayden Huber. The kick failed and MCC led 7-6.
The Crusaders scored on runs of 1 and 66 yards in the second quarter and third quarters plus a 66-yard jaunt by Tommy Scott in the third for a 21-6 lead. Nick Holt scored for the Crusaders early in the fourth. Ryan Tilmann caught an 8-yard pass from Tucker.
Two pass interceptions against Beal City hurt the Aggies who had 263 total yards compared to 402 for MCC.
Gross was 8-of-16 for 94 yards and one interception. Ryan Tillman and Ty Rollin caught three passes apiece for 33 and 32 yards. Huber led in rushing with 52 yards while Rollin had 44.