Lansing Catholic at Portland – – Football – – The Bleacher Denizen – – September 22, 2023 – – by Chuck Krafft

Tonight, your Bleacher Denizen is off to Portland High, where the 4-0 Raiders will host the 2-2 Cougars from Lansing Catholic. It has been an interesting day in Portland as something (I think a cut cable) has cut off internet access for most of the city. Fortunately, your Bleacher Denizen just went to the Grand Barber Shop where their business was not affected (unless you wanted to pay with a credit card.)

After a nice and necessary haircut, it was time to make it to the high school to watch the game. This took a bit of time as I followed the homecoming parade through the streets and to the high school to a stadium that was just packed with Raider fans awaiting the game and homecoming ceremonies.

Lansing Catholic won the coin toss and elected to receive in the second half.

Portland’s band came out and played the fight song as well as their National Anthem. They did a fine job!

For those of you who were not able to hear the band, I hope you will enjoy this piano romp through the Red River Valley from my You Tube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w03AhhNk1M8

It is now time to recount the events of this game through the occasionally alert visage of an aging Bleacher Denizen whose football quarterback career was stopped in its tracks when the powers that be refused to allow him to use a catapult to throw his passes.

Catholic’s Braden Rabideau kicked the ball off to the Portland 6 yard line where Conner Kazamer fielded it and returned it 29 yards before he was tackled by David Magaway. The Raiders started their first series of the game on their own 35 yard line.

Caden Thelen gained eight yards on a first down run. On second down, Barrett Brennan gained another eight yards to give his Raiders a first down. David Magaway got the tackle for the Cougars.

Portland lost two yards on its first down run. Dominic Novara’s second down pass to Christopher Battley earned enough yardage for a first down before Chris Sims tackled him, but a penalty pulled the ball back to near the line of scrimmage. On third down, Caden Thelen went over the right tackle for a two yard gain. Jake Alvarado made the Cougar tackle. On fourth down Dominic Novara took the ball to the left for a seven yard gain before Alex Fernandez took him down. Portland had a first down in Catholic territory on the 44 yard line.

Caden Thelen gained twenty-four yards on a romp to the left before Braden Rabideau tackled him.

Barrett Brennan’s first down run to the right was good for a four yard gain. Braden Rabideau made the tackle for Catholic. Caden Thelen faked to the middle and burst to the left for a sixteen yard touchdown run.

Cameron Saint Amour centered the ball, Evan Gross held the ball and Aiden Pulling kicked the successful extra point to give Portland a 7-0 lead with 8:34 to play in the first quarter.

Aiden Pulling kicked the ball off to the Catholic 5 yard line where Xavier Luea snared it and returned it thirty-five yards on the right side before Kayden Dickerson tackled him. Catholic started its first series of the game on its own 40 yard line.

Christopher Battley stopped the Cougar first down run for a five yard loss. Catholic’s second down pass fell incomplete. Alex Fernandez completed a third down pass to Sean Durr on the right side for a twenty-one yard gain that earned a first down; he was pushed out of bounds by A.J. Weber. Catholic had a first down in Raider territory on the 44 yard line.

A false start penalty pushed Catholic back five yards. Alex Fernandez gained three yards on a run to the middle before he ran into Thomas Perron and Reice Thelen. Catholic’s third down pass fell incomplete. On fourth down, Alex Fernandez escaped a near quarterback sack and thundered through the middle for a twelve yard gain and a first down before Bryce Fuller took him down.

Catholic’s first down pass fell incomplete. A second down penalty pushed the Cougars back five yards. The pass on the second down replay fell incomplete. Alex Fernandez completed a thirty-nine yard touchdown pass to Xavier Luea on third down. Braden Rabideau’s point after kick was good and with 5:19 left on the first quarter clock, the game was tied at 7-7.

Braden Rabideau kicked the ball to the Portland 30 yard line where Conner Kazamer caught it and returned it ten yards before Troy Chen stopped him. Portland had a first down on its own 40 yard line.

Caden Thelen gained six yards on a first down run before he ran into John Watters. On second down, Joseph Gulock tackled the Raider runner for a two yard loss. On third down, Dominic Novara faked a handoff and darted to the right side of the field for a forty-one yard gain before Leland VanAlstine finally pushed him out of bounds. Portland had a first down on the Catholic 15 yard line.

Conner Kazamer cut to the middle for a seven yard first down gain before Alex Fernandez tackled him. Kayden Dickerson went to the right for a four yard second down gain. Justin DeVarona made the Catholic tackle.

On the next play Caden Thelen perfectly timed a cut and went to the right for a four yard touchdown run.

Cameron Saint Amour centered the ball, Evan Gross held the ball and Aiden Pulling kicked it through the goal post for a successful extra point. With 2:51 remaining in the first quarter, Portland had a 14-7 lead.

Aiden Pulling’s kickoff was fielded by Braden Rabideau around the Catholic 15 yard line; he returned it thirty-four yards almost to midfield before Kayden Dickerson finally stopped him. Catholic had a first down on its own 49 yard line.

Braden Rabideau took a first down pitch to the left for a three yard gain before Christopher Battley and Mark Meyers pulled him down. Catholic fumbled a pitch on the second down play; Nick Heal alertly recovered the fumble to prevent a turnover and the Cougars actually gained two yards on the play. A.J. Weber covered on the Catholic incomplete third down pass. Alex Fernandez gained three fourth down yards up the middle before Kayden Dickerson stopped him.

It was not enough for a first down, so Portland took over the ball on downs on its own 43 yard line.

Braden Rabideau covered on Portland’s incomplete first down pass. On the next play, Dominic Novara completed a beautiful pass to Christopher Battley, who caught it in stride and went all the way for a fifty-seven yard touchdown.

Cameron Saint Amour hiked the ball, Evan Gross held the ball and Aiden Pulling kicked the extra point. With 51 seconds to go in the first quarter, Portland had a 21-7 lead.

Aiden Pulling’s kickoff was downed by Catholic’s Justin DeVarona on the Catholic 31 yard line; there was no return. Catholic started its next series from there.

Alex Fernandez completed a first down pass to Braden Rabideau for a seven yard first down gain. A.J. Weber made the Raider tackle. On the final play of the first quarter, Barrett Brennan stopped Catholic’s first down pitch to the left for a two yard loss.

The first quarter ended with Portland holding a 21-7 lead. Catholic had a third down with five yards to go on its own 36 yard line.

On the first play of the second quarter, Alex Fernandez completed a sixteen yard pass to Xavier Luea to earn a first down in Portland territory on the 48 yard line.

An offside penalty pushed the Cougars back five yards. On the first down replay, Alex Fernandez tossed the ball to Sean Durr for a seven yard gain; Conner Kazamer and Mark Meyers made the tackle for Portland. Kaleb Bower stopped Catholic’s second down pitch to the right for a three yard loss. Conner Kazamer knocked Catholic’s long third down pass attempt out of the air. Braden Rabideau’s fourth down punt was downed at the Raider 25 yard line.

On the next play, Caden Thelen dodged, darted and made countless Cougar tacklers miss him as he found a whole a barreled down the sideline for a seventy-five yard touchdown.

Cameron Saint Amour, Evan Gross and Aiden Pulling executed Portland’s successful extra point attempt to perfection as Portland took a 28-7 lead with 9:16 remaining in the first half.

Aiden Pulling booted his kickoff to Catholic’s 30 yard line where Braden Rabideau snagged it and went to the left for about a sixteen yard gain before he was stopped by Reice Thelen. Catholic was assessed with a penalty; the end result gave Catholic a first down on its own 35 yard line.

Justin DeVarona gained three yards on a first down pitch before Kayden Dickerson tackled him. Alex Fernandez’ second down pass to Braden Rabideau on the left side was good for a six yard gain before he was tackled by Barrett Brennan. Alex Fernandez completed a third down pass to Braden Rabideau for a six yard gain. Even though Kaleb Bower wrapped him up as soon as the ball was caught, Catholic gained enough for a first down at midfield.

Alex Fernandez completed a first down pass over the middle for a six yard first down gain. Conner Kazamer made the tackle for Portland. Alex Fernandez completed a six yard pass to Braden Rabideau to give the Cougars a first down. Kayden Dickerson made the Raider tackle.

Alex Fernandez passed to Sean Durr on the left side for a fifteen yard gain and another first down before Barrett Brennan and Conner Kazamer teamed up to tackle him.

Kaleb Bower covered on Catholic’s incomplete first down pass. Alex Fernandez passed to Xavier Luea for a seven yard gain before Mark Meyers stopped him. Alex Fernandez passed to Braden Rabideau for a ten yard gain before Kaleb Bower stopped him with an exceptionally hard him. (Your Bleacher Denizen developed a sympathy bruise just watching this.) Catholic had a first down on the Portland 6 yard line.

A.J. Weber stopped Catholic’s first down run up the middle for a one yard gain. Barrett Brennan covered on the Cougar incomplete second down pass. Thomas Perron and Bryce Fuller teamed up to stop Catholic’s third down run up the middle for one yard loss. Alex Fernandez completed a fourth down pass to Xavier Luea for a six yard touchdown.

Alex Fernandez held the ball and Braden Rabideau kicked the extra point. It was good and Catholic trimmed the Portland lead to 38-14 with 2:59 remaining in the first half. (My apologies; your aging Bleacher Denizen was not able to see the long snapper’s number.)

Braden Rabideau kicked the ball off to Portland’s 20 yard line where Conner Kazamer caught it and gained twenty yards before Ethan Link tackled him. Portland had a first down on the Catholic 40 yard line.

Caden Thelen gained six yards on a first down run into the middle before David Magaway took him down. Caden Thelen’s second down run was good for five yards and a first down; John Watters made the tackle for Catholic.

Kayden Dickerson went into the middle for a six yard first down gain. David Magaway got the Cougar tackle. On the next play, Alex Fernandez stripped the ball from Portland’s runner and ran all the way to Portland’s 29 yard line before Evan Gross caught him and made a tackle to prevent a Catholic touchdown.

On the next play, Barrett Brennan intercepted a Catholic pass on Portland’s 19 yard line.

Dominic Novara faked to the left and gained six yards on a run to the right before he ran into Justin DeVarona. A pass interference penalty on the next play gave the Raiders a first down on the Cougar 28 yard line.

Xavier Luea got into the backfield and sacked the Raider quarterback for a fourteen yard loss. On the final play of the first half (second down), Connor Thelen carried the ball and gained about ten yards before John Watters tackled him.

Portland took a 28-14 lead into the locker room at halftime. If logic and football tradition hold up, the Raiders will continue to lead 28-14 at the start of the third quarter.

Portland’s excellent marching band, led by Drum Majors Nate Pianosi and Jack Sheehan took the field to perform their “Michigan Weather” halftime show.

The band showcased Color Guard Captains Eddy Holcomb and Lyndsay Camp, who were on the homecoming court, as well.

The performance started with a performance of a “weather” song, Mr. Blue Sky, by ELO. Trumpet Soloists Sophia Leik and Evelyn Johnston were featured on the next song, “Let it Go” from “Frozen”.

The third and fourth songs were all well done. The band impressed with both its music and its precision marching!

After that, it was time to introduce the homecoming court and announce the king and queen. Mark Meyers was elected king and Lindsay Camp was named queen.

Aiden Pulling kicked the opening kickoff of the second half to the end zone; Catholic started its first series of the second half on its own 20 yard line.

On the first play of the second half, Conner Kazamer stripped the ball from the Catholic runner and Mark Meyers recovered the fumble to give Portland a first down on the Catholic 21 yard line.

Caden Thelen over left tackle for a six yard first down gain; Jake Alvarado made the tackle for Catholic. Barrett Brennan ran to the right for a five yard second down gain to earn a first down before Joey Olson stopped him.

Kayden Dickerson went to the middle for a seven yard first down gain before John Watters pulled him down. On the next play, Caden Thelen ran for a three yard touchdown over the left tackle. Cameron Saint Amour centered the ball, Evan Gross held the ball and Aiden Pulling kicked the successful extra point.

With 10:21 to play in quarter number three, Portland had a 35-14 lead.

Aiden Pulling kicked the ball to Catholic’s twelve yard line where Xavier Luea caught it and gained 28 yards up the right side before running into Isaac Kramer. Catholic had a first down on its own 40 yard line.

Alex Fernandez passed to Xavier Luea on the left side for a fifteen yard gain. Barrett Brennan and A.J. Weber teamed up for the Portland tackle.

Kayden Dickerson and Bryce Fuller stopped Catholic’s first down pitch to the right for a one yard loss. Catholic’s second down pass fell incomplete. Catholic faked a pass and went for a run, but Bryce Fuller stopped the third down play at the line of scrimmage. A timely hit by Kaden Thelen caused Catholic’s fourth down pass to be dropped and Portland took over the ball on downs. A penalty on Catholic gave Portland the ball on the Cougar 35 yard line.

Kayden Dickerson took the ball to the right for a four yard first down gain. David Magaway got the tackle for the Cougars. Caden Thelen went into the middle for a five yard second down run before Jake Alvarado stopped him. Dominic Novara went up the middle for a seven yard third down gain to earn a first down at Catholic’s 20 yard line. Braden Rabideau made the tackle for Catholic.

Joseph Gulock sacked Portland’s quarterback for a five yard first down loss. On second down, Dominic Novara passed to Christopher Battley for an eighteen yard gain before Dominic Taylor pushed him out of bounds. Portland had a first down on Catholic’s 7 yard line.

Conner Kazamer went to the right for a three yard gain before Braden Rabideau stopped him. On the next play, Caden Thelen went over the left tackle for a four yard touchdown run. Cameron Saint Amour hiked the ball, Evan Gross held the ball and Aiden Pulling kicked the extra point to push Portland to a 42-14 lead with 4:38 to play in the third quarter.

Aiden Pulling sent his kickoff to the Catholic 8 yard line where Xavier Luea caught it and gained fourteen yards before A.J. Weber took him down. Catholic had a first down on their own 22 yard line.

Catholic’s first down pass fell incomplete. A.J. Weber stopped the Cougar second down run for a seven yard loss. Mark Meyers covered on Catholic’s incomplete third down pass.

Xavier Luea punted the ball to about the 41 yard line; Portland’s punt returner lost eight yards before he was tackled by Joey Olson. Portland started its series on its own 33 yard line.

Conner Kazamer dodged and darted his way for a thirty-four yard gain before Justin DeVarona tackled him to prevent a Raider touchdown. Portland had a first down on the Catholic 33 yard line.

On the next play, Caden Lockwood ran up the middle and gained eighteen yards before Braden Rabideau and Joey Olson tackled him.

Barrett Brennan gained three yards on a first down run. Dominic Novara ran a quarterback keeper for an eight yard gain before Aaron Dennis stopped him. Portland had a first down on the Catholic 4 yard line.

On the next play, Alex Fernandez led a den of Cougars into stopping the Raider run for a two yard loss. On the next play, Kayden Dickerson pounded his way into the end zone for a six yard Portland touchdown run. Cameron Saint Amour hiked the ball and Evan Gross held the ball. This time, it was Jan Julian Dijk that kicked the extra point for Portland.

With 37 seconds to go in the third quarter, Portland had a 49-14 lead.

Jan Julian Dijk kicked the ball to the Cougar 17 yard line where Xavier Luea caught it and gained about ten yards to give the Cougars a first down on their own 27 yard line. Bryce Fuller made the tackle for Portland.

On the final play of the third quarter, Barrett Brennan covered on Catholic’s incomplete first down pass.

The fourth quarter opened and Barrett Spitzley sacked the Catholic quarterback for a seven yard loss. On the next play, Mark Meyers sacked the quarterback for an eight yard loss. Xavier Luna punted from the Catholic 12 yard line on fourth down. His punt was downed on the Catholic 42 yard line where Portland started its next series.

John Watters and Xavier Luea teamed up to stop Portland’s first down run for a one yard gain. Mason McGregor took a pitch to the right for a three yard second down gain; John Watters got the Cougar tackle. Jacob Farley gained eight yards on a third down run before Braden Rabideau pulled him down. Portland had a first down on the Catholic 30 yard line.

John Hinton and David Magaway teamed up to stop Portland’s first down run for no gain. On second down, Brody Moore earned ten yards before Braden Rabideau tackled him to give the Raiders another first down.

Caden Lockwood ran to the right for a four yard first down gain before Sean Durr stopped him. On second down, Isaac Kramer seemed to drag both teams for about five yards before Joseph Gulock stopped him. Ethan Cassel went into the middle for a two yard third down gain before Ethan Link pulled him down.

On fourth down, Cameron Saint Amour snapped the ball, Evan Gross held the ball and Aiden Pulling kicked a nineteen yard field goal to give Portland a 52-14 lead with 1:56 left on the clock.

Xavier Luea returned Aiden Pulling’s kickoff about 50 yards to the Portland 42 yard line before Carter White brought him down.

Sammy Eyde’s first down pass to Dominic Taylor earned eight yards before Carter White tackled him. Tyler Smith got into the backfield to stop Catholic’s next play for a loss, but a penalty gave Catholic a first down with time for one more play on the Portland 25 yard line.

On the final play of the game, Keaton McGregor covered on Catholic’s incomplete pass.

Portland won the game 52-14 to continue with its undefeated season.