FINALS: DIVISION 3

**Joe Glendening runs 1 of his 39 carries**
**Devin Gardner takes off for a gain**

**Chris Blair turns up field after a catch**

The division 3 final showcased two great, but total different style of offenses. Inkster came in with their spread offense that is highlighted by the QB/WR tandem of Devin Gardner and Cameron Gordon. But it was East Grand Rapid's power run double tight end offense that paved the way to a third consecutive state title and a 43-24 win.

After forcing a three and out defensively, East marched down field and Joe Glendening's 2 yard run gave the Pioneers a 7-0 lead. Inkster's offense responded with a nice drive of their own that resulted in a 5 yard pass from Gardner to Gordon, the two then hooked up again for a 2-point conversion and a Inkster 8-7 lead.

At this point in the game Inkster had all of the momentum until Gardner set up to throw a screen pass but didn't see D-end Colin Voss, who intercepted the pass and took down inside the 10 yard line. Glendening crossed pay dirt four plays later for a 14-8 lead.

East took a 22-16 lead into the half, and then took the opening possession of the third right down Inkster's throat with a variety of run plays. Glendening scored his third TD to give East a 30-16 lead. Quarterback Andrew Thompson increased the lead to 37-16 with his 1 yard sneak and Thompson's 4 yard TD pass to Chris Blair sealed the win.

BREAKDOWN

East- East took control of the game by regaining the lead right before halftime and then scoring right away to start the third, those sequence of plays took the air out of Inkster. I love East's double tight end I-formation offense, especially with a 6-4 and a 6-7 tight end.

Inkster- the Vikings were in the game early and should have had the lead at halftime, but once they got down all East had to do was run the ball and Inkster couldn't stop it. Inkster will loose some real good athletes but they'll also have no problem reloading and there could be a rematch game next year.

Game MVP: Joe Glendening, East- carried the load for 39 rushes that produced 177 and 3 TD's. "Joe The Show" doesn't have top notch speed or power but he is a patient runner who knows how to follow his blocks. He"ll be able to do the same at the D-2 level.

Colin Voss, East- the 6-7/225 junior tight end has high major written all over him but his biggest play was the INT in the second quarter to set up East's second TD.

Chris Blair, East- the 6-3/230 pound tight end was too much of a load for Inkster's secondary to handle. He finished with 5 catches for 57 yards and 2 TD's.

Devin Gardner, Inkster- he's the real deal, and even though he didn't hoist the trophy he proved he can handle the big stage. His numbers didn't show it but he did a solid job of eluding the blitz and trying to make the right play.

Cameron Gordon, Inkster- just too much physical strength for any corner to handle. Had 4 catches for 58 yards and a TD to go with two 2-point conversion receptions.

Donovan Lindsay, Inkster- the sophomore corner will be a high major recruit. He can really get inside a receiver. He came away with one interception and should have had another but he fell out of bounds.