Crenshaw Crashes the Party Against Cardinals; Jayhawks Get First Conference Win

Vandercook Lake Football. JTV Sports File Photo

Trey Richmond | JTV Sports

Friday, September 25th

(9-25-2026): Vandercook Lake’s high scoring second quarter and Micah Crenshaw’s dominant performance leads to an upset victory over Michigan Center in week five.

To open the game, the Cardinals forced the Jayhawks to go three-and-out on their opening possession and drove deep into Vandercook territory. The Jayhawks prevented the Cardinals from scoring however, by forcing a Brady Howard fumble and Carter Pardun recovered for the Jayhawks at their own five-yard line. 

The explosive second quarter began with a one-yard carry from Landon Holloway. Then Holloway found Micah Crenshaw over the middle at the sticks. Crenshaw broke a tackle and ran the rest of the way untouched for a 73-yard touchdown reception to take the seven-point lead.

Michigan Center responded right away. Howard rushed for six yards, then launched a ball deep down the right sideline into the hands of Devin Spencer for a 67-yard touchdown pass. Following an unsuccessful two-point try, the Jayhawks still lead, seven to six. 

With the momentum seemingly swinging the Cardinal’s direction, Michigan Center forced a turnover on downs but were then forced to punt themselves. Crenshaw, making an impact on special teams this time, blocked the punt and Pardun recovered at the Cardinal 10-yard line. This set up a seven-yard touchdown pass from Holloway to Sam Griffin to extend the lead, 14-6. 

On the first snap of the next Cardinal possession, a high snap went over Howard’s head and Eadon Briston recovered at the Cardinal five-yard line. Holloway kept for four yards, and Crenshaw finished the short drive with a one-yard touchdown run. The Jayhawks took the 21-6 advantage into the half.

The third quarter was short, with only 1 possession per team. Michigan center started with the ball, and similar to their first drive of the game, drove deep but turned the ball over within the 10-yard line. This time Howard threw a pick to Carter Richmond. 

Michigan Center possessed the ball for much of the fourth quarter, aided by Jayhawk penalties. The Cardinals capitalized via a 20-yard touchdown toss from Howard to Cash Allen. Michigan Center then lined up for a two-point try to bring the game within one score but came up short. With just 3:30 left in the game, the Cardinals trailed 21-12. Needing multiple scores, Michigan Center successfully recovered an onside kick but then turned the ball over on downs allowing the Jayhawks to finish the game in victory formation. Vandercook Lake defeated Michigan Center 21-12 to get their first conference win. 

Micah Crenshaw was the star of the show in all three phases, with 94 receiving yards and a touchdown from two catches; 24 rushing yards and a touchdown on nine carries; two sacks, three passes batted down, and a blocked punt. 

Vandercook Lake (2-3) will be headed to Grass Lake to battle the Warriors (0-5) next week, while Michigan Center (2-3) will travel to Napoleon to take on the Pirates (4-1).