Chelsea Loses Heartbreaker In Regional Finals In Overtime 42-40

 

Chelsea’s Cam Cooper beats his defender and makes a big catch for a Bulldog first down

 

With a chill in the air and in front of a packed home crowd, Chelsea was playing in it’s third Regional Final in a row, this year facing off against the undefeated 11-0 Edwardsburg Eddies in a battle of unbeaten teams. The Eddies came into the game ranked as the number 2 team in the state playing a power wing t offense and featuring a defense that had 5 shutouts and was only averaging giving up less than 6 points a game. The most points they had given up all year was 20 in their divisional final game.

But they had never played a Chelsea team like this. It was their first and only challenge of the season. They had two score leads twice in the game but the resilient Bulldogs never gave up and kept fighting back forcing the game into overtime. But the Bulldogs came up just inches short and fell 42-40 in overtime bringing an end to their outstanding season, finishing the year 11-1.

The Eddies struck first with their ball control offense taking almost half of the first quarter to score. It became apparent on the ensuing kickoff that they wanted to keep the ball out of the Bulldogs Cam Cooper’s hands as they short kicked it away from him. They didn’t realize though that Chelsea is full of weapons as Aaron McDaniel’s fielded the ball for a nice return setting the Bulldogs up with good field position. The Bulldogs moved the ball downfield rather easily with a mix of short passes and runs before quarterback Jack Bush hit Bryce Jubenville in the left side of the end zone for a 5-yard score.

In the second quarter though it was all Edwardsburg as they drove downfield twice to take a big 22-7 lead.

With only a minute to go in the half after another short kick off, Bush and his boys went into action. With a few good runs by Gus Reynolds and with only 22 seconds left Bush completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to Thomas Steele who had a defender all over him but he managed to rip the ball from him and hold on for the score. The two-point conversion was no good and Chelsea went into the halftime down 22-13.

The Eddies would receive the ball first in the second half and drove 78 yards to build a bigger gap between the two teams. But the Bulldogs came right back and in less than two minutes later it was Bush hitting Steele over the middle where he would sprint into the end zone for a 28-yard score. With a Chris Roush extra point, it brought the Bulldogs within 8 with plenty of time left in the game.

After a big fourth down stop made by the Chelsea defense, it only took one exciting play to get the Bulldogs even closer in the score as Bush hit the outstanding Cooper for a short pass. Cooper out ran and out dodged every defender juking by everyone for a 58-yard touchdown bringing the Bulldogs within two points. The Eddies were reeling, not being used to a team that played so well against them, not being used to a team that scored this many points, and was holding them well below their season average of 45 points scored per game.

The Eddies would score again but the defense would stop them on the two point conversion keeping the Bulldogs with good chances as they were only down by 8.

Time would be a big factor as the Bulldogs took over late in the fourth quarter. With just over 2 minutes to drive over 60 yards for the tying score, the Bulldogs buckled down and went to work. They knew time was running out on their spectacular season and they didn’t want it to end in any way. Bush was perfect on the final drive as he hit Cooper over the middle on a big pass play and then another one to Hunter Neff. A few mix of great runs by Steele & Reynolds had the Bulldogs close to the end zone. With one minute and 28 seconds left to go, Bush took the snap from his center Connor Christian and rolled right looking to the end zone. With no receiver open and under heavy pressure, Bush was able to use his strength to avoid tacklers and took off running for the blue and gold endzone. He ran down the field on the right side and powered his way to the end zone bringing the Bulldogs within 2 points of tying the game.

As the Bulldog faithful let out a raucous roar of joy, the Bulldogs lined up for the critical two-point conversion. The first try was broken up but a defender was hanging all over the receiver Steele and was called for pass interference, giving the Bulldogs an even closer attempt. Whenever Chelsea needs a couple extra yards on a big play it’s Bush who puts his head down on the quarterback keeper and he’s never failed. And this time was no different as he plowed his way into the end zone tying the game up at 34.

After another great Roush kickoff and a great defensive stand, it was clear the Eddies would play for overtime as they had only thrown the ball 3 times in the game and were unsure of their passing game against the Bulldogs defensive backfield.

Chelsea won the coin toss and deferred to play defense. The Eddies scored and converted the two-point conversion. Now it was the Bulldogs turn.

Bush hit Jubenville on the right side as he made a spectacular diving catch at the edge of the end zone but held onto the ball. But the two-point conversion came up just inches short for the Bulldogs ending their great season in an exciting yet dismal fashion.

As Chelsea Head Coach Brad Bush gathered his team as he does after every game, he told them “how proud he was of them”.

“This was a great football team,” Bush stated. “They made one more play than we did. But you competed like a champion and did everything right. Every guy here should feel good, we did everything good and everything right. When you walk off that field you all know you gave everything you have. I couldn’t be prouder of you”

To the 26 seniors, who in three years are the winningest team in Chelsea football history he said a very heartfelt “thank you”.

Chelsea was led by Bush who was 18 for 28 with a whopping 234 yards and 5 touchdown passes. Reynolds had 78 yards on the ground on 12 carries while Cooper had 7 receptions for 109 yards and Steele finished with 75 yards on only 4 catches.

The Bulldog defense was led by Patrick Bertoni and Drew Anstead who both finished with 13 total tackles, while Cole Septer had 8, Cal Barrett had 7, and Ronnie Buford, Owen Nikischer, and Chris Roush each had 6 total tackles. Barrett also had a fumble recovery. Travis Frazier got a sack giving him a team leading 10 1/2 on the season. Anstead finished the season with the team lead in total tackles with 61.

Chelsea finished the year at 11-1 and will be bringing back 41 underclassmen next year.

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Chelsea Football Hoping For District Title Threepeat

His number may have changed this year (54) but Chelsea’s Cash Shegan still hits hard and makes plays. Here he is in the 2015 Semi Final game against Coldwater. 

It’s a rematch of last year’s Division 3 semifinal game, which the Chelsea Bulldogs defeated the Coldwater Cardinals 35-7, as the Cardinals (8-2) fly into Chelsea (10-0) no doubt seeking a bit of vengeance for last year’s big defeat. The victory sent Chelsea to the state finals at Ford Field in Detroit while the loss sent the Cardinals home. Things will be quite a bit different between the two teams, though.

The first major difference will be the weather. Unlike last year’s game, which had to be delayed a day because of one of the worst blizzards in years, this year’s playoff game will be played in what the weatherman predicts to be sunny and about 50 degrees for kick off. Last year’s game was played in Jackson while this year the Bulldogs will have the home field advantage in front of a very large, supportive, and raucous crowd.

Coldwater returns 20 seniors from last year’s team, many who played in that semi-final game. The Cardinals have a big power run offense led by Sam DeMeester who also plays on defense. They have a solid offensive line and  a very good quarterback. On defense for the 2016 season, they have not allowed more than 22 points in any game this season and have allowed under 20 in all but two games.

But Chelsea has it’s own strong defense especially up front along the d-line anchored by the twin towers of Travis Frazier & Ronnie Buford. Frazier at 6’7″ and Buford (6’5″) are both able to get their hands up to block passes and use their quickness to make big plays. Frazier leads the team in sacks with 9 and a half and 17 tackles for loss this season in limited playing team because usually, the Bulldogs would have big leads. Buford, in only three games this season, has 3 sacks and 5 tackles for loss.

“This game means a lot to me,” said Travis Frazier. “Last year I was playing for Jackson Lumen Christi and Coldwater beat us in the playoffs.So I want this bad, not just for me but for Chelsea.”

Also up front for the Bulldogs is the duo of Cash Shegan & Kyle Bell, who are known as shake and bake. Shegan saw a lot of playing time in last year’s playoffs and has a lot of experience. Bell has peaked at the right time playing some of his best football ever, as was apparent in the Bulldog’s 37-7 over Vicksburg in last week’s first-round playoff game. He was all over the field making plays and big hits.

Also peaking at the right time is Chris Roush who is right near the top of leading the team in tackles along with hard hitting Cole Septer, Drew Anstead, and Cal Barrett. The defensive backs are led by Lawrence Buckley and the eagle-eyed Patrick Bertoni who leads the team in interceptions.

The Bulldogs defense has only allowed 121 points all season with a majority of those coming in the fourth quarter when the game was out of reach. In their first playoff game, the defense gave up minus 26 rushing yards on 29 carries against Vicksburg.

“Our defense has been really well as of late and we’ve been doing a great job of stopping the run and I believe we are hitting our peak right now on the d-line,” Said Frazier. “We know this is going to be a battle but we will bring our A game no matter what.”

On the offensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs are led by quarterback Jack Bush, who helped lead his team to the state championship last year. Bush excelled in the semi-final game between these two teams last year.Bush has had an outstanding all-conference season this year throwing for over  1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air while getting  7 scores on the ground, all mainly in the first half of games. Bush can beat you with his arm and legs and has a great field presence and awareness.

Helping Bush out in the backfield is running back Gus Reynolds who is closing in on 900 yards this season and has 17 scores and a 7 yard per carry average. Opening the holes for Reynolds and protecting Bush is a big, solid offensive line anchored by Preston Ewald, Connor Christian, Andrew Klink, Patrick Conlin III, and many other valuable players that can rotate in and out of the game.

The Bulldogs have an arsenal of weapons for Bush to get the ball to with receivers Bryce Jubenville, Thomas Steele, Chris Roush, and his big tight end Alex Vasquez. Then there is the multi-purpose player Cam Cooper who fields punts and kick returns, plays receiver, running back, and will shut down another teams receiver as a defensive back. Cooper leads all Bulldog receivers with 500 yards  and has 9 touchdowns this season.

The Bulldogs know this is going to be a big battle and the key is to get out to an early lead. There also has to be discipline and try to play mistake-free football. It’s going to be a big fight between two really great teams but only one can be the victor and move on in the playoffs and Chelsea is looking to be the one and get that district title trifecta.

Chris Roush makes a huge hit

Gus Reynolds powers his way for yardage

Cam Cooper against Coldwater

Jsck Bush looks to lead his team to victory again this season

Cooper blocks for Bush

Travis Frazier & Ronnie Buford combine for a sack

Travis Frazier with sack from begind

Ronnie Buford Picks off a pass

Chris Roush kicks off in last years Coldwater game

 

Chelsea Claims SEC White with big victory over Ypsilanti 42-18

 

Cam Cooper defends himself on a big run. Cooper had 100 yards on the ground and 69 yards through the air for the Bulldogs. 

 

Chelsea gave their fans a big gift at their homecoming as they finished undefeated in the SEC White Division for the first time since 2012.

The Bulldogs beat a tough Ypsilanti team 42-18 in front of a packed house of Chelsea fans.

The Grizzlies gave the Bulldogs quite a fight as both teams struggled early on to move the ball. But with just a little over 2 minutes left in the first quarter, Jack Bush scrambled while receiver Cam Cooper was able to break free all alone in the right side of the end zone to catch Bush’s perfect pass for the first score of the game.

Ypsilanti came back and drove down the field in 13 plays covering 96 yards and scored on a Garvin Grout 29-yard pass to Jalen Allen but the kick by Carlos Gomez was wide left.

On the ensuing kickoff, it was Cooper shedding defenders and making great moves as he showed off his speed and jetted in for a big 85-yard touchdown by the Bulldogs.

With time running out in the first half, the Grizzlies were able to capitalize and punch it in, but on the 2-point conversion, the pass was broken up, giving the Bulldogs a 14-12 lead at the half.

“I thought Ypsilanti outplayed us in the first half,” Chelsea Head Coach Brad Bush said. “We haven’t been in a close game at halftime since the River Rouge game, so I was happy with how our kids responded in the second half.”

After a great performance from the Pride of Chelsea band and an extended halftime where the fans got to see Ellie Doman crowned homecoming queen, the teams again took the field. Chelsea had deferred after winning the coin toss so they received.

After a very poor kickoff set the Bulldogs up at midfield, Bush dropped back and hit a flying Cooper down the right side of the field where he pulled in the well thrown ball and sprinted into the end zone for a 50-yard touchdown.

With only 15 seconds gone in the half the Bulldogs had distanced their lead.

After another defensive stop, the Bulldogs drove down the field  mixing up the run and pass before Gus Reynolds fought to get in the end zone on the left side of the field behind  his blockers finishing the 8-play drive with a 3 yard score.

But the Grizzlies may have been down but not out as Grout connected with Christopher Willis for a 30-yard touchdown pass. Again, the lack of a good kicking game hurt as they tried to convert on the two point conversion and failed.

It was all Bulldogs after that as Reynolds would score his second rushing touchdown of the night and 12th of the year from 5 yards out.

After a half hour delay due to lightning, Bush finished the Bulldog scoring for the night on a pass to Bryce Jubenville, who made an excellent diving catch in the right endzone for his first touchdown of the season and first varsity touchdown of his career.

Jared Hansen would cap off the night by picking off the Grizzlies Grout with his first interception as a varsity player.

“I was just surprised,” said an excited, smiling Hansen. “I played the coverage right and I saw it right there and as I jumped in front of him (Grizzly receiver) I kind of bobbled it and thought I was going to drop it. But I held on and took off running.”

Bush would finish on the night with 142 yards passing and 3-touchdown passes. Cooper had his first 100 yard rushing night of the season on only 7 carries and led receivers with 69 yards on 4 catches.

“I thought Bush and Cooper played well tonight,” Bush said. “Ypsilanti likes to load the box so we threw it a lot, and I thought we did it pretty well.”

The Chelsea defense once again stepped up big as they held the Grizzlies to only 4 yards rushing the entire game and forcing 3 turnovers. Travis Frazier and Drew Anstead had a sack each while Hansen, Thomas Steele, and Patrick Bertoni each had an interception. It was Bertoni’s 4th pick of the season. Chris Roush led the defense with 8 total tackles while Bertoni had 7.

The 7-0 Bulldogs travel next Friday to Monroe for a 7 p.m.

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Chelsea’s Athletic Cam Cooper Gives All

 

Chelsea’s Cam Copper Praises God In The 2015 State Championship Game

Cam Cooper’s Chelsea Bulldogs are down in the 2015 Division 3 State Championship game at Ford Field in Detroit. They need a big play to get back into the game. Cooper lines up in the backfield behind his quarterback Jack Bush. Bush takes the snap and Cooper runs his pattern, fakes out his defender big time and thanks to a great block and big hit taken by Alex Vasquez and a perfect pass from Bush, Cooper is able to reel the ball in and use his all state track speed to fly into the end zone for the big score. As he scores he stops to celebrate and praises God. And he thinks of his mother.

“Scoring that Touchdown felt great because I really wanted to accomplish something for my mom who had to miss the game due to cancer and I was able to give God praise while I was in the end zone,” says Cooper. “But I know I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish that without my teammates who busted their butts and did their job. The line blocked great, the other receivers drew attention to themselves, Jack had a great pass, and if you really pay attention to the film Alex Vasquez ran a great route and took a big hit by a nationally recruited linebacker to get me open.”

Cooper is always singing praises of others and very humble with his own accomplishments which are many. Cooper not only excels in football, where he is listed in the MHSAA top 40 players to watch in 2016, he also went to states in track and starts at guard for the Bulldogs basketball team. He also has played soccer and baseball. But football is first and foremost his passion.

“This is my 6th year of playing football,” Cooper recalled. “I love the contact but I also love the lifetime memories and bonds that are created with the coaches and guys in the locker room and competing with the guys I grew up with.”

Cooper has attended many camps over the years for football including college camps and Nike showcases. And all his hard work is paying off as has been highly recruited by many Division 1 schools including Western Michigan, Bowling Green, Ball State, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, and Valparaiso along with some others such as Grand Valley State.

“Right now I’m leaning towards Western Michigan because I’ve built a great relationship with their coaching staff and it’s my Dad’s Alma mater, and they also do an awesome job keeping in contact with me,” stated Cooper. “Other colleges that have shown interest are many Ivy League school such as Harvard and Princeton who’ve come to visit me in school and watch me workout and run during track season.”

Cooper, or AJ, Hollywood, Coop, or Super Cam, as his friends call him, is very proud to be listed as a top football player in the state. But he knows he needs a great education also as he excels in the classroom as much as he does in sports.

“Being ranked one of the top players in the state is somewhat cool,” said Cooper.”But in reality I’m completely aware that rankings do not matter when it’s game time and that I need to show up and give 100% every time I step on the field. I have not even scratched the surface of my full potential and there is still a ton I need to work on.”

Cooper plays all over the field and will do whatever it takes to help the team accomplish it’s goals. He’s played cornerback and running back and returned kickoffs and punts in the past but this year the coaches have called on him to learn halfback and safety.

“I’m excited about it,” said Cooper. “I’ll enjoy being utilized everywhere. My favorite position so far is corner cause it’s just me and the receiver and for them to beat me it’s going to take A LOT because I hate losing.”

Cooper has spent a great amount of time in the weight room and studying game film and working on getting faster and stronger in the offseason. In the summer 7 on 7 scrimmages he looked  great locking down opponents, picking off passes, and burning defenders to make outstanding catches and touchdowns. Cooper feels his Bulldogs are ready to challenge again this year after going to the state championship game last season which was his favorite football memory ever.

“I feel that the team is looking good this year,” Cooper proudly exclaimed. “We graduated a lot of great players from last season and we are young and for the most part pretty inexperienced but we have a couple of very experienced vets that are ready to lead and an unbelievable coaching staff who does a great job day in and day out to get us ready.”

Cooper plans to go into pre-med and play football after High School. He has a great support system around him with many friends and loved ones but the people that mean the most to him are his mom and dad.

 

“In my spare time I like to work out and spend time with my awesome family,” Cooper proudly states. “My mom, Jan Cooper, and my Dad, Scott Cooper, adopted me when I was younger and have done an awesome job keeping me focused, down to earth, and my head on straight and have always supported me in my goals. Since I was young my parents have always told me that school and academics come first so I find myself studying a very good amount of time during the school year. I’ve also reconnected with my birth family so it’s great being able to communicate with them as well. Overall it just feels great to have a big family that supports me and pushes me to do my best, be a Man of God, and a gentleman.”

Cooper smiles as he talks of his family. Because of them, he has learned the ethics of hard work and because of that he gives his all and does his best in everything he does. And he looks to do the very best he can on the football field this 2016 season.

Cam flies!

Super Cam

Cam in the playoffs running back a punt

Cam on the run in the championship

Cam makes a TD catch in the championship game

 

 

 

 

Chelsea Football​ Looking to Finish

Chelsea Senior Quarterback Jack Bush looks to lead his Bulldogs to the state championship game again 

Chelsea sports teams will take on anyone, anywhere, anytime. They don’t care how much bigger the school is or better the team is, they will take them on. It gives them a good measuring stick of just how good their own teams are. And that is what the Bulldogs football team has been doing the last few weeks as they have been competing against many other teams in 7 on 7 scrimmages with the “skill” players on the team. Most of the teams they’ve been competing against were playoff teams last year as well as some of the top teams in their respective conferences and areas. And the Bulldogs welcomed them all at Jerry Niehaus Field.

The Bulldogs are led by Senior Quarterback Jack Bush who helped lead his team to the state championship game  last season at Ford Field in Detroit. Bush looked sharp in the scrimmages using his excellent field vision and quick decision-making ability making some very excellent passes to his bevy of receivers. His short passes are placed on the money and quick and his deep passes are on the mark and crisp.

The Bulldogs receivers feature some of the fastest young men in the area. Senior Chris Roush showed off his speed, hands, and route-running skills catching about everything that came his way. Seniors Al Vasquez and Travis Frazier, lining up at the Tight End position, showed off their skills and size. Bryce Jubenville, who has not played football since his freshman year, showed no signs of it as he made several highlight reel catches. There are many great offensive players including Mikal Nelson, Gus Reynolds, Thomas Steele (who also backs up Bush at QB), and Jared Hansen.

“I’m shaking off the rust,” said Jubenville. “It’s been a long time since I’ve played but it feels good to be back on the field with the team.”

One notable player who plays both sides of the ball is Senior Cam Cooper who has been listed as one of the top players in Michigan to watch this season. Cooper made several great catches on offense and broke up many passes on defense including making several outstanding interceptions.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to help my team,” Cooper stated. “We didn’t win it all last year but we’re hungry, we were there. We want to go back and get it all. We have a lot of speed and some great lineman this season. We’re going to compete and finish!”

Also on the defensive side of the ball are Senior linebacker Drew Anstead who has shown off his speed and strength. Senior Lawrence Buckley has played outstanding at cornerback locking down everyone that comes near him and has made several big pass breakups and interceptions.  Senior Cole Septer has played outstanding too. Septer has a great read on the ball and is know for his hard hitting.

This team is deep with talent at every position and has a lot of great young talent waiting to help when the time arrives. They have a great coaching staff that recognizes these are student-athletes and coaches them on the field as well as off. Although Chelsea has a tough schedule, starting at Wayne State against a very tough state champion runner-up team, River Rouge, the coaches will have the team prepared and ready for the season and hopefully get them back to Ford Field where they can finish!

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