Brother Rice Takes Regional Crown with 42-12 Victory Over WL Western

The Brother Rice Warriors hammered Walled Lake Western 42-12 to win the Division 2 regional title on Friday night by scoring early and often in the first half.  Junior running back Brian Walker opened the scoring with a 2 yard run at the 6:16 mark of the first quarter for a 7-0 lead. Walled Lake Western came right back as Kyle Bambard kicked a 52 yard field goal with 1:48 left in the quarter cutting the lead to 7-3. 

On the second play of the 2^nd quarter, Western blocked a punt but were unable to capitalize. Western picked up a safety at the 10:05 mark after a snap went over the quarterback’s head in a shotgun formation narrowing the lead to 7-5. 

Brother Rice exploded for 4 second quarter touchdowns highlighted by a 56 yard touchdown run by Shon Powell and a 25 yard touchdown pass from Cheyne Lacanaria to Sergio Perkovic. Rice surprised Western with an onside kick taking over at the 49 yard line. Junior Shon Morris plunged into the end zone with just 22 seconds left giving Brother Rice a 35-5 lead at the half.

The offensive onslaught was led by the junior running back tandem of Shon Powell and Brian Walker. Powell exploded for 145 yards rushing on just 13 carries. Walker had 92 yards on 15 carries.

The Brother Rice defense was stingy all game long as they forced five turnovers and sacked Walled Lake Western quarterback Kyle Bambard seven times.  Linebacker Sergio Perkovic spearheaded the defensive effort. 

With the division 2 regional final win, the defending state champions head back to the final 4 for the third time in the last four seasons. Brother Rice (10-2) plays Wyandotte Roosevelt next Saturday in a semi-final game.

The Bears beat Oak Park 10-6 in a defensive battle that went down to the wire Friday night. Get a recap with a live blog of the game on Wyandotte Patch.