It was the Bearcats’ third national
title and first since 1999. Grand Valley was denied its fifth
national title.
Quarterback Blake Bolles came through with the two biggest plays
for the Bearcats (14-1), finding Laron Council with an 18-yard
completion on third down and then connecting with Jake Soy on
the next play – a fourth and four call – for a 26-yard touchdown
pass for what proved to be the winning score.
Bolles, who threw for 198 yards,
also ran for a touchdown in support of Council’s 172-yard, 2-TD
effort.
Brad Iciek threw two touchdown
passes and Blake Smolen ran for another as the Lakers (13-2)
rallied from a 21-0 halftime deficit to pull within 23-20 early
in the fourth quarter.
Iciek threw for 290 yards on 28
of 49 passing, including the two scores.
