BIG RAPIDS – No. 1 Ferris State and No. 4 Grand Valley State both scored on their first offensive drives of the game, but it was all Bulldogs after that as Ferris State opened up a 33-7 halftime lead on its way to a 54-20 victory over the rival Lakers on Saturday afternoon.
Ferris State quarterback Jared Bernhardt had a 65 yard touchdown run on the third play from scrimmage to get the scoring started on a snowy afternoon in Big Rapids. He added a second rushing touchdown before the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Bulldogs put up 19 unanswered points. Bernhardt threw for two touchdowns, including a 76-yard catch-and-run to Marcus Taylor.
However, Bernhardt was hurt late in the first half and did not return.
In relief, Mylik Mitchell went 4-for-8 for 66 yards passing and a touchdown. Bernhardt finished 7-for-11 for 166 yards passing and two touchdowns before the injury.
The Bulldogs defense also forced six Lakers turnovers, coming up with four interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
With the win, No. 1 Ferris State improves to 11-0. No. 4 Grand Valley State finishes the season 10-2, with both losses coming at the hands of the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs advance to the NCAA Division II Quarterfinals where they will face No. 3 Northwest Missouri State.
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