St. Joseph powered past Battle Creek Central 37-18 on Friday night at C.W. Post Field, using a relentless rushing attack and strong defensive finish to earn its fifth win of the season. Senior running backs Ish Dixon and Brayden Malone combined for over 200 yards on the ground and three touchdowns, while quarterback Caden LeClear threw for 88 yards and a long 60-yard touchdown to Jace Hopkins. The Bears controlled the first half with a pair of first-quarter touchdowns and a 22-12 halftime lead, fueled by Dixon’s 6-yard score and Malone’s 14-yard burst to the end zone.
Battle Creek Central fought back behind quarterback Randall Gray, who totaled 133 yards of offense and scored on a 7-yard run late in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 22-18. But St. Joe’s defense — led by Nate Schmitt’s 11 tackles and two sacks — held firm, forcing key turnovers and limiting the Bearcats’ big-play ability. Schmitt’s pressure and the Bears’ front seven stopped several fourth-down tries, stalling the Battle Creek Central comeback and setting up favorable field position for the St. Joe offense.
With the game still in reach in the fourth quarter, LeClear capped a 52-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run to give the Bears breathing room. Moments later, Dixon sealed the victory with his second rushing touchdown of the night, an 8-yard burst following a turnover. In total, St. Joseph racked up 389 yards of offense, including 301 on the ground, while not punting a single time. The Bears’ offensive line paved the way for long drives that wore down the Bearcats’ defense over four quarters.
With the win, St. Joseph improved to 5-3 overall, while Battle Creek Central fell to 4-4. The Bears now return home for one of the area’s marquee matchups next Friday, when they host undefeated Portage Central (8-0) at Dickinson Stadium. It will be a pivotal regular-season finale as St. Joe looks to extend its momentum and secure playoff positioning heading into the postseason.
