St. Joseph rode a powerful rushing attack and a statement defensive performance to secure a 20-6 Division 3 district semifinal victory over Zeeland East Friday night at Dickinson Stadium. The Bears controlled the trenches all night, outgaining the Chix 301–94 on the ground to advance in the postseason.

The Bears set the tone early when quarterback Caden LeClear burst free for a 20-yard touchdown run to give St. Joe a 6-0 advantage in the first quarter. After Zeeland East briefly pulled even, the Bears reclaimed momentum before halftime as Ish Dixon powered into the end zone from 16 yards out and then converted the two-point try himself, sending St. Joe to the locker room with a 14-6 lead.

From there, the Bears’ defense clamped down and never let go. St. Joseph tallied six sacks, forced a

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