ZEELAND, Mich. (WOOD) — Josh Fusco was more than a little excited about playing in Friday night’s Division 3 regional final.
The Zeeland East senior running back missed last week’s district final due to a partially torn MCL in his left knee, but returned with vengeance to lead his team to a historic victory.
The Chix routed Parma Western 50-24 and claimed their first regional title since 1989.
“My teammates kept telling me, ‘we’re playing for you’ last week, and honestly it hit me at home,” said Fusco, who scored three first-half touchdowns.
“Being able to play and to experience this with my team and getting the trophy means a lot to me. I’m still a little banged up and it’s sore, but not too bad.”
Fusco rushed for 178 yards in the first half as Zeeland East built a commanding 42-0 lead.
“He wanted to play last week, but he couldn’t make cuts and things,” Chix coach Derek Pennington said. “He came out Monday and Tuesday and looked good and practiced all week. I’m happy for him because you hate to see a senior not be able to play at the end of the year and he was really excited about playing. I thought he played well on both sides of the ball.”
Zeeland East advances to next Saturday’s state semifinals at Grand Haven High School against defending state champion Muskegon. The Bigs Reds defeated Cedar Springs 34-18.
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