Photo Credit: Louis Murray
Check out pictures of the game here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/45681226@N02/albums/72157716600757981
The Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars and South Christian Sailors squared off on Friday night at East Kentwood High School as a pair of undefeated teams. The OK Gold Championship was on the line, and they both played to a championship caliber. Ultimately the game would need an extra period, and the successful extra point by Jack Barlow lifted GRCC to a 28-27 victory.
In the first half, South Christian scored all fourteen points. The first touchdown pass came on one of the greatest catches you’ll ever see. Elliot Grashuis went up over the defender and caught the football, and he then outran him for a forty-yard touchdown (see catch below).
Trevor Hansen scored the Sailors’ second touchdown on a run of forty-two yards. This gave the team a 14-0 edge heading into halftime.
In the third quarter, Grand Rapids Catholic Central roared back with a pair of touchdown runs. First, Nick Hollern powered through the defense for a thirteen yard score. On their next drive, Joey Silveri broke a plethora of tackles and ran thirty-two yards to tie the game at 14.
Ty Rynbrandt and Jack Schruer paired up for a five-yard touchdown pass to put South back ahead in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. Five minutes later, Nick Hollern raced through the South Christian defense and he went all seventy-five yards to the end zone to tie the score. Ultimately, GRCC had a chance to win the game in regulation with a field goal, but the kick was no good, sending the game to overtime.
In the extra frame, Rynbrandt and Eli Smith paired up on third down to put the Sailors ahead by six. Their extra point attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the lead at just six points. Grand Rapids Catholic Central responded with a touchdown run on their first play from Silveri to even the score. Jack Barlow’s extra point went through the uprights, giving GRCC a 28-27 victory, and an OK Gold championship.
Hollern led GRCC with 136 rushing yards, while Silveri added 103. Jace Williams caught three of Silveri’s completions for twenty-seven yards. Nolan Zeigler led the defense with ten tackles.
Ty Rynbrandt led the Sailors’ passing attack with 163 yards through the air. Trevor Hansen paced the ground game with 115 yards. Eli Smith was the team’s leading receiver with 74 yards, while Elliott Grashuis added 60.
Next week, both of these teams will start their playoff journeys with home contests. Their opponents and dates will be officially announced on Sunday by the MHSAA.
