The Whitehall Vikings and Fruitport Trojans began their Division 4 playoff journey on Friday night in Whitehall. It was the twentieth meeting between the two lakeshore schools, but it was the first since they were both members of the Seaway back in 1984. Whitehall scored the first 32 points in this game on their way to a 46-8 victory.
The defense got the scoring started in this one, as Whitehall’s Ira Jenkins brought down the Fruitport quarterback in the end zone for a safety. Alec Pruett and the Vikings’ offense would add to the scoring mix when he ran for a three-yard touchdown. This gave Whitehall a 9-0 first quarter lead.
In the opening plays of the second quarter, Andrew Durbin and Nate Bolley paired up for a fifty-one yard touchdown pass. Two minutes later, Whitehall got another safety when they blocked a punt out of the end zone. On the ensuing possession, Durbin and Red Watson paired up for a twenty-one yard touchdown that gave Whitehall a 25-0 lead.
Nate Bolley scored his second touchdown of the first half, a twelve yard rush, to extend Whitehall’s lead to thirty-two points. Before the half concluded, Fruitport finally got on the scoreboard. Crue Cooper tossed his first touchdown of the ball game, and the thirty-three yard strike made it 32-8 Vikings at halftime.
Coming out of the locker room, Whitehall scored twice more to add to their total in the third quarter. Andrew Durbin found Mario Moore for a twenty-yard touchdown with four minutes to go in the quarter. On the final play of the third quarter, Alec Pruett rushed for a touchdown, the last score of the game for either side.
Whitehall outgained Fruitport 405-131 in this victory. Andrew Durbin completed just 3/10 passes, but they went for 92 yards and three touchdowns. Alec Pruett led the rushing attack with 19 carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns. This performance earns him Redi Rental Viking of the Game honors.
Next week, Whitehall will look to advance to the district finals. In order to make that game, they will have to defeat Coopersville. They will host the Broncos after the #6 seed upset #3 Sparta 26-14 on Friday night.
