Last week, South Christian suffered a tough loss to East Grand Rapids. They looked to bounce back this week when they faced Middleville, a team that also suffered a defeat last week, albeit a forfeit due to COVID concerns. The Sailors fell behind early, but 35 unanswered points led to a 35-14 victory.
Carsen Burbridge got the Trojans on the scoreboard, as the quarterback kept the football and plunged across the goal line from a yard out. This capped off a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown march for TK. This was the lone scoring play in the opening frame, giving Middleville a 6-0 advantage.
In the second quarter, South Christian got their offense rolling. Nate Brinks pushed the Sailors in front when he reeled off a 43-yard touchdown run. With a minute to go until halftime, Jake DeHaan extend South Christian’s lead with a 46-yard sprint to the end zone. South Christian would take their 14-6 advantage to the locker room.
The third quarter led to three more Sailors’ touchdowns. First, Chandler VanSolkema broke off a pair of touchdown runs. He had a 3-yard run capping off their opening drive of the half, and followed that up with a 6-yard run with three minutes to go. As the third quarter came to an end, South Christian stopped Middleville on downs. On their first play from scrimmage, Jake DeHaan and Will Fennema paired up for a 25-yard touchdown strike. This gave South Christian a 35-6 edge with twelve minutes to go.
Middleville would stop the run, scoring the game’s final touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Zack Gibson broke off a 3-yard touchdown that capped off an 80-yard touchdown drive. Unfortunately for the Trojans, it would not be enough.
Chandler VanSolkema led the South Christian rushing attack with 109 yards on 11 carries. Nate Brinks added 8 carries for 84 yards. Will Fennema was the Sailors’ leading receiver with 25 yards.
Carsen Burbridge paced Middleville with 75 rushing yards on 23 carries. He also completed 12/18 passes for 149 yards.
Now 2-1 on the season, the Sailors will face their toughest test in Grand Rapids Catholic Central next week. Middleville, who slides to 0-3 with this defeat, will look for their first win against Forest Hills Eastern next Friday.
