The Unity Christian Crusaders and Allendale Falcons have been rivals on the gridiron since 2004. This matchup has become one-sided as of late however, as Unity entered Friday night as winners of seven straight meetings. On Friday night, they set a new high-mark for the largest margin of victory in the series, as they reeled off a 46-7 victory against the Falcons, their eighth consecutive in the rivalry.
Micah Bush got Unity started offensively, as he capped off an opening scoring drive with a 6-yard run just 75 seconds into the action. Drew Chandler added a two-point conversion to push the ‘Saders ahead by 8. Later in the first quarter, their lead was doubled. Cam Chandler kept the football and the signal-caller rushed for a 2-yard score. Micah Bush converted the two-point try, giving Unity a 16-0 lead after twelve minutes.
In the second quarter, Unity extended their lead by another two scores. The Chandler brothers paired up, as Cam found Drew for a 54-yard touchdown strike. Abe Rappuhn added the two-point plunge. The ‘Saders took a 32-0 lead into the locker room after a touchdown in the closing seconds of the first half. Drew Chandler scored his third touchdown, breaking free for a 38-yard sprint to the end zone. Cam Chandler made the successful conversion run.
Unity continued their pattern of scoring twice in a quarter as they began the third frame. Micah Bush powered across the goal line, his second rushing touchdown of the night a 3-yarder. Ethan Vanotterloo joined the scoring party with a 4-yard touchdown run for Unity. Levi Tuinstra chipped in two extra points.
Josh Vandermolen would help Allendale prevent the shutout , as he scored from 14 yards out with three minutes to play. It was far too late for the Falcons though, as they would suffer defeat.
Micah Bush finished with 137 rushing yards for Unity. Drew Chandler added 60, while also racking up 60 receiving yards. Cole DiPiazza led Allendale’s rushing attack with 76 yards, though he was held out of the end zone.
Unity is now 4-0 (2-0 OK Blue), and the ‘Saders have won 11 straight regular season games. They will take on Holland Christian in another league contest next Friday. Allendale slides to an even 2-2 on the season, and they will square up with Coopersville next week.
