The Union Red Hawks had a chance to win their third game on Friday, a monumental step for Coach Don Fellows’ program. They shook off their last two defeats against Muskegon’s best, as they beat Holland 41-28.
Holland scored first in this game, just three minutes in. Zach Hop, the Dutch’ quarterback, used his legs on a 15-yard keeper. Union would quickly respond as Jermiah Bridgeman bolted through the Holland defense on a 55-yard touchdown. Later in the quarter, Bridgeman pushed Union in front with another keeper, though this was short at 8 yards out.
In the second quarter, the edge goes to Holland. Zach Hop continued to be a playmaker, carrying the football across the goal line. Later, Bridgeman was back to scoring, as he raced to the tune of a 65-yard sprint. Hop and Andon Grigg broke out an explosive passing pay, covering 74 yards on their way to the end zone. This brought the Dutch within a point, 22-21, at halftime.
In the third quarter, Union was able to push their lead. First, Keaunt’e Swarn took a handoff and bolted through the Holland defense, covering 50 yards on his way to the end zone. Later in the quarter, Keondre Anderson pulled off a 27-yard rushing score. These scores were paired with extra points by Fransisco Mendoza, extending the lead to thirteen points.
Both teams would find the end zone in the fourth quarter. Zach Hop and Andon Grigg got the Dutch on the board, and Keaunt’e Swarn responded with a 1-yard run that saw him bowl across the goal line.
Jeremiah Bridgeman turned 23 carries into 289 rushing yards. Keaunt’e Swarn added 139 rushing the football for Union. The Red Hawks were able to turn 49 carries into 501 rushing yards.
With this victory, Union has won three games in a season for the first time since 2003 (3-6). That year was also the last time the Red Hawks were 3-2. Next up for Union is a battle with the Zeeland East Chix. Holland, now 1-4, will have an even tougher game next week. The Dutch will take on Muskegon.
