The OK Blue’s most anticipated battle, a showdown between Unity Christian and West Catholic, took place on Friday night. Many saw this game as a measuring stick for both programs, who entered 6-0 with aspirations of deep postseason victories. After tonight’s game, there is little doubt in anyone’s mind that Unity Christian is among the best in the entire state, as they dominated West Catholic 40-14.

In the first quarter, Unity Christian got on the scoreboard first. Ethan VanOtterloo received the handoff, and he made his way into the end zone, a 1-yard plunge. Cam Chandler added a two-point conversion run. West Catholic responded quickly, as Noah Arsulowicz and Michael Ignatoski paired up on a 6-yard touchdown toss. Carson Beekman booted an extra point to pull the Falcons within a point.

Unity Christian would pad their lead over the remainder of the first quarter. On their next offensive drive, the ‘Saders found the end zone. Cam Chandler kept the football, and he raced 15 yards through the defense. Drew Chandler added the two-point conversion. After recording a stop, Cam Chandler fielded a punt and race through the oncoming coverage team for a 55-yard touchdown. Drew’s second successful conversion gave Unity a 24-7 advantage after one quarter of action.

The ‘Saders scored for the third consecutive offensive drive, as Abe Rappuhn ran for a 10-yard score. Drew Chandler once again converted the two-point try on a short carry. Tim Kloska snapped the scoring drought with his first touchdown of the game, a 7-yard run. Unity Christian took their 32-14 lead into the locker room.

Scoring was at a premium in the second half. Only one time was the end zone reached, and that came in the third quarter. Unity Christian looked once more to Cam Chandler, who kept the football for a 1-yard plunge. Abe Rappuhn rounded out the scoring with a two-point try.

Tim Kloska was bottled up in this game, as the Falcons’ star back had just 81 yards on 16 carries. He accounted for nearly half of West Catholic’s 194 yards of offense, as he also added five receiving yards.

Abe Rapphun paced the Unity rushing attack with 118 yards on 10 carries. Drew Chandler (92), Cam Chandler (87), and Micah Bush (42) were the next-highest contributors on a ‘Saders offense that rushed for 345 yards as a team.

Next week, Unity Christian will look to move to 8-0 as they face Coopersville. West Catholic (6-1) will look to bounce back against Spring Lake.