**ARTICLE BY LIEN VELDBOOM**
The Trojans traveled to Grand Rapids to face the Eagles on Thursday night. They came into the game with a 1-0 record after beating Kenowa Hills last week. Grand Rapids Christian entered with an 0-1 record after dropping their first game to South Christian. A slow second half for Fruitport hurt the Trojans, as Grand Rapids Christian gets the win after a 34-point comeback.
The Eagles started strong with an 80-yard kick-off return from Tayvarie Heard. However, this fast start didn’t continue throughout the first half. Fruitport was able to score 34 unanswered points in the first half after giving up the kick-off return. Grand Rapids Christian was finally able to respond late in the second quarter when Alek Wickstrom connected with Tyler Porte for a 50-yard touchdown. At half time the score was 34-14, and the Eagles seemed out of the game.
The unthinkable happened in the second half, as Grand Rapids Christian scored 34 unanswered points to win the ball game. About midway through the third quarter, Heard ran it in for his second touchdown of the night. Wickstrom was then able to find Jude Klunder for a 7-yard pass with 29 seconds to go in the third.
There was no action on the scoreboard for the first 10 minutes in the fourth quarter, and Fruitport looked to escape with a win. However, Isaiah Caviness had a different idea, when he crossed the line for six. The defense did their job, and held Fruitport out of scoring range with enough time on the clock to make one final push. With 28 seconds left on the clock, Wickstrom threw the ball 17-yards to Tyree Gamble. The comeback was complete, and the Eagles came out on top, 41-34.
Grand Rapids Christian’s Alek Wickstrom ended the game with 206 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Eagles’ defense did their job well in the second half with Dewayne Goree recording a key interception.
This heartbreaking loss will leave the Trojans with a 1-1 record going into conference play. They will look to rebound next week as they face Allendale at home. The Eagles, who are also 1-1, will host Forest Hills Northern in their first conference game of the season.
