The Coopersville Broncos and Unity Christian ‘Saders met in Week 3 with records of 2-0 and 0-2 respectively. Just like everyone assumed, right? Despite a difficult non-league slate, many wondered if Unity was slipping as the cream of the crop in the OK Blue. While they may be threatened, they earned a hard-fought victory against the upstart Broncos, 28-27.

Coopersville struck first in this one, as Colton Bosch and Nick Gordon paired up on an 11-yard passing play. Unity would respond before the quarter’s end, as Mitch Tibbe found Carter Bylsma for six points. Isaac Stienstra added the two-point conversion catch to give the ‘Saders an 8-7 lead.

The teams would trade second quarter scores, with the Broncos striking first once again. This time, Nick Gordon fielded the handoff and shot through the Unity defense for a 27-yard touchdown. Unity would once again answer, this time on a Nolan Vis carry of 11 yards. A missed conversion left the teams even at 14 as they went to halftime.

Unity Christian would start the scoring in the third quarter, as Tibbe and Jared VanderZwaag partnered up on a 16-yard touchdown strike. The Broncos defense would provide the equalizer, as Dylan Merlo stepped in front of a Tibbe pass before racing 38 yards to the end zone.

Isaac Steinstra’s two-yard touchdown run put Unity ahead 28-21, but Coopersville had plenty of time for another drive. The Broncos took advantage of that opportunity, marching down the field. Bosch found Ryan Serba on a 9-yard score, bringing the Broncos within a point. Head Coach Ed Kaman kept his offense on the field for the go-ahead conversion try, and the pass fell incomplete.

Mitch Tibbe finished 8/13 passing for 136 yards and two scores. He also added 55 yards on the ground. Dylan DeHoop, despite a rare absence from the end zone, led Unity with 117 yards rushing. Colton Bosch was 22/31 passing for Coopersville, tallying 216 yards and two scores. Dylan Merlo had a defensive score, but he could not find the end zone on his 23 carries, finishing with 165 yards.

Coopersville squares off with Hamilton next week. Unity Christian will try and get to .500 when they face Fruitport.