**ARTICLE BY LIEN VELDBOOM**
The Unity Christian Crusaders looked to be struggling this year with an 0-2 start in non-conference play. However, they were able to win their conference opener with a dramatic 28-27 win against the Coopersville Broncos last week. Fruitport also won their conference opener against Allendale in Week 3. They both entered Friday’s game looking to continue their winning ways. The Crusaders were the winner of this battle after scoring an outstanding 60 points, while the Trojans were only able to put up 46.
It was a scoring frenzy all game long, with a total of 106 points being scored. The entire game consisted of Unity Christian and Fruitport trading touchdowns, with a few stops proving to be the difference on the scoreboard.
The Crusaders relied on the rushing game with only 20 yards of the 548 yards coming through the air. Those 20 yards came from the only passing touchdown for Unity Christian on the night. Mitch Tibbe located Jakob Chapman for the catch and run. The rushing game was well distributed between the ‘Saders, as six ballcarriers racked up yards, with four finding the end zone. The running game was led by Nolan Vis who was able to gain 192 yards and find the end zone 4 different times. He was assisted by Dylan VanderGoot, Isaac Stienstra, and Max VanKoevering each having one score of their own.
Fruitport also took advantage of the run game tonight, with the majority of their yards coming from the ground. The passing game was more existent for the Trojans, however, with Collin Jolman tossing for two touchdowns and 125 yards. He was able to connect with Cody Nash for both scores, completing a 5-yard and 22-yard pass respectively. Jolman also helped with his legs running for three touchdowns. Nash added one of his own with his feet, and Paschal Jolman found the end zone once himself.
This heavily run-oriented game led the Trojans to have 373 yards with Paschal Jolman having 177. Unity Christian had two rushers with over 100 yards each, Nolan Vis and Isaac Stienstra.
Next Friday night, the Crusaders will take their 2-0 conference record up against the Hamilton Hawkeyes who are now 0-2 in conference play. Fruitport will look to rebound at home, facing the Coopersville Broncos who currently sit 3-1 overall.
