The South Christian Sailors were a program of consistency in the early 2010s, putting together a trio of State Championship game appearances in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Their passionate fanbase flocked to Ford Field to watch their team win two State Championships. After eight long years of waiting, Sailor Nation will be making the trek across I-96 to Ford Field this Friday, as their Sailors will compete for a State Championship once again. They advance to the school’s 7th State Championship game with a win over Edwardsburg, 26-20.
In the first quarter, Jake DeHaan got the Sailors rolling, as he often does. The senior quarterback used his legs on an explosive play, racing 51 yards for a touchdown just 22 seconds into the action. South Christian would take their 7-0 lead into the second quarter.
DeHaan got a quick start to the second frame as well, as he found Seth Ritsema on a 21-yard touchdown strike on the quarter’s opening play. After forcing a stop of the Eddies, the Sailors began to march. With three minutes left in the half, DeHaan scored on another keeper, this time a 6-yard carry. A blocked extra point left South Christian ahead 20-0.
Although the Sailors appeared to be in complete control, Edwardsburg would not go away. The Eddies found the end zone on the final play of the half, a 2-yard Brett Allen touchdown run, trimming the deficit to 14.
Edwardsburg scored the only touchdown of the third quarter as well, with Brenden Seabolt breaking through on a 9-yard carry with thirty seconds remaining. As we headed to the fourth quarter, Edwardsburg seemed to have the momentum, yet trailed 20-14.
When South Christian needs big plays, they always look to DeHaan. He delivered again, with a big touchdown strike three minutes into the fourth. DeHaan found Carson Vis, and the duo scored on a 40-yard pitch-and-catch. A failed conversion put them ahead by 12, 26-14.
Edwardsburg would return to the end zone with two minutes to go, as Brendan Madison bowled across from a yard out. They would not draw closer, as the Sailors were able to escape with a victory.
Revenge is always satisfying, but this time it was even sweeter. After having their season end at the hands of the Eddies each of the past two years, South Christian finally cleared the hurdle this fall. As a result, they will take on Goodrich in next Friday’s State Championship game.
Jake DeHaan was great once again, with 8/10 passing for 118 yards and 2 scores. He added 91 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 14 carries. Seth Ritsema (54 yards) led the team in receiving. Defensively, Cayden Dykema (12.5 tackles) and Gabriel Kisner (10.5 tackles) made their presence felt all game long.
