Article by Josh Longstreth
Things have seemed to come very easy to start the 2023 season for Zeeland West. The Dux put together another dominant win last week over Grand Rapids Union, 48-7. West had a big first half test as they found themselves with a slim 12-7 lead heading into halftime. This week they knew they would be in for their toughest battle yet, a rivalry showdown with Zeeland East. It has been the best start to a season since 2017 for the Chix and they could not think of a better way to continue their start then by giving their rivals their first loss of the season. But for an offense that has been rolling for much of the year, they just couldn’t get on track tonight.
Midway through the opening quarter Zeeland West would pick up the first points of the game. Trenten Bolhouse would find his way into the endzone from 7-yards out. After a successful two-point try, the Dux would lead 8-0 and hold that lead heading into the second quarter.
West would put together some very methodical drives on the night. They found success again as Rolando Robelin found his way from 8-yards away. This would give the Dux a two touchdown lead, 14-0. East would jump right back into the game, however. On the next drive Tyler Loeb would scamper in on a 16-yard touchdown run. All of a sudden the Chix had life, trailing, 6-14. That wouldn’t last long thanks to West. The Dux offense would get rolling again with just seconds left in the quarter. Bolhouse would find Isaac VanderZwaag on a 20-yard touchdown pass. The two-point try would be successful and West found themselves looking up at a 22-6 lead heading into the half.
The third quarter would put a big derailment in the East upset bid. West would come out and eat up much of the third quarter as they would pound the ball for much of the drive. They would pay that off with just 2:49 remaining in the quarter as VanderZwaag pounded one in from 2-yards away to give his team a 30-6 lead. All Dux after three quarters of play.
It was a big offensive performance on the night for West. They would strike again early in the final quarter on a Bolhouse 60-yard pass to Trey Sloothaak. If it weren’t over by now, this one may have done it as the Dux built the lead to 38-6. East would make their way into the endzone again with just seconds left on the clock. Eli Walcott found his way in on a 5-yard run but it just wouldn’t be enough on the night. Zeeland West cruises in the rivalry battle, 36-13.
Zeeland East will fall to 4-1 as they taste defeat for the first time this season. They will have another big test in their way next week when they take on Muskegon. The Big Reds will welcome them in next Friday night.
This was the biggest test for Zeeland West and they would make a big time statement in that. They remain undefeated at 5-0 on the year as they will take an 0-5 Holland team in week six. For the last few weeks it hasn’t been great for the Dutch as they have been outscored 34-190 within that span. The Dux welcome them in next Friday night.
