The Grandville Bulldogs, as has been the case in each of their past thirteen playoff appearances dating back to 2002, faced a league opponent in a postseason rematch. Despite this remarkable frequency, Friday signaled the first rematch in the postseason against rival Hudsonville. Much like the first rendition five weeks earlier, this game went down to the wire. In the end, Grandville escaped with a 22-21 victory.

Midway through the first quarter, Jayden ‘Tank’ Terry got Grandville on the scoreboard. His 21-yard carry gave the Bulldogs an early 7-0 advantage. In the quarter’s closing minute, Griffin Baker kept the football for a 2-yard equalizer.

Hudsonville would take the lead with about two minutes left in the first half. Bryce Fox was able to break one tackle, catch some key blocks, and rumble his way into the end zone. This put the Eagles ahead 14-7 entering the locker room.

Early in the third quarter, the Eagles extended their lead further. Griffin Baker kept the football once more, spinning out of a tackle for a 9-yard score. With a rain-soaked Grandville crowd stunned, it would take a turnaround to change their fortunes.

That momentum shift happened almost immediately. Easton Suidinski took the hand off at his own 30 yardline and ripped through the Eagles’ defense for a 70-yard touchdown run. Cash Ruff was able to complete the 2-point try, and within 18 seconds of game play, Grandville trimmed the lead to six.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Grandville seized the lead. Tank Terry returned to the paint with a 22-yard score, diving for the final feet near the pylon.

As a result of the earlier two-point conversion, the extra point put Grandville ahead 22-21.

Hudsonville was able to put one more drive together, reaching the Grandville 18 yardline. As the offense stalled, the Eagles elected to attempt a field goal. Ian Munoz’s boot sailed wide right, and Grandville ran out the final two minutes of clock.

Tank Terry paced the victors with 144 rushing yards on 19 carries. Suidinski added 89 yards rushing on his five carries. With the win, Grandville advances to next week’s District Finals. They will have yet another league rematch, taking on Rockford. Grandville is hungry to avenge a frustrating 34-13 defeat two weeks ago.