Photo Credit: Lou Murray
Check out photos of the game here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/45681226@N02/albums/72177720312789581
The South Christian Sailors took on the Portland Raiders on Saturday in the Division 4 Semifinals. A stout defensive performance allowed the Sailors to clinch a spot in the Division 4 State Championship game next week, advancing as 21-6 victors.
After taking over on downs, South Christian was able to score on its first drive of the night. A 5-yard Carson Vis touchdown run was set up by a 32-yard pass from Vis to Jake Vermaas. This put the Sailors ahead early, 7-0.
Chris Battley got the Raiders on the board, answering with a 66-yard touchdown run. This was just the third play on the ensuing Portland drive, pulling the Raiders within a point. Their tying extra point attempt failed, leaving them behind 7-6.
South Christian’s defense would tighten up the rest of this game, allowing zero points and just 226 total yards of offense. Their offense would cushion their lead with two additional touchdown drives. In the second quarter, after Sam Weiss recovered a fumble, the Sailors were able to score on a 19-yard touchdown toss from Vis to Vermaas. The final touchdown came after a Jake Vermaas interception, as Carson Vis used his legs for a 54-yard sprint to the end zone.
The victors had 251 yards of total offense. Carson Vis finished 8/14 passing for 111 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. With this victory, the Sailors are in the State Championship game for the ninth time (1984, 1986, 1999, 2002, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2022, 2023). This time, they will face Harper Woods, who also enters with a 10-3 record, on Saturday afternoon.
