The Zeeland East Chix travelled to Byron Center to face the South Christian Sailors for the first time since 1987, when then Zeeland High School was a member of the OK Gold with the Sailors. Conference realignment put these new Chix back in the Gold again in 2024, providing a 23rd all-time meeting in this series. This was one of the best we have seen, with the Chix escaping with a 22-15 victory.
Special teams got this party started, and South Christian benefitted from that initial spark. Tyler Brinks scooped up a blocked kick, returning it 77 yards for a touchdown. This gave the Sailors a 7-0 lead in the closing seconds of the first quarter.
Zeeland East would respond, as Elijah Walcott bowled across the goal line from a yard out. The Chix went for two, converted the try, and held an 8-7 advantage.
On the ensuing South Christian drive, the Chix defense forced a fumble. This gave them tremendous field position, and four plays later, Walcott returned to the endzone from three yards out. Again, Zeeland East converted their two-point try, with Walcott catching the Octopus pass, giving the Chix a 16-7 edge.
In the third quarter, Zeeland East extended their lead once again. This time, Walcott and Isaiah Boonstra paired up for the 25-yard touchdown pass.
Trailing 22-7, South Christian would respond early in the fourth quarter. Carson Vis used his legs to reel off a 36-yard quarterback keeper that cleared the Chix defenders and ended in the end zone. A successful two-point try got South within seven, 22-15.
The Sailors put together a strong drive in the closing minutes, driving deep into Zeeland East territory. Ultimately, they were unable to convert the drive into points, ending their furious comeback attempt.
Zeeland East now sits at 4-2 on the season. They will face Forest Hills Central next week in a tough OK Gold contest. South Christian, also 4-2 after two straight defeats, will look to snap their skid. The Sailors’ schedule ends with three tough games, against Unity Christian, Zeeland West and Grand Rapids Catholic Central.
