The Hudsonville Eagles and East Kentwood Falcons met in the opening round of the postseason, as part of the annual tradition of OK Red rematches in Division 1. This contest was a rematch of a Week 5 game in which Hudsonville won 35-6. Though the victor was the same here in the playoffs, the outcome was much closer. A last-second field goal was needed for the Eagles to secure a 25-23 victory, punching their ticket to the District Finals.
Early in the first quarter, Hudsonville got things started. Griffin Baker used his legs on a short quarterback scramble, eluding tacklers for the opening touchdown. A failed PAT left the score at 7-0.
East Kentwood would respond in the second quarter, with freshman kicker Jayden Garcia burying a 32-yard field goal.
After a pair of punts, Hudsonville would strike back. Brady van Laecke used his legs on an explosive 37-yard touchdown carry, extending the Eagles’ edge to 10 points, 13-3.
East Kentwood was able to claw back before the half, as Elijah Jones capped off a scoring drive with an explosive touchdown carry. Hudsonville would boot a field goal to take a 16-10 lead into the locker room. The Falcons nearly delivered the equalizer on the kick return, but the touchdown was called back due to a penalty.
Griffin Baker returned to the end zone in the early stages of the third quarter. His keeper would provide the spark again, though this was a 51-yard sprint past the entire East Kentwood defense. A failed two-point try put Hudsonville ahead 22-10.
Elijah Jones showed his scoring ability again in the answer for East Kentwood, as he bolted past the initial surge of Hudsonville for an 80-yard touchdown. This brought the Falcons within five.
Hudsonville began to march down the field in response, but after six plays, they coughed the football up. This allowed East Kentwood to capitalize. Kayd Coffman took to the air, finding Christopher Murphy-Ware on a 51-yard touchdown score. With just over five minutes to play, East Kentwood had their first lead, 23-22.
After a pair of punts, Hudsonville began at their own 39-yard line with 91 seconds to play. The Eagles were able to move down the field, giving Ian Jenkins a shot at a game-winning 34-yard field goal. The kick went through as time expired, lifting Hudsonville to victory.
With the win, Hudsonville moves on to the District Finals, where they will face Grandville. The Bulldogs surprised many by taking down Rockford, 24-14.
