One of the area’s most continuously played rivalries added another chapter on Friday night, as Grand Rapids Christian and South Christian met to begin their 2025 seasons. A strong start for the Sailors propelled them to a 27-14 victory, their seventh straight in this series.
South Christian got things started from the jump, as they went 80 yards in eight plays on their opening drive. Austin Burgess, the Sailors’ slinger, used his legs for a 17-yard touchdown run. Later in the first quarter, Burgess took to the air, finding Owen Burgess for a 41-yard touchdown strike, giving South a 13-0 lead.
The Eagles grabbed some momentum on the ensuing kickoff, as they covered 62 yards. This short possession resulted in a quick touchdown, with Charlie King carrying the ball seven yards across the goal line.
Before the teams broke for halftime, South Christian pushed their lead back out to 12. The law firm, Burgess and Burgess, paired up for yet another touchdown toss. Their 21-yard connection capped off an 8-play, 75-yard scoring drive.
Neither team scored in the third quarter, but South Christian found the end zone one more time. Austin Burgess again looked to the air, passing for his third touchdown. This scoring toss came after a dynamic 48-yard strike to Burgess.
GRC would get one final touchdown, as Elden Grover powered across the goal line from four yards out. This would not be enough, as they fell 27-14.
South Christian outgained the Eagles 424-216, with Austin Burgess completing 13/15 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns. Owen Burgess hauled in 11 of those passes, racking up 159 yards.
Next week, South Christian will face another longtime rival, East Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Christian will look for their first victory against West Chicago Wheaton, an out-of-state opponent from Illinois.
