Since their program was formed in 2005, the identity of Zeeland West is their ability to run the football. Using the “Power T”, they use physicality and deception to frustrate their opponents to the tune of 186-46 all-time record with five State Championships. On Friday night, they hosted nearby neighbor West Ottawa for the first time in the 21-year history of the program. As the game came down to one play, it was the arm of the Zeeland West quarterback that proved to be the difference.
After a scoreless first quarter, Zeeland West jumped on the scoreboard with a 4-yard touchdown carry by Jonah Leslie. Brandon Holman added the conversion run to put the Dux up by eight. West Ottawa would not flinch, as they responded with two touchdown drives to take a lead into the locker room. The Panthers got the first score on a 53-yard touchdown toss from Abel Anaya to Ron Ferguson. With 27 seconds left in the half, Caleb Montgomery powered across the goal line from two yards out to put West Ottawa in front 15-8.
In the third quarter, it was all Zeeland West. Brandon Holman and Drew Albrecht linked up for a 30-yard touchdown pass. Holman’s Octopus attempt failed on the conversion run. With 50 seconds remaining in the third, the Dux got a 43-yard keeper from Albrecht to jump back ahead 22-15.
West Ottawa put together an impressive four-minute drive to get within a point, 22-21, with 3:44 to go. JT Gill hauled in a pass from Anaya, but the Panthers’ PAT kick was blocked! After forcing a stop, West Ottawa marched down the field with haste. They covered 33 yards to put themselves in field goal range. With 48 seconds to play, Connor Valk booted a 31-yard field goal to give the Panthers the lead once more, 24-22.
Zeeland West got the football back, and they made it down to the West Ottawa 37 yard line with time for one last play. On that final snap, Drew Albrecht eluded several oncoming tacklers, heaved the football downfield, it was tipped by a West Ottawa defender straight into the arms of Brandon Holman, who ran the final few yards for the game-winning score.
Drew Albrecht nearly passed for 100 yards in this game, a rare feat for a Dux quarterback. He completed 4/6 throws for 99 yards and two touchdowns. The Dux, now 2-0, continue non-league play next week against Whitehall. West Ottawa now slides to 0-2 with two frustratingly close defeats. They begin the OK Red gauntlet next Friday against Grandville.
