Two of the area’s most storied programs took to the field at East Kentwood High School on Friday, as South Christian welcomed West Catholic in a crucial non-conference battle. This game featured strong play on both sides of the football, but ultimately just one team could capture the victory. West Catholic would be that team in a narrow 27-20 contest.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Falcons finally broke through on the scoreboard. Connor Olszewski capped off a 14-play, 80-yard touchdown drive with an 8-yard touchdown run. This score came after the Falcons forced South Christian into a missed field goal. West Catholic would extend their lead to fourteen when Grady Augustyn tossed a 35-yard touchdown pass to Hunter.

Although the Sailors’ offense was stalling, the South Christian defense would get their scoring started. Brody Shilts stepped in front of a West Catholic pass, racing 35 yards to the end zone. The defense made another big play when they stopped West Catholic on downs at the plus 38 yard line. South Christian would take advantage of that stop with a 62-yard touchdown march. The scoring came when Austin Burgess found Charles Vermaas on a 19-yard strike. A failed conversion left South Christian down a point, 14-13.

Connor Olszewski pushed the Falcons lead back out to seven when he bowled across the goal line from a yard out. South Christian immediately responded with Austin Burgess’ second touchdown strike. Their successful PAT evened the score at 20.

West Catholic had the ability to put together one more touchdown drive, and that extra score proved to be fatal to the Sailors. After a bad Sailors pass led to a West Catholic interception, the Falcons took over at the minus 21 yard line. They needed just four plays to cover all 79 yards, with Grady Augustyn’s 42-yard touchdown to Inbody providing West Catholic their second victory.

The 2-1 Falcons will begin OK White play next week, when they face Hamilton. South Christian slides to 1-2 with their defeat. Their OK Gold slate commences with a challenging contest against Zeeland West.