On Friday night at Zeeland Stadium, the Chix and Dux met in the annual “Bird Bowl”. One of West Michigan’s most celebrated rivalries since it began in 2005, it has been one-sided as of late. In the 27th meeting of the neighbor schools, Zeeland West won their 20th all-time contest, and their tenth in a row in the series, 38-14.
The Dux struck first, as Brandon Holman broke free, racing past a coop of Chix on his way to a 55-yard touchdown run. Later in the frame, Holman would score again, this time on a 25-yard sprint to the endzone. After completing the Octopus, it was 16-0 Zeeland West one quarter into the action.
With about three minutes to go before halftime, the lead grew again. Jonah Leslie added his own Octopus, bowling across the goal line from two yards out, before adding the conversion run. Zeeland East would not be held scoreless in the first half, as Will Drnek found Isaiah Boonstra for a 40-yard pitch-and-catch.
Just before the teams went to the half, with six seconds to spare, Zeeland West struck again. This time, Drew Albrecht took to the air, finding Brandon Holman for a 23-yard strike. Entering the break, it was 32-6 in favor of the Dux.
There was just one score in the third quarter, a powerful 1-yard carry from Jonah Leslie. Trailing 38-6, Zeeland East responded with another touchdown pass from Drnek, this time to Caleb Martin.
In the win, Brandon Holman was phenomenal. He turned 13 carries into 143 yards and two scores. He added his 23-yard touchdown catch, and an interception on defense, contributing to all facets of the game. Jonah Lesli added 74 rushing yards and his two touchdowns on 13 carries. Zeeland West improves to 4-1 with this victory. They have a crucial game in the OK Gold race next week, squaring off with undefeated Unity Christian. Zeeland East (3-2) will look to rebound when they face Wyoming.
