The South Christian Sailors and Forest Hills Central Rangers each entered Friday night’s game with 2-3 records. For both clubs, it was absolutely vital that they secured this victory to progress forward in their pursuit of the postseason. Both offenses came ready to play, with 79 total points to show for it. In the end, an explosive play with 75 seconds to go propelled the Sailors to a 43-36 victory.
Early in this game, it was all Rangers. Nick Williams got things started in the first quarter with a quick 5-yard touchdown pass to Matt Sexton. Early in the second quarter, he led a nine-play scoring drive that resulted in a 3-yard touchdown toss to Miles Pell. Quickly, it was 13-0 FHC.
South Christian would respond with a pair of big plays from Brody Shilts. He and Austin Burgess connected on a 20-yard touchdown strike, and later in the quarter, he broke off a 56-yard sprint to the end zone after the defense secured an interception. Two successful PAT attempts later, it was 14-13 Sailors.
Forest Hills Central took the 26-14 lead into the locker room, with two touchdowns in the half’s final minute. Williams and Sexton paired up again, this time on a 5-yard toss. After the Sailors fumbled the kickoff, Grope scored on a 2-yard touchdown run.
As they did early in the second quarter, Coach Brown’s Sailors responded early in the third. Burgess and Easton Raak paired up for a 49-yard touchdown burst. With thirty-five seconds left in the quarter, Brody Shilts darted through the Rangers defense for a 63-yard score. Owen Burgess’ two-point run put South ahead 29-26.
FHC began the fourth quarter with the football, and they were able to jump in front by complete a 66-yard scoring drive. Williams and Pell were again scoring partners, this time on a 26-yard toss. South Christian rallied quickly, with Shilts’ fourth touchdown of the night, a 1-yard carry, pushing them back ahead 36-33 with six minutes to go.
The Rangers would respond, taking ten plays, eighty yards and four minutes to march down the field. They reached the eight yard line, before Moeller booted a 25-yard field goal to even the tally at 36 with 2:03 to go.
The quick-hitting Sailors offense needed just two plays to score the winning touchdown. Burgess went back to a familiar connection, Easton Raak, and the dynamic duo put together an explosive 78-yard scoring strike. With 1:15 to play, South Christian went ahead for good, 43-36.
There were plenty of offensive highlights in a game that the Sailors outgained the Rangers 440-390. South Christian also overcame six turnovers to win this football game. Brody Shilts finished with 17 carries for 234 yards and three touchdowns in this victory.
In defeat, Nick Williams was 24/46 passing for 305 yards and four scores. Miles Pell had 110 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while Matt Sexton added five catches for fifty yards and two scores, ten tackles and two interceptions.
Next week, the 3-3 Sailors will face Zeeland East on the road. Forest Hills Central, now 2-4, will look to rebound against Zeeland West.
