Grand Rapids Christian, back in the playoffs for the first time since 2022, travelled down to Battle Creek for a date with the top-seeded Beavers. Despite some early miscues, the Eagles were able to put enough together to pull off the upset, 21-13.
On the opening drive of the game, Grand Rapids Christian moved 35 yards down the field, before fumbling the football away. Battle Creek Harper Creek took advantage of the miscue, as Maddox McCarty found Kowen Slucter for an 18-yard touchdown strike. After a successful PAT, it was quickly 7-0 Beavers.
The Eagles were unable to begin a responding drive, as they fumbled the ensuing kickoff. With just thirty-nine yards between Harper Creek and the end zone, they used seven plays to extend their lead further. Slucter used his legs this time, carrying the football for a 10-yard touchdown. Though the PAT was blocked, it was 13-0 Harper Creek, and they had all of the momentum possible.
Things continued to worsen for GRC, as they covered 55 yards before fumbling the football on the Harper Creek 21-yard line. The Beavers began another ferocious march, but it was thwarted on downs at the GRC 25. Finally, it felt as if things were going Christian’s way.
Former Michigan Wolverine Offensive Lineman and current GRC Assistant Coach Rueben Riley must have been smiling from ear-to-ear when the Eagles put together a classic Big Ten football drive. They went fifteen plays, covering 75 yards, and more importantly giving their defense a break with a nearly eight-minute march to the end zone. With just ten seconds to go before halftime, Charlie King found Breckton Meeuwsen for an 8-yard strike, bringing the halftime score to 13-7 in favor of Harper Creek.
The teams traded scoreless drives in the third quarter, with the Eagles defense pitching a key stop twice in their own territory, including one at the 4-yard line. As the quarter shifted, the Eagles put together a 63-yard touchdown march to jump in front for the first time in the game.
On this second score, Charlie King used his legs for a 2-yard scamper. A successful kick by Easton Howe pushed GRC in front 14-13. After a quick three-and-out gave the Eagles the football back, they put together another scoring drive. On the eleventh play, King again kept the football, running across the goal line to extend the advantage to its eventual final, 21-13.
Harper Creek did march down to the GRC 31-yard line, but they were unable to advance further, turning it over on down for the fourth time in the game. After one kneel down, the Eagles celebrated their opening round victory.
The Eagles outgained the Beavers 270-263 in this game. Charlie King was 8/14 passing for 60 yards and a score, while also rushing 16 times for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Elden Grover added 96 rushing yards on 14 carries, as the Eagles had 210 yards on the ground.
With this win, Grand Rapids Christian will advance to next week’s District Final against Portland. The Raiders moved to 10-0 after an overtime win against South Christian. A win against Portland would result in the Eagles’ first District Championship since their memorable 2012 State Championship team.
