The East Grand Rapids Pioneers welcomed Cedar Springs to the shores of Reeds Lake for a round one playoff battle. It pitted a well-seasoned coach in Cedar Springs’ Gus Kapolka against East Grand Rapids’ Josh Shattuck, who was still looking for his first playoff victory in the Blue and Gold. After a pair of frustrating defeats in the past two playoff openers, Shattuck’s ‘Neers got it done, pulling out a 23-21 victory to advance to their first District Finals since 2020.

In the first quarter, EGR struck first. Quarterback Josh McCune used his legs for a short keeper, and quickly it was 6-0 Pioneers. That was the only scoring play in the opening frame.

McCune would return to the end zone early in the second quarter, but another failed conversion left it 12-0 EGR. Cedar Springs put together an impressive touchdown response, as Kaiden Dreyer carried the football three yards for a touchdown.

Down by five, Cedar Springs saw Dreyer’s explosive running ability give them their first lead. He shot through the offensive line, racing 40 yards for the go-ahead score. As the teams went to half, Cedar Springs held a 14-12 advantage.

The Pioneers started the second half with the football, but quickly gave it back to the Red Hawks with an interception. Nic Robinson would capitalize on this miscue, as his 15-yard carry extended the Cedar Springs advantage to nine, 21-12. With twenty-one unanswered points, the Red Hawks had silenced the Pioneer faithful.

Undeterred on the sidelines, East began their response downfield. Josh McCune completed the hat trick with his third touchdown, a short 1-yard plunge. He found Dylan Buck for a conversion pass, and suddenly it was 21-20, the Pioneers just a point behind.

Cedar Springs made it down within the EGR ten, but the Pioneers defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs. A long run by Zach Caswell set the Pioneers up for a go-ahead field goal attempt. With 1:22 to play, Will Klein booted a 30-yard field goal, putting East back in front, 23-21.

The Red Hawks’ attempt at a last minute comeback stalled with a turnover on downs, ending their season in heartbreaking fashion.

With the win, East Grand Rapids is back in the District Finals. Next week, they face Coopersville, fresh off their own stunning upset, for a chance to capture some hardware. The fun part of that upset for Pioneers fans, there will be more football on the shores of Reeds Lake this Friday night.