The Whitehall Vikings start their 2021 season with high expectations. Their first opponent, Kalamazoo United, despite being a smaller school, certainly makes up for that discrepancy in talent. This was an extremely difficult test for the Vikings, and they answered the bell in a 27-24 victory.

Early in this game, United was in complete control. Evan Wurtz got the scoring started for the Titans, as he booted a 35-yard field goal. This was the lone scoring play in the opening quarter of action. Kalamazoo United would push their lead to ten points when Drew Finlay carried the football for a 2-yard score.

Whitehall would not back down, instead scoring twice in the remaining eight minutes of the first half. Kyle Stratton aired it out and he found Nate Bolley for an 11-yard touchdown. With just twenty-four seconds to go in the half, the duo paired up again for a touchdown. The 9-yard pass, paired with Landon Howe‘s extra point, gave Whitehall a 13-10 halftime lead.

As the second half got underway, the Vikings’ momentum continued to build their lead on the scoreboard. Alec Pruett broke through the Titans’ front line for a 7-yard touchdown run, as Whitehall doubled up United 20-10. Will Zuidervee stopped the scoring run, as the quarterback connected with Liam Mann for a 14-yard touchdown pass that brought Kalamazoo United back within three at 20-17.

Alec Pruett’s second touchdown run, a 16-yard carry, gave Whitehall their ten-point lead back. This would hold for three minutes before Will Zuidervee used his legs for a 10-yard keeper. Kalamazoo United was within three points, but they would never draw closer in the final five minutes of action.

Kalamazoo United outgained Whitehall in this game 286-276. Will Zuiderveen finished with 94 passing yards on 9/21 completions, and he added 82 rushing yards on 15 carries. Drew Finlay paced the Titans with 109 rushing yards on 26 carries.

Whitehall was led by Alec Pruett, who turned 16 carries into 136 yards. Nate Bolley had a strong game as well, pairing 46 rushing yards with 20 receiving yards. Kyle Stratton was an efficient 8/13 passing, racking up 81 yards.

Next week, Whitehall begins WMC play with a home game against Oakridge. Kalamazoo United will take on Stevensville Lakeshore in their next ballgame.