The Fruitport Trojans and Ludington Orioles met up for the first time since 2015 in their playoff opener on Friday. It was a thrilling start, before Fruitport pulled away to secure a 54-28 victory.
Ludington started the game off with a bang, as they recovered an onside kick. Chase Hackert found an open Aidan Gilchrist to cap off that drive with a 23-yard touchdown. A successful extra point gave the Orioles a 7-0 lead.
Bobby Campfield got Fruitport back into the game with a 7-yard touchdown. The Trojans added a two-point conversion to give them an 8-7 advantage.
Ludington would counter with a Hackert quarterback keeper from five yards out. Once again, the Trojans rallied with a 48-yard touchdown run from Paschal Jolman. Another successful conversion put Fruitport back in front 16-14.
Early in the second quarter, Andrew Fielstra added to the Trojans’ lead. His short run, paired with a conversion, gave Fruitport a 24-14 lead. Jolman would return to the end zone on a 92-yard sprint past every Oriole to put the Trojans ahead 32-14.
The lead continued to grow when Collin Jolman found Canfield on a 44-yard touchdown toss. Collin would then use his legs to carry the football on the next drive, completing an Octopus to give them a 46-14 lead heading into halftime.
Fruitport saw its lead increase again, as Collin Jolman broke free on a 38-yard jaunt to the end zone. Ludington would score twice to get the final margin slightly closer.
Fruitport will continue their Seaway Conference reunion tour next week, as they travel to Whitehall. The Vikings remain undefeated with their convincing victory against Big Rapids.
