The ‘Saders went 5-4 in the regular season, but they are now back in the playoffs. After their record-setting offense fell a few points short of the State Championship, they are looking to battle back and return to Ford Field. This week, Unity Christian took the first step, defeating Forest Hills Eastern 46-20.
FHE got this game rolling, racing out to a 14-0 lead. Bryson Kuzdzal broke free just eleven seconds into the action. His 62-yard sprint gave the Hawks a 7-0 lead. A few minutes later, Brendan Thompson found Collin Fridsma on a 21-yard touchdown toss to double the advantage.
Unity Christian responded late in the first quarter, with an 8-yard touchdown toss from Mitch Tibbe to Carter Bylsma. A conversion run by Nolan Vis brought the ‘Saders within six, down 14-8.
The Hawks started the second quarter with another score, as Kuzdzal powered into the end zone from four yards out. That would be the final scoring drive for Forest Hills Eastern.
From that point forward, Unity Christian scored five unanswered touchdowns. Isaac Steinstra (12 yard run) and Nolan Vis (4 yard run) brough the ‘Saders within four points, down 24-20 at halftime.
The third quarter saw Unity Christian finally take the lead. Vis scored his second touchdown on a 6-yard carry. Tibbe kept the football on their next drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge. Finally, with less than a minute to play, Gavin VanKoevering carried the football on a 14-yard score.
Unity Christian rushed for 459 yards in this game. Dylan DeHoop led the way with 169 yards, while Vis added 115.
The ‘Saders will battle for a District Championship next Friday against South Christian. The Sailors are undefeated, a perfect 10-0, after their win against Grand Rapids Christian.
