Photo courtesy of Lou Murray
The South Christian Sailors found themselves in their second close contest in three weeks. This time, it came when they faced Forest Hills Eastern. This was the first tall task for the undefeated Hawks, and they lived up to their billing as a formidable foe in this ballgame. Ultimately, South Christian would hold off FHE in a 32-29 win.
The first quarter saw South Christian waste no time in finding the end zone. Just three plays into the game, Carson Vis and Sam Weiss connected on a 67-yard touchdown strike. FHE would respond with a short touchdown run by Max Ferrick. The Sailors took a 14-7 lead at the end of the quarter as a result of a short touchdown pass from Vis to Jackson Haik.
A 12-play, 73-yard drive that lasted over six minutes allowed FHE to draw even once again. Preston Hoexum was able to equalize the score with a 9-yard touchdown carry. South Christian had another quick response with a 50-yard Charlie Schruer touchdown run on their first play from scrimmage.
In the last minute of the half, each team found the scoring column yet again. First, it was FHE on a Jackson Arnold touchdown run. Finally, with three seconds to play, Vis found Jake Vermaas for a 67-yard touchdown that gave South Christian a 26-21 halftime edge.
Scoring was limited in the second half, but the action was exciting. Forest Hills Eastern would start with the ball in the second half, and they chewed up the third quarter clock. Over the next eight minutes, they ran 14 plays, covered 72 yards, and found themselves in the end zone. Jackson Arnold was able to return to the end zone, his second score of the night, giving FHE a 29-26 edge. South Christian would use the remainder of frame to construct their own touchdown drive. On the final play of the third quarter, Carson Vis used his legs for a 10-yard keeper. This scoring run would prove to be the game winner, as the Sailors secured a 32-29 win.
Carson Vis finished 9/15 passing for 204 yards. He also added 70 rushing yards on 12 carries. South Christian, now 3-1, takes on Ottawa Hills next week. Forest Hills Eastern is also 3-1, as they look ahead to Kenowa Hills next Friday.
