***By Josh Longstreth
Zeeland West got their 2023 playoff journey started in a big way last week, knocking off Zeeland East for the second time on the year to grab a chance at picking up a district title this week. The Dux hit some tough times to cap off the regular season but were able to find their way again last week as they dominated on both sides of the ball. This week they would have a chance at taking on a Coopersville team who are in the midst of their best season since 2007. The Broncos came into Friday sitting at 8-2 on the season and picked up a monumental win over East Grand Rapids in round one. Of their two losses, they only came at a total of four points. This one was expected to be a battle but one team made it clear, it was going to be their night.
Things would get started the right way for Zeeland West in this one. They would hold a 16-7 lead early in the second quarter. It appeared the Dux might take over this game but Coopersville had other plans. The West lead would be cut to 22-21 midway through the quarter as both offenses had things working for them. Then late in the quarter Dux got it done through the air. Trenten Bolhouse would find Jakob McLaren on a 7-yard pass with just a few ticks left on the clock. West would hold the lead at the half, 30-21.
The Dux held that momentum early in the second half and wouldn’t let it waver. Bolhouse would hit Keaton Hendricks on a short pass play and he would do all the rest. Hendricks would take it all the way from 52-yards out and all of a sudden the Dux were looking up at a 38-21 lead. Coopersville would get back in the game late in the quarter as Evan Olsen knocked through a 35-yard field goal. West would hold a 38-24 lead after three.
West would have a chance to put some space between the two early in the fourth quarter. And they did just that. Rolando Robelin would punch one in from 5-yards away. The two-point try would be good and the Dux held a 46-24 lead with just over ten minutes remaining in the game. Coopersville would answer back in a hurry with quite possibly their biggest play of the night. Quarterback Beau Harris would connect with Zak Quigley and he would take it in from 75-yards away. This gave the Broncos some life after a two-point try but that’s all it would become. Zeeland West puts together a big time offensive performance as they go on to secure a district title, 46-32.
Coopersville had their chances in this one but a typically dominant defense wasn’t able to limit a Dux offense who has found their mojo again. Beau Harris put together an impressive performance with 261 yards passing, 2 touchdowns, and just 1 interception (first drive of the game). This one didn’t go the way the Broncos wanted but they return impact players Harris and Issac LeMieux next season.
Zeeland West had big nights with guys stepping up all night. Trenten Bolhouse was efficient on the night going 5 of 7 for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns. Trey Sloothaak led the way for the Dux on the ground with 190 yards and 2 touchdowns. Keaton Hendricks had himself a night with 87 yards rushing, 1 rushing touchdown, and 1 receiving touchdown.
Zeeland West will now have a chance to face Parma Western in regional play next week. Parma Western is coming off a 38-20 win over Stevensville Lakeshore. The Panthers sit at 10-1 on the season. They are winners of four in a row that they have dominated on both sides of the ball. It should be a tight game throughout when the two battle next week.
