The Hudsonville Eagles needed a last-second field goal to win their first playoff game, slipping past an East Kentwood team they had beaten by 29 in the regular season. This week, they would take on their fiercest rivals, the Grandville Bulldogs, in a rematch of a Week 7 game that Hudsonville won by 19. As is often the case in a regular season rematch, Round 2 was much closer.

Grandville began the game with the football, and they made their prescience felt early. On their second drive of the night, they found the endzone. Jayden ‘Tank’ Terry, a Mr. Football finalist, showed his strengths with a 27-yard touchdown run. The Bulldogs would hold this 7-0 lead throughout the remainder of the first quarter.

Hudsonville would have a scoring chance on the ensuing drive, but their 37-yard field goal attempt failed. Grandville, meanwhile, had a successful boot to extend the advantage. Jake Keranen sailed a 36-yard field goal through the uprights, allowing the Bulldogs to take a 10-0 advantage. Again, the one score would be all, as this lead would hold into the locker room.

On the opening drive of the third quarter, Hudsonville found the end zone. After a 35-yard pass to move the ball downfield, Griffin Baker powered across the goal line from a yard out. A missed PAT left the deficit at four, 10-6.

The Eagles defense forced a quick three-and-out, and the offense would take over at the 41 yard line. With a short field, Hudsonville capitalized. Baker took to the air for the scoring toss, connecting with Braden VanLaecke on a 15-yard touchdown. Another failed conversion left Hudsonville with just a two-point lead, 12-10.

Grandville began the ensuing drive at their own thirty yard line and commenced a stereotypical march downfield. A few moments into the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs found their big play through the air. Ethan Newville found Gibby Connelly on a flag route that went 25 yards for a touchdown.

Hudsonville was unable to do anything on their answering drive, but the Eagles defense provided a spark. An interception by Trenton Naber gave the Eagles the football at the Grandville 30 yard line.

With a short field, Hudsonville was able to retake the lead quickly. Owen Haarsma shot through the Bulldogs defense on a 27-yard sprint to the end zone. This time, the Eagles converted the PAT to give them a 19-16 lead.

Grandville had one last drive in them, getting deep into Eagles territory. With about 30 seconds to play at the Hudsonville 27, Naber made his second interception of the night to seal the win for the Eagles.

Hudsonville improves to 10-1 with this victory. The Eagles have won their last 10 games after a narrow 20-17 defeat against Howell in Week 1. By securing their first District Championship since 2019, Hudsonville will get a shot to avenge that Week 1 loss. The Howell Highlanders will host Hudsonville next weekend after defeating Grand Blanc 35-33 in tonight’s District Championship.