The Eagles opened the MHSAA playoffs on Friday night by defeating the visiting Wildcats from Wayland High School. The 28-21 victory extends the GR Christian win streak to four games as the team continues to build and grow each week. 

The Eagles struck quickly as senior quarterback Derrek Dykema found Bryan Hunter speeding up the sideline for the first score of the game on only the second offensive play for GR Christian. The ensuing offensive drive was punctuated by a one-yard TD plunge by junior running back Buddy Hogan as the Eagles jumped out to an early 14-0 lead. Fighting for their season, the Wildcats fought back and used key plays down the stretch to tie the game 14-14 in the third quarter.

As has been the case all season, the Blue & Black defense flexed it's stingy nature when the team most needed a play. An amazing series of plays by junior linebacker Alec Koval turned the tide of the game for the home team. Near the end of the third quarter Koval came screaming off the backside of the Wayland formation and had a thunderous hit on the quarterback that caused a fumble, which was recovered by junior Ahmon Parks. The Eagle offense capitalized on the short field with a two yard Hogan touchdown run behind great blocks from Parks, Luke Selfe, and Ronin Russell-Dixon. Koval struck again on the ensuing Wayland possession; after a hit by junior Ace Thomas shook the ball loose from the Wildcat ball carrier, Koval scoop-and-scored the fumble for the defensive touchdown that turned out to be more than Wayland could overcome.

Thomas led the offense with 94 yards rushing and also contributed an interception on defense, while Hogan chipped in the two rushing touchdowns. Senior Kyle McKentry registered a sack and linebacker Aidan Bremer led the defense yet again with eight total touchdowns. Special teams were paced by senior kicker Will Heemstra, who was 4-4 on extra point tries, along with senior Brandon Konynenbelt, who flipped field position with effective punts on multiple occasions. 

GR Christian has a long week to prepare before heading to play rival South Christian in the second round of the playoffs at Byron Center High School at 7:00 PM on Saturday, November 7. Go Eagles!