On a beautiful late October evening, the Eagles of Grands Rapids Christian took to their home field one final time for the 2022 season to battle the visiting Byron Center Bulldogs in the last game of the regular season. With both teams likely to qualify for the playoffs regardless of the outcome, this was a great opportunity to compete and continue to grow. The game also served as GRC’s senior night; we are so proud of our 12 football seniors and were thrilled to be able to celebrate them and their families!

The game began with the Bulldogs taking command early compliments of a big kick return, two strong opening drives, and a couple early miscues from the Eagle offense. After weathering the early storm, the Eagles settled into the second quarter facing a 14-0 deficit but not done fighting. A long drive right before half time culminated in a two-yard touchdown plunge from sophomore running back Tony Phillips, and there was life for the Block C Boys.

A scoreless third quarter saw the two tough teams go back and forth until, early in the fourth quarter, the Mighty Black and Blue used a second short TD run by Phillips to even the score at 14-14, setting up an exciting finish. Byron Center answered quickly with a touchdown of their own and took advantage of an Eagle penalty on the extra point to convert a 2-point try and establish a 22-14 lead. GRC has fought hard all year, regardless of the situation, and the same was true on Friday night. The Eagle offense responded with a methodical, balanced, 85-yard drive that was punctuated by a short touchdown pass from junior quarterback Alek Wickstrom to wide receiver Jude Klunder – drawing within two points with only 12 seconds left on the clock. The ensuing two-point conversion attempt fell incomplete and GR Christian came up just short.

Wickstrom led the Eagle offensive attack in his first game back from injury and played admirably – going 22 of 33 for 205 yards and a touchdown. Balance was the theme of the day for the Eagles – Dono Thames, Tyler Porte, and Jude Klunder all had 5 catches or more, while Tony Phillips, DeWayne Goree, and Tyree Gamble each had at least 8 carries along with multiple catches out of the backfield.

The Block C Defense was paced by senior linebacker TeQuan Culbreath’s 7 tackles and 1 sack. Gabe Armstead, DeWayne Goree, and Jaylin Garcia were all active on defense as well, and junior Noah Funk contributed a timely interception in the first half.

GR Christian has qualified for the Division 4 playoff bracket based on the playoff points received from playing a difficult schedule. The Eagles hit the road this coming Friday to face off against cross-town rival South Christian in the first round of the playoffs.