The GR Christian football team took to the road for the second contest of the 2023 season, driving to the Muskegon area to take on the Fruitport HS Trojans. Last year the Eagles needed a dramatic comeback to topple the Trojans and were hoping to start off strong this time around. 

Thanks to DeWayne Goree, the Eagles found the early flash they were looking for when the senior linebacker intercepted a Fruitport pass on the first play of the game. Not wanting to be left out of the fun, senior QB Zay Caviness cashed in on the first offensive play of the game with a 30-yard touchdown scamper. After a defensive stop, the Eagles were up 7-0 with the ball and threatening to score again when the first of what would be many fumbles stopped the early momentum. The ensuing Fruitport score ensured that the boys in Black & Blue would be in for a fight.

Strong play by junior QB Isaac Kuiper and a 42-yard Jordan Rodgers field goal kept the Eagles close as Fruitport looked to take control in the first half; GR Christian carried a 16-10 deficit into the locker room at halftime looking to make a few adjustments and settle in to the second half.

In an impressive display of resolve, the "Block C Boys" responded with gritty play throughout the second half. The Eagle offense woke up and was led by Caviness, wide receivers Zeke Heerema and Jude Klunder, tough running from junior Will Owens, and consistent play from the offensive line. Defensively, GR Christian was paced by senior linebacker Zach Clark's 10.5 tackles and solid play up front. With Fruitport driving to try and tie the game in the 4th quarter, senior Malachi Hooser provided the exclamation point with a very athletic "pick-6" to seal the deal for the Eagles.

Caviness was dominant for the second game in a row, registering 133 rushing yards and 2 TDs on the ground to go along with 170 passing yards and 2 TDs through the air. Through his first two games at QB, the senior signal-caller has accounted for 9 touchdowns! Senior Jude Klunder continued his great play by contributing 8 catches for 119 yards and 2 TDs. Zeke Heerema chipped in 5 catches for 56 yards, and Owens added 36 tough rushing yards.

The road gets tougher for the Eagles moving forward as they begin OK-White conference play next week with defending champ Forest Hills Central. See you next week Friday for a 7:00 PM home game - Go Eagles!