Game Summaries & Team News
Game Summaries
All Game Summaries
Eagle Football Falls to Byron Center, 22-20
1 year ago
| Kirk Sundberg
Eagles Lose: 20 - 22
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.
Eagle Football Falls to Forest Hills Central, 30-7
1 year ago
| Kirk Sundberg
Eagles Lose: 7 - 30
Eagles Shot Down by Red Arrows on Homecoming, 14-56
1 year ago
| Kirk Sundberg
Eagles Lose: 14 - 56
Eagle Football Earns Road Win Over Greenville, 33-12
1 year ago
| Kirk Sundberg
Eagles Win: 33 - 12
Eagle Football Falls to Rival East Grand Rapids, 42-14
1 year ago
| Kirk Sundberg
Eagles Lose: 14 - 42
Eagle Football Takes Down Forest Hills Northern, 20-7
1 year ago
| Kirk Sundberg
Eagles Win: 20 - 7
GRC Football with Dramatic Comeback Win over Fruitport, 41-34
1 year ago
| Carolyn Groendyk
Eagles Win: 41 - 34
Eagle Football Falls to Byron Center, 22-20
1 year ago
| Kirk Sundberg
Eagles Lose: 20 - 22
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.
Eagle Football Falls to Forest Hills Central, 30-7
1 year ago
| Kirk Sundberg
Eagles Lose: 7 - 30
The GR Christian football team hit the road Friday night to take on OK-White leading, and top-10 state ranked Forest Hills Central High School. The Rangers boasted an undefeated record heading into the game, and plenty of size, physicality, and execution to back up the hype. The Eagles entered the competition missing a few keys players, but full of grit and ready to fight - as has been the fiber of this team all season long.
FHC started strong; bolstered by a GRC special teams miscue, the Rangers built a 14-0 lead early in the 2nd quarter. Not to be dismayed, The Block C Boys mounted an impressive drive, pressing all the way to the Ranger 13 yard line before an untimely fumble ended the Eagle scoring threat. The second half included more of the same - GR Christian hanging tough, FHC playing hard and physical, but ultimately missed assignments and miscues by the Eagles proved too much to overcome down the stretch.
The offense was led for the second week in a row by junior quarterback Noah Funk, who threw for 157 yards and ran for 23 more. DeWayne Goree added strong runs as well and cashed in the only Eagle touchdown of the evening. Dono Thames set the tone in the air attack with 4 catches for 71 yards, while Tyler Porte and Malachi Hooser also cashed in multiple receptions. As a group, the Eagles have 13 different players who have registered multiple catches this season - an impressive indicator of offensive balance!
The Black & Blue defense was led by senior linebacker TeQuan Culbreath's 7 tackles, along with strong play from safety Ben Geers (5.5 tackles) and defensive lineman Jaylin Garcia (4 tackles, 1 sack). Strong play by the Eagle D kept the guest team in the game through 4 tough quarters as the boys from GRC continue to fight for every moment of success throughout the game.
GR Christian welcomes Byron Center to Eagle Stadium next Friday to conclude the regular season - Go Eagles!
Eagles Shot Down by Red Arrows on Homecoming, 14-56
1 year ago
| Kirk Sundberg
Eagles Lose: 14 - 56
There was nothing jovial for the GR Christian faithful to cheer on the scoreboard Friday night, as the guest Red Arrows of Lowell High School charged into Eagle Stadium and used a physical and relentless running attack to secure a 56-14 victory over the Eagles. The GRC offense showed signs of life early, marching down the field to open the game with a 90-yard touchdown drive highlighted by big plays from junior receiver Jude Klunder, and punctuated by junior running back Tayvarie Heard's 15 yard scoring romp. From there it was all Lowell as they employed an extremely tough downhill rushing game to amass over 400 yards on the ground and quite literally run away with the game.
The contest was not without bright spots for the Mighty Blue and Black, however. Junior quarterback Noah Funk made good use of his first start of the season by throwing for 236 yards and a touchdown, while Heard rushed for 66 yards and the aforementioned score. The Eagles were paced on the outside by the unstoppable combo of Jude Klunder (6 catches, 134 yards, 1 TD) and senior tight end Tyler Porte (6 catches, 49 yards); with sophomore receiver Aaron Gholston also adding a couple great catches of his own!
The "Block C D" was led in tackling by sophomore Ben Toly (7 tackles), who made his first ever varsity start filling in at safety. The linebacker trio of TeQuan Culbreath, DeWayne Goree, and Tony Phillips was also productive in patrolling the middle of the Eagle defense.
The special teams unit continues to perform strong as well, with junior Jordan Rodgers a perfect 2-2 on extra points, and senior phenom Cooper Hutt continuing his dominant year punting the ball - averaging over 42 yards per punt!
The Eagles seek to claw their way into the postseason, but face tough opposition this week in OK White leader Forest Hills Central, Friday night at FHC - 7:00 PM. Go Eagles!
Eagle Football Earns Road Win Over Greenville, 33-12
1 year ago
| Kirk Sundberg
Eagles Win: 33 - 12
The GR Christian football team made the long trip north on a beautiful fall evening to take on the Yellow Jackets of Greenville High School. With early offensive execution and fast play all night by the Eagle defense, the Bock C Boys were able to spoil the hosts homecoming and walk away with an important conference win.
Led by junior quarterback Alek Wickstrom, the GRC offense marched down the field on the opening drive of the game, at which point Wickstrom found senior tight end Tyler "Big Play" Porte for an 8 yard play action touchdown to open the scoring. The Eagle D joined in the party as junior defensive back Malachi Hooser came down with an interception on the first Greenville play of the game. Not to be left out, the GR Christian special teams added on an impressive 37 yard Jordan Rodgers field goal. After the ensuing kickoff was fumbled by Greenville, great hustle by junior DeWayne Goree resulted in an Eagle fumble recovery. Only two plays later, Wickstrom found junior receiver Jude Klunder for a 13 yard TD strike. Less than 10 minutes into the game, GRC found themselves up 16-0.
As the game progressed, junior running back Tayvarie Heard would add a rushing touchdown, Jordan Rodgers another field goal, and Malachi Hooser a second interception - this one returned for a touchdown! The Yellow Jackets found some success on the ground as well and were able to hang around and force the Eagles to compete and execute to the end.
Offensively, GR Christian was paced by strong play through the air, with Wickstrom going 9-11 for 100 yards and 2 TDs, while junior Noah Funk also produced strong play at QB, going 10-16 for 75 yards. Jude Klunder again led the way in receptions, cashing in 7 catches for 65 yards and 1 TD, Tyler Porte was also dominant with 5 catches for 45 yards and a TD (in spite of being double-covered most of the game). Receivers Malachi Hooser, Dono Thames, Zeke Heerema, and DeWayne Goree rounded out the Eagle air attack. The offensive line also led the way for Heard to rush for 94 yards and a TD on 14 carries, while sophomore running back Tony Phillips produced 24 yards on 6 tough carries.
The Back & Blue defense was paced by DeWayne Goree's 7.5 tackles and Hooser's two interceptions and defensive score. Tony Phillips, junior Ben Geers, and senior Jaylin Garcia were also productive in registering over 5 tackles each. Garcia and Porte also both chipped in a quarterback sack.
The win pushes GR Christian to 3-3 on the season and sets up an important homecoming matchup with Lowell High School next Friday - Go Eagles!
Eagle Football Falls to Rival East Grand Rapids, 42-14
1 year ago
| Kirk Sundberg
Eagles Lose: 14 - 42
The Eagle football team suffered a setback at the hands of crosstown rival and OK White conference opponent East Grand Rapids on Friday night. The Pioneers came brandishing a physical style of football that the Block C Boys did not have an answer for as the evening wore on. Full of fight and resolve, the Eagles never backed down - but the night belonged to EGR.
The passing game was a highlight for the Blue and Black offense as quarterback Alek Wickstrom threw for 235 yards and 2 touchdowns while 9 different Eagles registered catches in the game. Junior receiver Jude Klunder continued his strong season by adding another 7 receptions and both Eagle touchdowns while senior tight end Tyler porte added strong blocking and 4 catches of his own. Juniors Malachi Hooser and Zeke Heerema also contributed nice plays as they start to integrate into the offense as the season progresses.
The GRC defense was led by fast and physical play from junior linebacker DeWayne Goree, who produced 7 tackles, two for loss. Senior safety Gabe Armstead, linebacker Zay Caviness, and defensive lineman Jaylin Garcia were all also very active in chipping in over 5 tackles each, while Garcia also added a quarterback sack.
The Eagles hit the road this week to play conference opponent Greenville High School. The team will seek to keep working hard, growing in grit, and drawing together as group as the season hits full stride - Go Eagles!
GRC Football Falls to Northview, 22-14
1 year ago
| Kirk Sundberg
Eagles Lose: 14 - 22
The GR Christian football team took to the field on a beautiful late summer Friday evening at Northview High School to take on a tough and scrappy Wildcat team. The Eagles came out a bit slow and did not quite have enough left in the tank to finish a late rally, eventually falling to the hosts by a score of 22-14.
The Black & Blue defense was a definite highlight in this contest, allowing only 7 first-half points and battling hard all night to keep the Eagles in the game, despite early struggles by the offense. Led by senior linebacker TeQuan Culbreath (8.5 tackles) and senior lineman Jaylin Garcia (7 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss), the boys from GRC gave the Wildcat offense tough sledding all night. Linebackers Tem Warners and DeWayne Goree also each contributed with QB sacks, while senior Gabe Armstead chipped in an interception from his position in the defensive backfield.
Offensively, the Block C boys found a way to move the ball with moderate success throughout the game - going 3-and-out only two times on the evening. However, turnovers, missed assignments, and other miscues piled up to keep the Eagles off the scoreboard until early in the 4th quarter when quarterback Alek Wickstrom found junior receiver Jude Klunder open in the end zone for a nice 4-yard TD strike. Five minutes later, the mighty Blue & Black would strike again on a 2-yard run by junior DeWayne Goree. Just as the Eagles started to form visions of late-game heroics, the game clock gave a resounding punctuation mark as the time ran out before the offense could possess the ball again. GR Christian got good contributions from leading rusher Tayvarie Heard, along with Klunder (6 catches and the aforementioned TD) and senior tight end, Tyler "Big Play" Porte (4 catches for 84 yards). The big men up front supplied great pass protection as the Eagles took to the air more frequently down the stretch of the game as well.
With no time to feel sorry for themselves, the team will need to show up ready to roll this week with a big rivalry game on the horizon against their cross-town foe - a very tough and battle-tested squad from East Grand Rapids. Go Eagles!
Eagle Football Takes Down Forest Hills Northern, 20-7
1 year ago
| Kirk Sundberg
Eagles Win: 20 - 7
A stingy Forest Hills Northern Husky team rolled into Eagle Stadium on Friday evening for the first OK White matchup of the season. In contrast to previous weeks, the Eagles came out hot with an early stop of the Northern offense followed closely by fireworks delivered compliments of Zay Caviness in the form of a 48 yard TD pass from QB Alek Wickstrom to punctuate the first GRC drive of the game. The Eagle offense struggled a bit to avoid mental mistakes throughout the remainder of the first half and the Huskies were able to respond before the break to force a 7-7 tie at halftime.
The Block C offense was able to deliver a few key drives and big plays in the second half as senior Tyree Gamble found pay dirt from 5 yards out midway through the 3rd quarter, and then the combo of Wickstrom and senior receiver Dono Thames delivered the knockout blow with a beautiful 31 yard touchdown pass to account for the final score of 20-7.
The GRC offense was paced by the arm of Wickstrom who went 14-19 for 184 yards and 2 TDs. In the run game, 6 different Eagles carried the ball, led by junior Tayvarie Heard's 9 carries for 59 yards. Caviness led the charge in receiving with 103 yards on just two catches while junior wideout Jude Klunder registered a team-high 5 catches.
The real story of the day was the lock-down play by the Black-and-Blue GRC Defense! Senior linebacker TeQuan Culbreath was a force in recording 4 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and a blocked punt. TQ's play has earned him recognition as a candidate for the MLive.com player of the week (after Eagle QB Alek Wickstrom won this award for last week's performance!). Isaiah Caviness was also a menace on defense, leading the team with 9 tackles while also chipping in a sack and tackle for loss. Tyree Gamble also tallied an interception from his post in the defensive backfield while senior Jaylin Garcia dominated the trenches on the defensive line with several tackles for loss.
GR Christian will travel to Northview High School next Friday to take on a strong Northview team in it's next conference battle. Go Eagles!
GRC Football with Dramatic Comeback Win over Fruitport, 41-34
1 year ago
| Carolyn Groendyk
Eagles Win: 41 - 34
With less than two minutes to go before halftime at Eagle Stadium this past Thursday, things looked bleak for the home team. After suffering a resounding loss to rival South Christian in week 1, the boys in Black and Blue found themselves in an unfortunately familiar situation against the visiting Trojans of Fruitport High School - down 34-7 just before the mid-game break. Fruitport had come out firing as they took the first play from scrimmage for an 80-yard trap right through the middle of the Eagle defense. GRC wasted no time responding as junior Tayvarie Heard used elusive moves and breakaway speed to return the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. It was all Trojans from there and the visitors used strong execution and more than a couple Eagle miscues to rack up the aforementioned 27 point lead.
Not to be dismayed, the team from GR Christian did not quit. Just before halftime, a 50-yard strike from junior QB Alek Wickstrom to senior tight end Tyler Porte planted a seed of hope for the Eagle faithful. The first drive of the second half sprinkled a little water on the seed of belief as a balanced drive was capped off by a 13-yard scamper by Heard - now reporting for duty in the offensive backfield. At this point, all of Eagle Nation could smell blood in the water and the stadium came alive as the defense turned in stop after stop of the previously potent Trojan attack.
A subsequent Eagle touchdown and 2-point conversion were turned in by junior receiver Jude Klunder and Porte. Even with all the momentum, the Black & Blue D still needed the play of the night from junior DeWayne Goree who came flying off the edge late in the 4th quarter to intercept an errant option pitch, thwarting what had looked like the game-sealing drive Fruitport needed. Still down by a score, and with less than two minutes left, the Eagles were fueled by a rabid and loyal student section to finish the job - starting with a Zay Caviness touchdown run, great defense, a big punt return by senior Tyree Gamble, and a calculated last-minute drive engineered by Wickstrom and capped off by Gamble... the final Eagle score coming with under 30 seconds left to finish the amazing comeback.
The game ended in high style with Eagle Nation joining the team on the field for the post-game talk and the start of a new tradition - the ringing of the victory bell at Eagle Stadium following a GRC win! We are proud of our players and thankful for the support of our community. The team will be back in action next Friday with another home contest against OK White foe Forest Hills Northern.
Football Falls to South Christian, 42-7
1 year ago
| Kirk Sundberg
Eagles Lose: 7 - 42
The 2022 version of the GRC football team took the field for an away contest against rival South Christian on Friday night for the first game of the year. A very young team with only 10 total players returning from last year's varsity roster, the Eagles took their lumps against a very talented, physical, and experienced Sailor squad. The boys in Blue & Black never stopped fighting, but this night belonged to South Christian right from the start.
Offensively the Eagles were paced by a pair of junior tailbacks - Isaiah Caviness and Tayvarie Heard - who each showed flashes of greatness throughout the game. Caviness accounted for the lone GRC score of the game with a beautiful 2nd quarter run of 49 yards by following the path carved out by lead blockers Zach Clark, James Baker, Isaiah Luk, and Luke Selfe. The Eagle air attack was led by senior newcomer Dono' Thames, who traded out his basketball shoes for a pair of cleats before amassing 5 catches in his high school football debut.
The GR Christian defense featured a balanced attack as the quintet of Gabe Armstead, TeQuan Culbreath, Tayvarie Heard, Isaiah Caviness, and Tyree Gamble all tallied more than 4 tackles. The defense forced two takeaways - one through the air compliments of an acrobatic Armstead interception, and a second on the ground when talented freshman JR Jones ripped the ball from the Sailor RB mid-run and started trucking in the opposite direction!
The special teams provided a few bright spots as well. Tyree Gamble broke free for a long kick return to set the Eagle offense up in South Christian territory, and newcomer soccer star Cooper Hutt showed that if you can kick one ball, you can kick any ball in registering 3 excellent punts averaging 49 yards per punt!
The young Eagle squad looks to put Romans 5:3-5 into action as they jump on a steep learning curve and keep working to get better. This week brings another challenge - with a Thursday game providing one less day to prepare for an aggressive and explosive Fruitport team hungry to spoil to Eagle's home opener. Go Eagles!