Suffocating defense leads Sailors to Championship Victory
The Divison 4 final was an extremely entertaining affair. Out the gate, both South Christian and Goodrich played an aggressive game, and both sides fans were LOUD. After four quarters of physical football, it was the Sailors that came out…
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Continue ReadingThe Divison 4 final was an extremely entertaining affair. Out the gate, both South Christian and Goodrich played an aggressive game, and both sides fans were LOUD. After four quarters of physical football, it was the Sailors that came out victorious. This article will highlight how the game played out quarter-by-quarter, explore some standout players, and give postgame insight.
Box Score
1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | FINAL | |
South Christian | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14 | 28 |
Goodrich | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Players of the Game
QB | Jake DeHaan | South Christian | 2023
#5 has been South Chrisitan’s best player all season, and he proved to be the most valuable player in all of Division 4. This is a two-way starter that dominates on both sides of the ball. Rushing, passing, making tackles, anything you need- DeHaan’s got it. He seemed to be the Sailors best rusher all night, and he had a great night passing as well. Oh, he also placed two punts inside the 20.
Stats: Passing – 14/21, 266yds, 2TDs, 1Int Rushing – 12 carries, 110 yards, 1TD. Defense: 2 solo, 2 assist, 1 INT
RB | Jace Simerson | Goodrich | 2023
Jace was the bellcow. Even though he was defended very well, Goodrich relied on him a lot on offense and he’s proven over the playoffs he’s a great RB. His best stat was a solid 4.6 yards per carry, and I know he wishes he hit the endzone a few times. Again, even though the stats don’t necessarily show it, Jace was a difference maker who could make things happen on offense.
Stats: Rushing – 20 carries, 91 yards
WR | Jake Vermaas | South Christian | 2023
Vermaas was on FIRE all night as a WR/DB. Offensively, it was extremely impressive how he ran great routes, and was great after the catch. Over 150 yards receiving doesn’t come by accident, and it surely was so accident that he was so involved in the gameplan. Even though he didn’t catch a touchdown, he had a game-sealing pick-6 at the end of the game!
Stats: Receiving – 7 Rec, 152 yards Defense – 1 INT, 32 yards, TD, 1 assisted tkl
LB | Easton Phillips | Goodrich | 2024
Phillips is going to be great next season, and he was Goodrich’s best defensive player during this game. He had some real nice tackles as a linebacker, but his main statline is forcing two turnovers on his own. He was flying all over the field on defense, and kept South Chrisitan in check for a long while.
Stats: Defense – 3 solo, 2 assist, 1FF, 1FR, 1INT
Quarter-by-quarter
1st
Very physical by both teams right out of the gate. Some aggressive mistakes and great plays for both teams. It’s extremely obvious at this point that both teams deserve to be here. Throughout the entire 1st-quarter, it’s been a defensive battle. Some great DB play by Goodrich, and they’ve forced some fumbles!
2nd
A bit of offense in this quarter. South Chrisitan’s Jake DeHaan has 177 yards and 2 touchdowns at the halftime break. Goodrich missed a field goal, and both teams continue to be extremely physical.
3rd
Big defensive stands by both teams. 5 drives, 4 punts, and 1 fumble. Both teams are starting to get a bit banged up from the physicality of this game.
4th
As time wound down, South Christian was immensely excited while Goodrich became desperate. The body language of both teams said it all, as South Christian knew they just had to keep playing defense, while Goodrich had an impossible hill to climb. With 6 mins to go in the game, South Chrisitan cut it loose. First, a 54-yard Jake Dehaan TD run sparked celebration, then less than a minute later, a pick 6 by Jake Vermaas.
Final Thoughts
Both teams came out extremely confident, and both teams played a physical game. It was a few aggressive mistakes from Goodrich that put South Christian in good spots, and it was Goodrich that couldn’t capitalize on opportunities after multiple South Christian fumbles. This is an earned win for South Chrisitan, and let me tell you, they were the most delighted winners of the day!