By Zach Fanko
WKTV Contributor
Looking to advance to its first state final since 2014, South Christian seized control on the game’s first play with a 51-yard touchdown run by senior QB Jake DeHaan.
“Jake made a great read on the play,” Sailors coach Danny Brown said. “We got some good blocks at the next level and Jake found the open field.”
The Sailors never relinquished that lead, jumping ahead 20-0 in the first half, before holding onto a 26-20 Division 4 semifinal victory over Edwardsburg Saturday afternoon at Harper Creek High School in Battle Creek.
DeHaan accounted for all four South Christian touchdowns, with two through the air and two more on the ground.
The Sailors signal caller connected with Seth Ritsema on a 21-yard scoring strike to extend their lead to 14-0 early in the second quarter. DeHaan later found Carson Vis for a 40-yard touchdown to make it a two-score game in the fourth after the Eddies got within 20-14.
In total, DeHaan amassed over 200 total yards with 118 passing yards and another 91 rushing yards.
Despite rushing for 267 yards and possessing the ball for 34 minutes of game time, Edwardsburg’s offense was shut out for most of the first half until a 2-yard TD run by Brett Allen with no time left in the half.
Allen ran for 122 yards to lead Edwardsburg’s rushing attack. Brenden Seabolt and Brendan Madison also added rushing scores.
Ford Field bound
Next stop is Friday at Ford Field in Detroit for the D-4 State title game. Brown put into words what it felt like as the final seconds ticked off.
“It was very emotional and I just thought of all the hard work our kids put in throughout the off season and this season.
“Really put into perspective what an opportunity it is to play for a state title.”
Unbeaten South Christian (13-0) will face a Goodrich (12-1) program playing in its first-ever state championship game. The Martians defeated Riverview 51-26 in their semifinal game on Saturday.
“We cannot wait to see the South Christian community come out in full force on Friday night in Detroit,” South Christian Athletic Director David Kool said. “Playing in this game is going to be a memory that all involved will never forget.”
Every MHSAA state championship game will be aired live on Bally Sports Detroit, including the Division 4 State Final being played Friday, November 25 at 7:30 p.m. Check out MHSAA.com for the complete schedule of games.
