By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
South Christian quarterback Jake DeHaan has posted some incredible numbers during his team’s perfect 9-0 season en route to the Division 4 playoffs that begin Friday.
DeHaan has a total of 32 touchdowns this year; 22 through the air and 10 on the ground. He has completed 129 of 184 passes for 1,883 yards with six interceptions, and leads the team in rushing with 710 yards on 109 carries.
In a 56-22 win over Forest Hills Eastern last Friday, South Christian Coach Danny Brown said he had a “career night.” DeHaan tallied eight TDs, six through the air and two on the ground, including 348 yards passing and 87 yards rushing.
“Statistically, he is having one of the best seasons any QB has ever had at South,” said Brown, in his fourth year as coach. “His leadership and drive to be great is the thing that has impressed me the most.
“The other thing that makes him special is he wants the ball in the big moment. We are very blessed to have him on our team.”
The Sailors won the OK Gold Conference outright this year at 7-0, finishing one game ahead of rival Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Their last undefeated regular season was in 2004.
Division 4 Playoffs
South Christian hosts Grand Rapids Christian (3-6 overall) in the first round of the D-4 playoffs at 7 p.m. Friday at East Kentwood.
Coach Brown’s playoff expectations
“Our goal is pretty simple at this point, we want to win a state championship.”
DeHaan’s playoff expectations
“To win a state championship, but more importantly getting better each day to try to do everything we can to accomplish our goal,” explained DeHaan, an all-conference football and basketball player for the Sailors.
He said his favorite game so far was South Christian’s 36-34 win over Catholic Central.
“It was my favorite game because there was a lot of emotions and resilience that we needed to show,” said DeHaan, a senior. “The first half was a defensive battle and the second was the opposite.
“It took all aspects of our team to win the game. Defense, offense and special teams all contributed.”
An early love for football
He began playing football in the third grade and grew up watching the sport with his dad, Alex.
“Once I started playing I loved it,” said DeHaan, whose favorite movies are anything Marvel and “A Few Good Men.” “I love being with my friends and competing.
“I think that I have always been competitive. When I was younger I would cry after every loss no matter what. I have three younger brothers (Deacon, Clayton, Charlie) who also are competitive and when I watch them play sports my parents always tell me I was the same way.”
DeHaan said he’s still figuring out his college plans and currently has a scholarship offer from Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa.
“I am not sure about what I am doing next year,” said DeHaan, who has a 3.87 GPA. “I know I want to go to college and play either basketball or football, but not sure which one.”
Though some of the games seemed like a walk in the park, Coach Brown said winning football games is not easy.
“There is a lot of work that goes into it,” Brown said. “We feel blessed to have had the success we have had up to this point. Winning the conference is always a goal of ours and to accomplish it means a lot. The 9-0 regular season is just icing on the cake.”
“In the history books”
“This team has cemented themselves in the history books of South Christian teams,” Brown continued. “Only three teams have ever had a perfect regular season so it is special.”
Brown said other leaders to talk about are two-way starters Seth Ritsema and Cam Post.
“Seth is our leader in the secondary and has put up some really good numbers as a wide receiver,” Brown said. “His ability to play multiple positions on offense really allows us to do things we haven’t been able to do in the past.”
Ritsema has 26 receptions for 544 yards and four touchdowns, while Carson Vis has 44 receptions for 520 yards and 13 TDs.
“Cam is a staple of our offensive line as a three-year starter. His biggest impact is on defense. He shuts down one side of the offense because of how good he is.”
Nate Brinks has 78 carries for 479 yards and seven TDs.
