Dux Power Through Chix

The annual West/East football game in Zeeland is really a can’t miss.  Although this rivalry was anything but competitive in the early years, it has now become one of those events that could produce an instant classic almost every year.  Friday night’s action followed right along that same path, as Zeeland West came from behind to eek out at 26-21 victory against Zeeland East.

A physical tone was set right from the get-go as a hard hit by Aaron Ruiz caused a Zeeland East fumble on the opening kickoff.  The ball went out-of-bounds, allowing the Chix to retain possession, but this cleared any doubt that both teams were ready to bring their best.  The Dux from Zeeland West were the first team to put points on the board, as Kyle Kujawa capped off 78 yard drive with a three yard touchdown run.  Zeeland bwent for two and was successful, and opened up an early 8-0 lead with nine minutes left in the first quarter.  Both teams traded possessions again in the first, the Chix punting away the ball, and the Dux failing to punch the ball in the endzone on a fourth-and-goal from the one yard line.

Charged up from the impressive stand on the goal line, Zeeland East ripped off a 99 yard march down the field, which was capped off by a 14 yard touchdown pass by Casey VanHoof to Josh Snyder.  Point-after was good, and the Chix were able to pull within one, 8-7, with 8:10 remaining in the half.  Zeeland West’s response was immediate,  as they drove down the field on their ensuing possession, scoring a touchdown via a four yard run by Derek Postma.  A two point conversion failed, making the score 14-7, with 4:54 to go in the second.  Now it was Zeeland East’s chance to respond, and that they did.  Casey VanHoof connected with Brandon Jackson for his second touchdown pass of the night, this one from 68 yards out, as the Chix again pulled within one of the Dux, 14-13 (point-after kick no good).  Both teams then swapped interceptions, and Zeeland West ran out the clock to end the first half of play.

The game tempo slowed right down in the third quarter.  Both teams went scoreless– the Dux punted the ball away on their first possession of the half, as did the Chix.  On their second possession of the half the Dux turned the ball over via a fumble, but the Chix were unable to capitalize, being forced into their second punt of the quarter.

Coming into the final quarter of play the game was still within reach for both squads, Zeeland West clung to a 14-13 lead, and the ball was theirs.  A drive which started at the end of the third quarter was stalled, and on the ensuing punt, Zeeland East looked like they might have snatched victory– with Josh Snyder scoring his second touchdown of the game, running the punt all the way back to the endzone, 68 yards.  Following a successful two point conversion, the Chix were up by a touchdown, 21-14.  There were still over eleven minutes left to play in this game, however, and just as earlier, Zeeland West responded immediately, scoring a touchdown on their next possession, with Derek Postma punching in the ball from two yards out.  Another two point conversion failed, and now it was the Dux trailing by one point, 21-20.

Following the Zeeland West touchdown, Zeeland East took over possession with a one point lead, and just over six minutes left in the game.  The Chix began a drive down the field, chipping away at the clock, but an untimely fumble in East territory was recovered by West with 4:48 still on the clock.  In something that is straight from the pages of a Hollywood script, at almost this exact same moment, the skies opened up and rain began to fall.  West now began a drive down the field, running the ball to the left, to the right, up the gut.  The Dux found themselves first and goal, with less than a minute remaining– this was their chance to win the game.  The Chix defense held strong on West’s first attempt, but with 28 seconds left, Kyle Kujawa rammed the ball into the endzone, good for his second touchdown of the night.  The Dux again went for two, unsuccessfully, but they were now up 26-21, which wound up being the final score.

Derek Postma sacks Zeeland East quarterback Casey VanHoof.

Brandon Jackson clutches to a pass.

Jake McKellar opens up a lane for the runner.

Michael Greenlund lays a hit on Derek Postma.

Brad Mesbergen tries to go up and over the defender.

Casey VanHoof throws his first touchdown pass of the game.

Jordan VanDort rumbles down the field as Brice Kramer struggles to wrap him up.

TJ Beelan zeros in on Clay Coatney.

Derek Postma pounds the ball up the gut.

Brandon Jackson hauls in his 68 yard touchdown reception.

Clay Coatney fires a pass.

Spencer Viening takes the ball on a two point conversion attempt.

Matt Philpott Photography was happy to bring you coverage of tonight’s action.  Please visit his website to see additional photos, as well as order prints!