This article is part of the Blackout 2022 package; click here to view the photo gallery.
Against all odds, in the fourth game of their season, the varsity football team defeated the Grand Rapids Christian Eagles 22-14 last Friday, September 16 during the annual Blackout Pediatric Cancer game. On top of a sweet victory, the game raised over $19,000 for families fighting pediatric cancer.
The Wildcats arguably played their most impressive maneuver of the game in the first five minutes, with sophomore and starting quarterback Armaan Irving throwing 59 yards to senior running back David Snow, scoring the first touchdown of the game.
Empowered by this explosive start, the Wildcats fought valiantly against the Eagles, with a lot of back-and-forth action between offense and defense.
Junior varsity head coach Robert Nowak’s favorite part of the Blackout game was the meaning behind his motivation to win.
“[This game is] a really emotional time for a lot of people,” Nowak said. “It hurts a little bit when we’re sitting here seeing some friends of ours tearing up, [and] that hits in the heart. I’m happy to bring home the win to solidify this memorial to their loved ones.”
The second half started 7-0, with the teams duking it out on the field. Snow drove into the endzone for his second touchdown of the game, setting the score 14-0.
At the end of the third quarter, senior running back Donyea Robertson led the Wildcats to a score of 22-0, when he rushed in for a five-yard touchdown.
During the final quarter, the Eagles poured on the pressure for the first time, scoring a touchdown. The Wildcats, sitting comfortably at 22-7, wore the clock down to just a few minutes when GRC pushed back with a 38-yard pitch and catch with three minutes remaining, ending the game 22-14.
Senior running back Jacob Szurna, although pleased with his team’s performance, knows something was missing in the last quarter.
“We played well, [and although] I kind of lost it towards the end, we finished strong,” Szurna said. “We were at 22-0, and we should have blown them out, but we won, so it is what it is.”
Both Nowak and varsity head coach Ryan Oshnock were pleased with the team’s ability to overcome the adversity.
“It’s been a while since we beat Grand Rapids Christian as a program, and I’m very excited. I’m happy for our guys, because they practice hard, and we played really well,” Oshnock said. “We had some key injuries, and some young guys stepped up, so that’s fun to watch.”
The next game is scheduled for September 23 against Forest Hills Central. The theme is neon, and it’s the homecoming game, therefore preceded by a parade and will be concluded by crowning the queen and king.
