LocalSportsJournal.com
GRAND RAPIDS—The Fruitport Trojans had a commanding 34-7 lead with 4:52 remaining in the first half on Thursday evening over Grand Rapid Christian before the Eagles ran off 34 unanswered points to come from behind to take down Fruitport 41-34.
The Trojans got on the board at the 11:49 mark of the first quarter on an 80 yard run by junior Paschal Jolman to give Fruitport a 6-0 lead
The Eagles struck back quickly scoring on an 82 yard kickoff return. They converted the extra point kick and took a 7-6 lead with 11:35 remaining in the first quarter.
Fruitport went on a 28 point run scoring on four consecutive possessions to take a lead of 34-7 with 4:52 remaining in the first half.
Junior Collin Jolman found the endzone on a 8 yard rushing play at the 6:13 mark of the first quarter. Jolman connected with Bobby Canfield for the extra two point conversion giving Fruitport a 14-6 lead.
In the second quarter Jolman hit junior Cody Nash on a 15 yard passing play that resulted in another touchdown. Nash also scored the extra two point conversion play giving Fruitport a 22-7 with 11:04 remaining in the first half.
The Trojans extended their lead to 28-7 when Jolman hit Paschal Jolman on a 19 yard touchdown pass giving Fruitport at 28-7 lead.
Fruitport tacked on another first half touchdown as Jolman hit junior Nash Cooper on a 19 yard touchdown pass with 4:52 remaining in the first half giving the Trojans a commanding 34-7 lead.
From that point on it was all Grand Rapids Christian as they ran off 34 consecutive points on five scoring drives.
The Eagles started their comeback just before the halftime break scoring on a 50 yard pass play. They converted the extra point kick and trailed Fruitport 34-14 at the halftime break.
GR Christian continued the comeback scoring twice in the third period.
The Eagles scored on a 13 yard rushing play at the 6:07 mark and then found the endzone on a 7 yard passing play. They converted the extra two point conversion on the second third quarter TD to cut the Fruitport lead down to 34-28 with 0:29.5 seconds remaining in the quarter.
The Trojan defense couldn’t hold the Eagles offense in check down the stretch as GR Christian scored two touchdowns in the final two minutes.
The Eagles knotted the score up at 34-34 with 1:57 remaining on a 4 yard TD run but couldn’t convert the extra point kick.
GR Christian scored the winning touchdown with 0:28.5 remaining on a 17 yard passing play. The Eagles would convert the extra point kick completing the comeback to secure the win.
Fruitport rushed for 300 yards led by Paschal Jolman who gained 188 yards on 18 carries.
Collin Jolman completed 7-of-16 passes for 83 yards.
Fruitport picked up 16 first downs in the game and the Trojans were whistled for 8 penalties for 50 yards.
Leading the Trojans on defense were junior Andrew Fielstra with a team high 8 tackles and sophomore Kayden Beardsley with six tackles.
Fruitport will be back in action on Friday, September 9th when they take on OK Conference-Blue foe Allendale.
The game was originally suppose to be played at Fruitport (home opener) however because the new turf field is not ready to see action the game has been moved to Hope College in Holland.
Game time is set for 7pm.
