Grand Haven succumbs to Hudsonville in OK-Red football action

By Trevor Austin
LocalSportsJournal.com

GRAND HAVEN – A stout defense proved not to be enough for the Grand Haven football team to hand Hudsonville their first loss of the season on Friday night.

The Bucs battled, but fell in the OK Conference-Red matchup, 17-10.

To open the game, the Bucs defense recovered a fumble that set up for a score as quarterback Xzavier Rodriguez found Will Korenstra for a 22-yard reception.

The 7-0 score carried through the first three quarters as the defense forced multiple punts and snagged a tipped interception by Chase Robinson in the closing minutes of the first half.

However, an interception by Hudsonville early in the fourth quarter shifted the momentum as the Bucs fell behind.

“We hit on defense,” said Grand Haven coach Andrew Biedenbender. “We started off with a fumble on the first play and they did back down. That’s a physical team and I was very proud of the defense.”

Robinson led defensively with 11 tackles followed by Gus Abraham with six tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss. Eli Ziska made five tackles while Sam LaDronka had three tackles, one sack and a tackle for loss.

Despite the loss, Coach Briedenbender still has plans for the team in his first year at the helm.

“I think a lot of people still count us out, but we have a lot of football ahead of us and a lot of winnable games still down the road,” said Biedenbender.

Offensively, the Bucs struggled from the backfield and didn’t register any yards on the ground.

“We have to be able to run the ball,” said Biedenbender. “I’m a run game guy and not being able to move the ball is frustrating. We have to reevaluate where we are on that side of the ball and get a better plan.”

Grand Haven (1-3, 0-2) will look to earn their first league win of the season as they travel to East Kentwood on Friday.