GRC vs EGR: Overview & Key Players

  Overview: Another week, another crisp fall Friday night. I took a little trip to East Grand Rapids today to see a rivalry reborn, this rivalry, EGR VS Grand Rapids Christian has been West Michigan favourite the past decade. Both of these teams like to set up the run to open up the passing game. The key to tonight’s game was offensive rhythm, was offense would find balance within their offensive game plan? The East Grand Rapids Pioneers were In control in a sloppy first quarter by both teams, totalling in 3 turnovers, but with the Pioneers had the advantage, gaining a safety and two late first quarter touchdown run by their running back Nate Milanoski, who is no stranger to the end zone in this matchup. Just when the Pioneers were gaining total control over the game, lighting struck with a quick 70 yard bomb to speedy Receiver Ace Thomas for the Eagles, to make the score 15-7 midway through the 2nd quarter. The Eagles then quickly struck again with another quick strike for 65 yards to their talented senior wide receiver in Brian Hunter, making the pioneer lead 2. Then, the rain came down, slowing both offensive units down til the 2nd half with miscue after miscue occurring in the first half of play and resorting to the run game. Early in the 3rd quarter it was much of the same as the end of the 2nd quarter, then late in the 3rd quarter, Milanoski went to work, grinding out yard after yard, and showing why he is the staple stone of the Pioneers and controlling time of possession most of the quarter, not even cramps midway during the drive could keep the workhorse out of the game for long. Even during a scoreless 3rd quarter, did not mean that this game would end up with an exciting finish, with 6 minutes left, 4th down and 8, the eagle went to Marcellus Vanderkodde a 6’4 giant at receiver hauled in a 50/50 ball and got a 35 yard touchdown to take the lead 20-15 after being down 15-0 early. Then Eagles then returned the safety that the Pioneers got in the 1st quarter, coming up to be the deciding and game clincher in this historic matchup. After converting 3 fourth downs in a row for the Pioneers, they eventually ran out of luck. Losing to the Eagles 22-15 in another historic rivalry showdown. Key Players From Friday Night: Nate Milanoski #2 Sr. 5’9 175 lbs EGR- Milanoski is the workhouse for the pioneers offensive unit. The offense goes how he goes. Milanoski had 25 touches int his matchup, being a key contributor for the pioneers. Milanoski, scored a late first quarter touchdown, after a pioneers safety, to make the score 9-0 in favor of the pioneers. Then after a quick Eagles three and out in which resulted in a bad punt, sent the Pioneers up to score another touchdown by Milanoski, making two touchdowns in the first half Jackson Mitchell #4 Sr. 6’0 175lbs EGR- Mitchell ignited the Pioneers defensive unit, by coming up with an early pioneers interception midway through the first quarter. Mitchell, is a lockdown cornerback with the ability to keep up with any defender and the size to matchup against anyone in the area. [player_tooltip player_id="29975" first="Aiden" last="Stadel"] #1 Sr. 6’2 175lb EGR- [player_tooltip player_id="29975" first="Aiden" last="Stadel"] has tremendous strength, size, speed, and pass catching ability. Coming up with key catches for the pioneers during drives. Such as a 35 yard pass near the end of the first quarter to set up a pioneers score of 15-0 over the Eagles. Stadel, would be a significant recruit for many colleges because of his length and ability to get the jump ball and whenever a big play is needed, Stadel is the main feature for the Pioneers. Also had a late interception in the 4th quarter. CJ Jones #8 Jr. 6’2 200lbs GRC- Jones has tremendous speed and size for an outside linebacker and wide receiver, becoming a very physical two way player, Jones has a nack finding the football, coming up with a HUGE drive killing interception at the end of the first quarter to keep the game scoreless for the Eagles. Ace Thomas #6 Jr. 5’9 170lbs GRC- Ace Thomas is an exceptional Receiver with extraordinary speed, just when the Eagles looked doomed in the 2nd quarter, Thomas brought the Eagles to life, with a quick and fast 70 yard receiving touchdown to make the score 16-7 Pioneers, midway through the 2nd quarter. Brian Hunter #13 Sr. 5’10 160lbs GRC- Brian Hunter is a key feature for the Eagles offensive unit. Even on failed Eagle drive early, you could tell as a viewer the Eagles wanted the ball in Hunter’s hands. With 7 minutes left in the 2nd quarter a successful drive was converted into pints and quick ones, Hunter caught a 65 yard bomb to the house, to make the score 14-16 Pioneers. Hunter is a quick and sure catching wide receiving prospect in the west side of Michigan. Hunter had a huge interception as well on the one yard line to flip the momentum once again into the Eagles favor. Marcellus Vanderkoode #84 Sr. 6’4 195lbs GRC- Marcellus Vanderkoode is a huge target for the Eagles, with tremendous size and ability to get any ball thrown his way, he is going to make college recruiter go nuts over this exceptional talent at wide receiver.