Team Preview: Holland Christian

<strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Overview</span></strong> Holland Christian is led by 5th-year head coach Chris Kuipers, who’s undoubtedly working to improve the program after a winless 2020. Living in Indonesia for a short time, Kuipers always wanted to be a head football coach in the US and he’s found his program. Though after a great 8-4 season in 2018, Holland Christian has been going downhill since. Averaging a league-low 13.5 PPG as well as a league-high 40.8 PAPG in 2020, Holland Christian needs to find their stride this fall. With good college talent, Holland Christian could do just that. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Schedule/Games to watch</strong></span> <strong>August 27 vs Holland </strong> Beginning their season at home, Holland Christian has a prime opportunity to begin the season 1-0. Holland technically went 1-7 in 2020 with their only win being a forfeit due to covid. The Holland Dutch averaged an abysmal 14PPG while giving up 47.6PAPG last season. Without a doubt, this could be a needed confidence booster for Holland Christian. September 2 @ Forest Hills Eastern September 10 @ Spring Lake September 17 vs Coopersville September 24 @ Unity Christian October 1 vs Allendale <strong>October 8 vs Fruitport</strong> With some great defensive talent, while playing a great offense, this is a winnable game for Holland Christian. If Holland Christian can play great defense against an all-state quarterback while scoring big points against a subpar Fruitpoint defense, they have a great shot at a W. If Holland Christian’s defense has a great game, they should win this game. <strong>October 15 @ Hamilton</strong> Holland Christian goes to rival Hamilton in this week 8 matchup. Losing a close 28-22 contest last season, Holland Christian seeks revenge after losing to Hamilton for the first time since 2016. This is surely a big-time rivalry game with possible playoff implications. October 22 vs West Catholic <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Players to watch</strong></span> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11398489/Julius-Dykhuis">Julius Dykhuis</a>, WR - An exceptional route runner with a great double move, Dykhuis brings a unique skill set to the Holland Christian offense. Dykhuis excels at running the route tree able to get great separation with double moves, elite release, and other fakeouts. With the right offense around him, I could see Dykhuis having an incredible all-region level year. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11398449/Will-Alderink">Will Alderink</a>, QB/OLB - Alderink is a great 2-way player. On Defense, Alderink scored multiple touchdowns his sophomore season with a pick-six and a fumble return. In addition, he’s a generally great run stuffer and ballhawk as he can read an offense exceptionally well. Offensively, Alderink is a mobile quarterback with decent accuracy and zip. He’s greatest out of the pocket when he can either decide to throw it or scramble. Alderink’s junior season was cut short after suffering a very severe injury against Allendale. I really hope to see Alderink back on the field in 2021. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11398701/Ben-Nelson">[player_tooltip player_id="99322" first="Ben" last="Nelson"]</a>, TE, DE - At 6’7 250, Nelson has the height and body of an NFL tight end. Able to block as well as be a receiver, I’m really looking forward to how Holland Christian utilizes the big body this fall. He’s also a good unselfish defensive end. Any high school would love to have a guy with Nelson’s frame and size and I’m excited to see what Nelson’s senior season has in store for him. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>X-Factor: Putting the pieces in place</strong></span> They have great talent on both sides of the ball. The question is how the team will mesh together to form a cohesive, confident unit. I truly believe that Holland Christian can do way better than their winless 2020, and they have some legitimate chances this fall. Holland Christian needs to play unselfish team football while utilizing their talent. I truly hope to see Holland Christian ball out this fall. &nbsp;