The Eaglets Soars to Victory AgainstHudsonville
Andrew Hanania | Friday | September 2, 2022 | 10:29am
In front of an electric home crowd, the St. Mary’s Eaglets (1-1, CHSL) took on the Hudsonville
Eagles (0-2, OK Red) on Thursday night and pulled out a 23-14 victory, defeating Hudsonville
for the second consecutive season. The victory gives OLSM first-year head coach Jermaine
Gonzales, who was a graduate from St. Mary’s in 2000, his first win in just his second try.
The first quarter saw little offense as both teams failed to get on the board. The biggest highlight from the quarter was a sack by OLSM junior defensive end Josh Janda for an eight-yard loss. The first points of the game were scored early in the second quarter when senior kicker Jenner Leib kicked a 32-yard field goal. This gave the Eaglets a 3-0 lead.
Hudsonville quickly struck back. Senior QB Trey Carr led his team down the field in a 16-play drive that resulted in a Hudsonville touchdown. Carr himself kept the ball and rushed into the endzone, giving the Eagles a 7-3 lead. The score would remain until an incredible 33-yard touchdown catch by sophomore wide receiver Antwon Thomas gave the Eaglets a 10-7 lead with 34 seconds left. Hudsonville did get the ball back but decided to take a knee and head to halftime.
OLSM got the ball to start the second half. Starting from their own 20, the Eaglets drove down the field and found the endzone yet again. Senior QB Brayden Ledin found senior wide receiver Ryan Mooney for a 33-yard touchdown reception, making the game 16-7. The extra point was blocked by Hudsonville. Hudsonville would respond two possessions later. QB Trey Carr would find Elijah VanderVeen for a 33-yard touchdown reception, pulling the Eagles to within two. The score would stay 16-14 going into the fourth quarter.
OLSM would hold onto their lead in the final quarter. They did add another touchdown, thanks to a 27-yard reception from Duke Coats, making the score 23-14 with 2:39 left. The Eaglets defense would keep Hudsonville off the board and secure the 23-14 victory. The G’s of the Game, presented by GBrand USA, were awarded to Antwon Thomas and Brayden Ledin. Thomas had eight catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. He also had two kick returns for 50 yards. Ledin completed 23 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s will face off against Naperville North on the road next week. Hudsonville will look for their first win of the season next week at home against Grandville.
