Country Day Football Can't Hang on in State Final Game

The score: Grand Rapids South Christian 40, Detroit Country Day 7

The star: Grand Rapids South Christian's quarterback Derek Woltjer ran over and through the Yellowjackets, especially in the second half. Woltjer finishes with 153 yards rushing on 15 carries (9.1-yard average) and four total touchdowns, including 7-for-7 passing for 88 yards. It was an incredible way for the senior QB fill in for the injured starter Jon Wassink.

The turning point: The Yellowjackets gave up a touchdown on the first offensive possession after halftime when Woltjer hit senior wide receiver Austin Diekevers from 20 yards out to go up 21-7. However, the game seemed out of reach when a 28-yard punt on the Yellowjackets' ensuing possession from their own three-yard line resulted in a spectacular touchdown on the return from senior Chad Sterk.

With the score late in the third quarter at 33-7, an interception late off of Yellowjackets quarterback Tyler Wiegers by Woltjer sealed the deal.

The quote: "This has been a good year and it seems like at our school, that kind of feeds off of itself. We have a nice group of juniors. But again, I'm very disappointed for the seniors who invested so much. It's part of this game. You have to come back." — Country Day head coach Dan MacLean

Bottom line: High school football fans may reason that Grand Rapids South Christian played better than any other division championship-caliber team on Friday night in Ford Ford. Indeed, the Sailors' senior class was nothing if not absolutely inspired. However, the Yellowjackets deserve praise for their run in the playoffs allowing the senior class their first chance at a championship. The heavily-recruited junior star Wiegers offered a brilliant preview of things that could be yet to come, having thrown 18-34 with 216 yards and one touchdown, along with one interception.