Football downs Grandville, advances to next round of playoffs
Macayla Cramer, Reporter|November 2, 2019 - Bucs Blade
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WHAT HAPPENED:
At first, viewed as the underdogs, Grand Haven achieved the unexpected at Friday night’s game in Grandville by defeating the Bulldogs on their home turf in the first round of the playoffs. The Buccaneers can attribute their win to an early lead in the first half with an intense D-line, keeping the opposing offense from gaining the extra yards needed to score. Although they had the audience on their toes throughout the entire game, the biggest factor in their final score of 28-7 is the O-line giving senior quarterback Alex Kapala the extra precious moments of time to complete the plays to get the Bucs those touchdowns. WHAT DOES IT MEAN: The team proved the doubters wrong. Before the playoffs started, the Bucs were voted to lose. The boys not only had to fight through the normal game day struggles including weather and the potential of poor sportsmanship, but on top of all of these obstacles, the squad proved to everyone that it was capable of playing past the first round of playoff action. |
Senior quarterback Alex Kapala hangs onto the ball and quickly finds the gaps in Grandville's defense. The Bucs' ground game proved to be the deciding factor in the victory.
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KEY PLAYERS
KEY MOMENT:
A moment the will not only resonate with the football team but with the school and the community as a whole is the cheering from the audience and team while watching the final seconds of the game tick down and knowing for certain that the Bucs were victorious and will be moving on to the next round of playoffs.
THEY SAID IT:
“We had more faith in ourselves than anyone else did,” Senior Alex Kapala said. “We trusted each and we won the battle up front that lead us to march the ball down the field or stop the ball on defense.”
WHAT’S NEXT:
The Bucs will continue onto the second stage of the playoffs. The team will take on Hudsonville for the district championship, a team that the Bucs fell to 33-0 on September 13.
https://bucsblade.com/briefs/2019/11/02/varsity-football-team-advances-to-the-next-round-of-playoffs/#
- Connor Worthington had several powerful, and many times, unstoppable breakaways helping the Bucs with an edge offensively. Worthington finished with 118 yards rushing on 23 carries.
- Quarterback Alex Kapala’s impression footwork factored in a couple of unbeatable runs, one of which resulted in a touchdown. Kapala ended the night with 41 yards rushing on six carries.
- The entire O-line made every touchdown possible with key blocks for the team to come out with a victory.
KEY MOMENT:
A moment the will not only resonate with the football team but with the school and the community as a whole is the cheering from the audience and team while watching the final seconds of the game tick down and knowing for certain that the Bucs were victorious and will be moving on to the next round of playoffs.
THEY SAID IT:
“We had more faith in ourselves than anyone else did,” Senior Alex Kapala said. “We trusted each and we won the battle up front that lead us to march the ball down the field or stop the ball on defense.”
WHAT’S NEXT:
The Bucs will continue onto the second stage of the playoffs. The team will take on Hudsonville for the district championship, a team that the Bucs fell to 33-0 on September 13.
https://bucsblade.com/briefs/2019/11/02/varsity-football-team-advances-to-the-next-round-of-playoffs/#
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Grand Haven pushing for a playoff berth, behind leaders like Worthington, Krizan
By Nate Thompson LocalSportsJournal.com GRAND HAVEN – Grand Haven doesn’t often like to associate itself with rival Rockford, but when it comes to making the state football playoffs, the Buccaneers would happily follow suit. A year ago, Rockford was one of 32 teams included in the Division 1 playoff field, despite the fact that the Rams finished the regular season with a 5-4 record. Typically, teams must reach six wins in a nine-game schedule to automatically qualify for the playoffs. When there are not enough schools in any given division that have reached that win total, schools with five wins fill in the bracket. Playoff point averages determine which 5-4 teams make the field, and entering Week 9, Grand Haven had enough playoff points (55.625) to be in the Division 1 field, despite its 4-4 record. A fifth win for Grand Haven is looking very likely as well, because the Bucs square off against winless Grand Rapids Union on Friday. Owen Krizan, left, and Connor Worthington stand outside Grand Haven stadium. Photo/Jason Goorman What would a potential playoff berth mean to Grand Haven’s program under third-year head coach Joe Nelson? “It would mean the world,” said Nelson, whose team will be watching closely on Sunday night when the state playoff field is announced. “Our last trip was 2011, so it’s been awhile. When our program has been competitive, this community really rallies around it, so from that aspect, it would be special for a lot of people.” “We’re pretty optimistic,” Nelson added. “Some of those other earlier wins should help us out a lot.” Making the playoffs would represent a tremendous turnaround for the Bucs, because at one point this season, they were 1-4. But in miserable weather against Rockford on Sept. 21 — a closer-than-expected 19-14 loss — Nelson believes the season turned around. “In that second half, the kids started to realize we could compete with anyone,” he said. One of the keys during the Bucs’ recent three-game winning streak was simplifying the offense, according to senior captain Connor Worthington, a standout running back and defensive end. “During our rough stretch, I think we were trying to do too much,” Worthington said, a 6-foot-2, 230-pounder who has committed to play at Michigan Tech. “We went back to our roots of a few run plays and realized we had to get good at those. So it was back to basics.” The basics for Grand Haven involve utilizing the talents of Worthington and fellow senior running back Owen Krizan, who are two of the team’s four captains. Both got their start in the Young Bucs youth league and progressed up through the program. “They both have kept this group together,” Nelson said about Worthington and Krizan. “That’s one thing that really stands out (about this team), they hold each other accountable. If someone is not doing something right in practice, the guys will let them know about it. As coaches, we’re trying to teach and these kids reinforce that by practicing what we preach. It raises the level of play.” Worthington said he’s heard the term “Thunder and Lightning” to describe how he and Krizan run the ball. Worthington provides the boom, preferring a physical running style between the tackles. He’s been especially dominant of late, totaling 333 of his 612 rushing yards in the last three contests — victories against East Kentwood, Caledonia and West Ottawa. He’s also scored four of his six rushing touchdowns during the last three games. “I’m more of the power back and with Owen, he’s a little more shifty,” Worthington said. “I think that throws defenses off with two different styles of backs.” |
Connor Worthington with the ball against Reeths-Puffer in Week 1. Photo/Grand Haven Tribune
Owen Krizan rushes the ball for Grand Haven during the Bucs’ Week 1 win over Reeths-Puffer. Photo/Joe Lane
Owen Krizan, left, and Connor Worthington stand outside Grand Haven stadium. Photo/Jason Goorman
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Worthington thinks he’ll fit in well at Michigan Tech’s campus in Houghton in the Upper Peninsula, because he’s an avid skier and outdoorsman. He also earned the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout this past summer. But Michigan Tech coaches are probably more impressed with the fact that he can bench 315 pounds, squat 425 and run the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds.
Krizan, who also stars at safety on defense, has totaled just over 400 yards on the ground this season, including his most impressive performance to date last Friday against West Ottawa, when he rushed 10 times for 144 yards and two touchdowns.
If the Bucs do get into the “Big Dance” at 5-4, Worthington said the Bucs will be tough to beat in the postseason.
“A lot of people play football and don’t have the opportunity to reach the playoffs,” he said. “We realize that opportunity is in front of us and we’re really excited.”
Krizan, who also stars at safety on defense, has totaled just over 400 yards on the ground this season, including his most impressive performance to date last Friday against West Ottawa, when he rushed 10 times for 144 yards and two touchdowns.
If the Bucs do get into the “Big Dance” at 5-4, Worthington said the Bucs will be tough to beat in the postseason.
“A lot of people play football and don’t have the opportunity to reach the playoffs,” he said. “We realize that opportunity is in front of us and we’re really excited.”
Bucs not flashy, but effective in opening night win By Kyle Turk kturk@grandhaventribune.com Aug 29, 2019
GRAND HAVEN – Owen Krizan’s 30-yard interception return for a touchdown just a minute into the third quarter kicked Grand Haven’s 2019 season into gear on Friday night, as a solid performance on both sides of the ball carried the Bucs to a 24-0 victory over Reeths-Puffer.
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GRAND HAVEN – Owen Krizan’s 30-yard interception return for a touchdown just a minute into the third quarter kicked Grand Haven’s 2019 season into gear on Friday night, as a solid performance on both sides of the ball carried the Bucs to a 24-0 victory over Reeths-Puffer. The Rockets struggled to run on a dominant defensive front, with Grand Haven’s Connor Worthington and Austin Broemer aggressive and disruptive throughout. Reeths-Puffer managed just 178 yards of total offense, with just 10 on the ground. Aidan Cooper led the Buccaneer defense in tackles with eight, with Braydon Franz and Will McWatters next-best with seven apiece. “Our defense played really well,” Grand Haven head coach Joe Nelson said. “We knew we’d have a little trouble out there in space matching up, but we feel like we rallied really well to the ball. If we had a missed tackle, our guys would be right there.” Reeths-Puffer rarely crossed midfield in the second half, as Rocket quarterback Evan Moskwa had a feisty Buccaneer pass rush in his face throughout the night. Meanwhile, Grand Haven quarterback Alex Kapala was more than happy to hand off to Krizan and Worthington and pick up first downs on the ground. Neither offense got much of anything going in the second half until a delay of an hour and 20 minutes early in the fourth quarter. Picking back up on the R-P 30-yard line, Worthington carried twice before Krizan iced the game with a 12-yard touchdown run around the left side to make it 24-0 with 10 minutes remaining. |
“Everybody on this team has changed their mindset from last year,” Krizan said. “They’re fired up and we’re going to change the culture around here.”
By the time the Reeths-Puffer offense got things going, it was a bit too late despite a strong run by wide receiver Daven Fox. After catching a screen pass on the right, the senior broke a pair of tackles before reversing field. By the time a pair of Buccaneer defenders brought him down, it was a 54-yard gain – the longest play of the game by either team.
However, the Bucs defense held strong in their own red zone, stopping the Rockets on fourth down to preserve their shutout before the end of the game.
Grand Haven’s first drive of the game started strongly enough, with Krizan taking the first two carries of the game for first downs, the second around the right side for 24 yards to put the Bucs in Rocket territory. On 2nd-and-14, Kapala’s pass to the right side was over the head of Braydon Franz and ended up in the hands of Fox, cutting out any chance of points on a promising opening drive.
Reeths-Puffer wasn’t as explosive in their first drive, relying on a long run 3rd-and-17 run from Moskwa to convert after a pair of runs were stopped by the Bucs early in the drive. After a pair of Buccaneer penalties, the Rockets made it across midfield to the Grand Haven 35 before being stopped on 4th-and-2.
“We wanted to get the crowd into it,” Krizan said. “That was a big boost, and that play was a big help with that.”
Krizan dealt with an early injury to his right wrist but was no worse for wear by the end of the game, carrying eight times for 81 yards and a touchdown. Worthington added a couple of physical runs, carrying eight times for 72 yards.
The teams traded punts – not advisable with the strong winds in play – to close the first quarter before a short punt left the Bucs with a short field. From there, Grand Haven mixed in carries from Worthington and Ellis to slowly move the ball against a game Rocket defense. Reeths-Puffer hung in at times defensively, with sophomore defensive lineman Marco Fields the best of the Rocket bunch defensively.
Cooper made a crucial grab from the tight end spot on third down to extend the drive before Ellis was tripped up near the goal line. Kapala’s sneak from the 1-yard line broke the deadlock with 7 minutes to play in the half. After a missed extra point, the first points of the game were finally on the board.
The Buccaneer defense turned up the intensity from there. Ellis came up from his linebacker spot for a key sack on second down, forcing Reeths-Puffer back into their own territory.
With 1:30 remaining in the half, a snap went over the head of Rocket punter Corey Browne, where it was recovered by the Bucs around the Rocket 35-yard line. Trying to navigate both the Rocket defense and the clock, Kapala carried for a first down before stopping the clock. After a pair of Krizan runs, Teague Wilson ended the half with a 27-yard field goal to push the lead to 9-0 at halftime.
Kapala didn’t have to throw much but was fairly accurate when called upon. There were also heavy features in the ground game for Ellis (six carries for 33 yards) and junior Tanner Williams.
“We’ve gotta improve on penalties and communication,” Nelson said. “It’s inexcusable and we’ll get it fixed. I liked that we were able to come out with a victory and I know we can still get a whole lot better.”
https://football.thedzone.com/news/grand-haven-2020-mlb-rb-will-mcwatters-has-committed-to-michigan-tech?fbclid=IwAR1K1pzI6zcomznenWA2xh_69gRmNqOJBpOiWiZHmZ7ABPtxNy8j14-q4cc
By the time the Reeths-Puffer offense got things going, it was a bit too late despite a strong run by wide receiver Daven Fox. After catching a screen pass on the right, the senior broke a pair of tackles before reversing field. By the time a pair of Buccaneer defenders brought him down, it was a 54-yard gain – the longest play of the game by either team.
However, the Bucs defense held strong in their own red zone, stopping the Rockets on fourth down to preserve their shutout before the end of the game.
Grand Haven’s first drive of the game started strongly enough, with Krizan taking the first two carries of the game for first downs, the second around the right side for 24 yards to put the Bucs in Rocket territory. On 2nd-and-14, Kapala’s pass to the right side was over the head of Braydon Franz and ended up in the hands of Fox, cutting out any chance of points on a promising opening drive.
Reeths-Puffer wasn’t as explosive in their first drive, relying on a long run 3rd-and-17 run from Moskwa to convert after a pair of runs were stopped by the Bucs early in the drive. After a pair of Buccaneer penalties, the Rockets made it across midfield to the Grand Haven 35 before being stopped on 4th-and-2.
“We wanted to get the crowd into it,” Krizan said. “That was a big boost, and that play was a big help with that.”
Krizan dealt with an early injury to his right wrist but was no worse for wear by the end of the game, carrying eight times for 81 yards and a touchdown. Worthington added a couple of physical runs, carrying eight times for 72 yards.
The teams traded punts – not advisable with the strong winds in play – to close the first quarter before a short punt left the Bucs with a short field. From there, Grand Haven mixed in carries from Worthington and Ellis to slowly move the ball against a game Rocket defense. Reeths-Puffer hung in at times defensively, with sophomore defensive lineman Marco Fields the best of the Rocket bunch defensively.
Cooper made a crucial grab from the tight end spot on third down to extend the drive before Ellis was tripped up near the goal line. Kapala’s sneak from the 1-yard line broke the deadlock with 7 minutes to play in the half. After a missed extra point, the first points of the game were finally on the board.
The Buccaneer defense turned up the intensity from there. Ellis came up from his linebacker spot for a key sack on second down, forcing Reeths-Puffer back into their own territory.
With 1:30 remaining in the half, a snap went over the head of Rocket punter Corey Browne, where it was recovered by the Bucs around the Rocket 35-yard line. Trying to navigate both the Rocket defense and the clock, Kapala carried for a first down before stopping the clock. After a pair of Krizan runs, Teague Wilson ended the half with a 27-yard field goal to push the lead to 9-0 at halftime.
Kapala didn’t have to throw much but was fairly accurate when called upon. There were also heavy features in the ground game for Ellis (six carries for 33 yards) and junior Tanner Williams.
“We’ve gotta improve on penalties and communication,” Nelson said. “It’s inexcusable and we’ll get it fixed. I liked that we were able to come out with a victory and I know we can still get a whole lot better.”
https://football.thedzone.com/news/grand-haven-2020-mlb-rb-will-mcwatters-has-committed-to-michigan-tech?fbclid=IwAR1K1pzI6zcomznenWA2xh_69gRmNqOJBpOiWiZHmZ7ABPtxNy8j14-q4cc