Football: What we learned from a memorable Bayou Battle

Sep. 20—FRUITPORT — Friday's edition of the Bayou Battle between Fruitport and Spring Lake lived up to the hype, and then some.

The Lakers' 35-32 victory over the Trojans was Spring Lake's fourth straight over their local rivals, and it also served as a first true test of the bona fides for a group that came into the game ranked No. 7 in the first Associated Press Division 4 poll of the season.

A well-played game also showed how far the programs have come from recent struggles. Both teams experienced difficult years at the start of their coach's tenure, but now both Spring Lake coach Dan Start and Fruitport coach Nate Smith have reshaped their programs into something worth celebrating.

Here are the most important observations from Friday's contest:

Core's arm delivers two big TDs

Through their first two games, Spring Lake could rely on Christian Folkert, Andrew von Wahlde and Brodie Lightfoot in the backfield to rack up rushing yards. The Laker running game had its moments — especially in the first half — but Fruitport did figure a few things out after the break.

That meant senior quarterback Jackson Core was called on a few more times than usual in big spots against the Trojans. The result? A 10-of-13 passing day that featured a pair of touchdown passes. Fruitport's Gavin Reames may have a little more ability throwing downfield, but Core was on the money to find Ty French in the second quarter for a 21-7 lead.

"He started really well," Start said. "We were a little more balanced this time, he made some great throws that we really needed."

The eventual game-winner came in the third quarter, a 19-yard touchdown pass to senior Carter Sabo. Slightly underthrown, Sabo had to work back to the ball and may have gotten away with a push off against a Trojan defender. Even then, it was a chance for his receiver to make a play on the ball — something Core and the offense may have to do more often against the best teams on their schedule.

"Whatever works for us to get points, that's how we'll do it," Core said. "We knew they were going to give us their best, and they deserve credit."

In a road environment, Lakers do just enough

A sizable traveling crowd made its way to Doc Pierce Field on Friday, turning the game into a noisy affair. Spring Lake came in knowing they'd get Fruitport's best effort — and they did.

"We knew it'd be a dogfight," Sabo said. "We came in here wanting to win, had a full student section and stands, people lined up across the railings, that feeling is indescribable."

What may be most impressive long term is hanging in when the Trojans had momentum in the fourth quarter. A pair of touchdowns had Fruitport within a field goal for the game's last 10 minutes. In response, Spring Lake's last drive was methodical and took time off the clock — a good job of knowing the situation from the players and coaching staff.

A fourth-down stop on the Trojan 4 would have left a number of Lakers nervous about the game's final minutes, but after allowing one first down, Spring Lake tightened up, forced a turnover on downs and clinched the victory.

A trip to 2-2 Hamilton next Friday will be another chance for the Lakers to show off their road mettle — victory there could see a 5-0 Spring Lake play homecoming on Oct. 1 against Hudsonville Unity Christian. They've racked up two impressive wins in OK Blue play so far. A third is likely against Holland Christian.

Trojans use quick-strike ability to great effect

The Lakers may have played a slightly more complete football game, but Fruitport proved why they'll be a tough opponent for any team in the weeks ahead. Reames found Camden Farrell on the game's third play for a 70-yard touchdown, one of two the pair connected on.

There was even proof of a bright future in the second half. Reames cramped up after a first-down run in the middle of the third quarter, and in his first play at quarterback this year, junior Collin Jolman's deep pass connected with Cody Nash for a 64-yard gain. Nash scored on the next play, proving that Smith may have a good option next year at quarterback once Reames graduates.

Small margins keeping Fruitport from victories

At Coopersville a week prior, it was a late drive that stalled near the Bronco goal-line. At home on Friday, it was penalties — including two personal fouls on defense — that set up the Lakers for drives into the Trojan red zone.

Make no mistake — Fruitport's a good team that is better than their 1-3 record shows. But the last two weeks have proved that good football teams can still lose if the ball doesn't bounce their way.

"We've got all this potential, but just made a few too many mistakes," Smith said.

They'll still have an outside shot at the playoffs regardless of how their trip to West Catholic goes on Friday. After the Falcons, they play winnable games against Hamilton, Holland Christian and Allendale before a regular-season finale at home with Unity Christian.

For the full recap of Friday's contest, head to our online sports page, grandhaventribune.com/sports.

You can email Kyle at kturk@

grandhaventribune.com or find him on Twitter @KyleTurkGHT.