Why Holland-Holland Christian is the best soccer rivalry in the state
HOLLAND - When the Holland and Holland Christian soccer teams face off, it is something special - so special even diehard fans take it for granted.
The rivalry is the best in the state and that make each game a celebration.
It has public school vs private school, it has diversity, neighbors squaring off, like a big competitive family.
And that is what the rivalry feels like every year, a family gathering in the form of a sibling rivalry, bringing out the biggest crowd of the Year.
The family feel brings an unprecedented amount of respect from both sides. In Monday's showdown you had players waiting to sub in shake hands, say, "Let's go," to each other and then fight for the ball, knock each other down and get up smiling.
Because it is fun to have this kind of game, not every team experiences that, and the Maroons and Dutch get to every season.
All of those aspects already make it a great rivalry but that's without the biggest piece … both teams are fantastic.
Both teams have won state titles in the past decade, including last year for the Maroons, and have each eliminated the other from the postseason, mostly in epic 1-0 showdowns.
"I love the challenge. There are number of really great teams in the area that you have to get ready for, but this one is what our players are going to remember playing in for years to come," Holland coach Greg Ceithaml said. "The fans were incredible tonight and the fans seem to grow every year. A lot of times, the teams are playing for high stakes. It is a healthy rivalry. Coach (Dave DeBoer) does a great job with his team, embracing the competition and sets the example for his squad."
That reflects with both coaches.
"It brings out a lot of people and there is a healthy amount of respect and competition, too. It makes is really fun," DeBoer said. "I have a ton of respect for Greg, the things he teaches his kids and how he goes about things. That respect comes from that, and standards within our programs which help create the mutual respect."
Holland Christian won Monday's showdown 3-0 at Holland with Sam Plockmeyer, Jordan Rees and Lake VanderPloeg getting the goals. Rees and VanderPloeg also tallied assists, along with Caden Petroelje as the Maroons improved their record against the Dutch to 13-7-1 in the past 11 years.
"We have grown up in each other's back yard, and it is always fun to play them. To come out with a win means a lot. It was a really hard-fought game," Plockmeyer said. "We are very fortunate to have this rivalry. It is always a test. Tests are what you need to build. It helps both teams. We have had some tough losses to them. They have had some tough losses to us. We will probably see them in districts and are looking forward to getting the chance to play them again."
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There is nothing like an elite opponent that brings the best out in your team, especially a neighboring rivalry.
It's why Holland vs Holland Christian is the game with the most talent, biggest crowds, most energy and most on the line every single year, and the next showdown could be in districts.
No other soccer rivalry is like that and the community is fortunate to have it - and embrace it.
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland-Holland Christian is the best soccer rivalry in the state
