What a memorable game. From senior Ryan MaGuire’s agonizingly close field goal try from more than 50 yards out, to junior Jacob Kostner’s 45 yard touchdown catch, to the fumble in overtime that ended the game, this will not be a game Buccaneer fans soon forget. Bucs’ Blade photographers Vlasia Niotis, Kaia Hayes, Austin Schouman, Lexi Carter and Maisy Hoffman were there to capture it all.
GHHS students watch anxiously early in the game. (Carter)
Senior Sara Jacobs directs the band. (Carter)
Junior Schaefer Thelen (#14) awaits the snap out of the wildcat formation. Thelen ran the ball 7 times for 40 yards on the night. (Schouman)Junior Hunter Bessinger (#55) prepares to snap the ball to senior QB Karl Johnson. While Johnson completed only 40% of his passes, his 45 yard bomb to junior Jacob Kostner electrified the crowd and blew the game wide open. (Hoffman)After giving up a long completion to a West Ottawa receiver, junior cornerback Aaron Cummings (#10) wrestles him to the ground. (Schouman)Grand Haven Cheerleaders pump up the crowd. ()West Ottawa quarterback Jared McNitt is sacked by junior defensive lineman Hunter Bessinger (#55). (Schouman)Seniors Cody Jonas (#15) and Ryan MaGuire (#13) attempt to pierce through the West Ottawa line. (Carter)
Junior Hailey Schneider plays the xylophone at halftime. (Hayes)Freshman Homecoming Court members Gavin Tenbroeke and Leah Holman walk across the field. (Hoffman)Junior Homecoming Court members Schaefer Thelen and Amber Keefe smile for the cameras. (Notis)Homecoming King and Queen Karl Johnson and Sarah Herndl. (Hoffman)GHBUCS watches a play halfway through the third quarter. (Hayes)
Senior Dakota Juarez (#44) goes airborne to avoid running over senior Ryan Maguire (#13). Juarez led the team in tackles, recording 16. (Hayes)Senior Abe Westerman (#6) sprints for a huge gain late in the game. Westerman ran the ball 13 times for 121 yards for an average of 9.3 yards per carry and scored a single touchdown. (Carter)Thelen (#14), now playing safety, watches the West Ottawa offense line up.West Ottawa junior James Lacy (#6) attempts to leap over junior Aaron Cummings (#10) to no avail. (Hoffman)GHHS students scream their heads off late in the 4th quarter. (Notis)Senior Abe Westerman (#6) runs the ball early in what would end up being the game deciding play. (Carter)The ball hits the turf. Seconds later a West Ottawa player would fall on the ball, the West Ottawa bench would clear, and the Panthers would win. (Hayes)
Completely dejected, Grand Haven players gather in the endzone. (Hayes)Westerman (#6) is consoled by assistant coach Dave Larkin after giving up the game losing fumble. (Hayes)
