No drama in EGR's rout of Orchard Lake St. Mary's

by Jane Bos | The Grand Rapids Press Game Photos

EAST GRAND RAPIDS -- Now what?

The East Grand Rapids football team turned last season's state championship game that would not end into a season-opening game that could not get done fast enough.

The Pioneers did the astonishing, upending highly touted Orchard Lake St. Mary's 49-14 at Memorial Field on Thursday night. They scored on their first seven possessions, scoring so often the clock was sent running in the second half.

Last fall, East needed a state-finals record five overtimes to beat the OLSM Eaglets 46-39 to claim the Division 3 title. The game left players exhausted, fans breathless.

Nine months later, the much-talked-about rematch was almost ho-hum. The Pioneers needed only two quarters to lead 42-7 and demolish any expectation of another marathon finish.

While East coach Peter Stuursma cautioned against thinking too much of one game, the rest of us are saying, "Bring on Lowell in Week 9." We are talking about the Pioneers winning a third consecutive state title.

"It was a great win, but it is a long, long season," Stuursma said. "We need to do what we always do. We need to watch the film, correct our mistakes. We don't think much beyond the next game, and that will not change. The season will be a challenge."

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