The boys in blue and gold are back. Football season is in full swing here at East Grand Rapids, and the torch is ready to be lit. 

After an undesirable outcome in a first-round playoff loss against formidable opponent St. Joseph, the Pioneers have completely revamped the roster. They are ready and eager to perform in Coach Josh Shattuck’s second season as head coach. 

Week one started off hot, as the Pioneers defeated the dreaded “Wing T” offense in shutout fashion. 

In week two, the Pioneers dramatically stunned the defending state champions, South Christian. Tommy Cavanaugh ‘24 walked off the game in the last second with a catch that could be the play of the year for the Pioneers. Let alone the state of Michigan. Cavanaugh credits recent success to comfortability with Coach Shattuck’s System, and upgrades on both their offensive and defensive line. 

“We got some big boys out there, we aren’t really scared to go up against any other o-line or d-line. Games are won in the trenches,” Jacob Krause ‘24 said, a standout lineman on both sides of the ball, who boasts multiple offers to play football at the next level. 

This Friday the Pioneers take on the Lowell Red Arrows under the lights of Memorial Field for their first real home game after being located to Rockford in week one. The Pioneers look to turn their momentum into another victory, and end students’ final shortened week remaining undefeated.