Poel's 3 scores lead Bucs over 'Cats
Mon, Oct 13, 2008 
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Grand Haven has proved it is more than capable of bouncing back from tough losses.
A week after its was pounded by visiting Rockford on Homecoming, the Bucs rebounded nicely to the tune of a 41-20 victory over host Jenison Friday evening.
The victory improves Grand Haven's record to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in the O-K Red Conference. The Bucs still must win at home against Hudsonville next week and at Grandville in the season finale to clinch a playoff spot.
"That's the biggest thing — we're still in contention for the playoffs," Grand Haven coach Mike Farley said. "And anything can happen in this conference."
Friday, the Bucs were sparked by the play of senior Josh Poel and junior Bryan Kiel. Poel, a defensive back and slot receiver, had an 8-yard rushing touchdown, a 43-yard touchdown reception from Kiel and a school-record 90-yard interception return all in the first half, as Grand Haven built a commanding 35-14 halftime lead.
Poel's school-record return to pay dirt was critical, because Jenison had just scored on a 37-yard pass from quarterback Sean Melinn to receiver Jonathon Lancioni with eight minutes left in the second quarter, and then recovered an ensuing onside kick.
Kiel got it done with his arm and legs, throwing for 176 yards and three touchdowns, as well as carrying the ball 18 times for a team-best 119 yards. Grand Haven piled up 239 rushing yards and 394 yards of total offense.
Jenison threw the ball a whopping 54 times, but managed only 45 yards rushing. They ammassed an impressive 334 yards through the air.
Kiel also threw first-half touchdown passes to Mitch Gillissie and Alec Smith. Smith's scoring reception covered 43 yards.
After a scoreless third quarter, Jenison crept to within striking distance on their first possession of the fourth, as Melinn threw his third touchdown pass of the contest, connecting on a 43-yard strike to Justin Szymanski.
But Kiel put the game away with 8 minutes, 20 seconds remaing, as he turned in a dazzling 22-yard touchdown run and broke several tackles on his way to the end zone.
Pat Werksma provided a solid 1-2 punch on the ground, as he totaled 97 yards on 16 carries.
Defensively, Poel totaled five tackles, four pass breakups, and a fumble receovery to cap an outstanding overall performance.
"He really stepped up tonight," Farley said.
Defensive tackle Jordan Goetz led the Bucs with seven tackles, a sack and one tackle for loss.
Aside from Poel's interception, Alex Dutkiewicz and Derrick Lattig also had picks for the Bucs.
JUNIOR VARSITY: Grand Haven dominated Jenison Thursday, 28-6. Tyler Rose had six tackles on defense while Quintin VanDoorne, Nick Whalen, Josh Geldersma and Tyler Leonard also stood out on defense.
