Seniors Avonte’ Bell, Ja’Von Wray, and Rayshawn Wilborn knew after last year’s semifinal loss to Marine City that they were going to have to work harder and longer if they were going to reach the goal of bringing Sexton High School its first ever football state championship.
Coach Dan Boggan shared that philosophy, and the Big Reds worked tirelessly over the summer. Seven-on-7 tournaments, weight room work, and extra film studies was the bill this team had to pay in order to achieve its goal, and according to their coach, the players did all he asked of them and then some. “This is a talented, hard-working group of kids we have, and it’s state championship or bust for our guys this year,” said Boggan. “The Blue Division has prepared us for the playoffs, and I think we are more than ready to take the next step.”
After a perfect 9-0 regular season, the Big Reds road to Ford Field went through Williamston, Swan Valley, Richmond, and Detroit Country Day. The Big Reds outscored their opponents 140-49, and that had the Big Reds faithful primed and ready for a showdown with Grand Rapids South Christian.
A quick start by the Sexton offense saw the Big Reds jump out to a 7-0 lead, but South Christian quarterback Jon Wassink got his team going and took a 20-14 lead into halftime. After scoring early in the third quarter, South Christian led Sexton 28-14, and after Wray muffed a punt, Sexton’s chances looked bleak. But this was a talented team, and Gavin Hoskins’ 17-yard run late in the third quarter cut South Christian’s lead to seven entering the fourth quarter. Early in the fourth quarter, quarterback Malik Mack hooked up with Kahari Foy-Walton on a 36-yard catch and run that brought the Big Reds to within 1 point. But the point after touchdown was no good and Sexton trailed South Christian 28-27.
A gritty defensive stand turned the ball back over to Sexton deep in its own territory with less than two minutes to play, and time expired before Sexton was able to get in position for a game-winning field goal. The final score was Grand Rapids South Christian 28, Sexton 27.
Sexton finished the season 13-1, but it wasn’t the ending these players worked for. “This hurts. South Christian was a good team, but when you put the work and effort that this team did, you hope for and expect better,“ said Boggan.