The Holland Christian Maroons entered last season with high hopes, opening with four wins in their first five contests before a steep decline that saw them drop four of their final five games.
Injuries and a thin defensive roster compounded the late‑season slide, yet the team managed to clinch a playoff berth by edging Grand Rapids Christian in Week 9, only to fall 53‑42 to Hudsonville Unity Christian in the Division 4 playoffs, a loss that sent the opponent to the state finals.
Shifting the Offensive Identity
Coach Leeuw and his staff have announced a deliberate pivot toward a more balanced attack, aiming to complement the traditional pass‑first scheme with a stronger running game that can wear down opponents and open up play‑action opportunities.
Returning quarterback Griffin Leeuw brings valuable experience, while standout rusher Isaiah Myaard, who logged 900 yards and 14 touchdowns last year, is expected to anchor the new ground attack.
Defensive Depth Becomes a Priority
On defense, the Maroons boast elite talents such as Ryder Gravenhof and Will Grant, but a lack of depth has left them vulnerable against teams that exploit multiple rushers.
The coaching staff plans to mitigate this by employing strategic double‑team schemes and rotating players to keep key opponents in check, hoping to preserve the scoring edge the squad has enjoyed over the past three seasons.
If the team can translate its improved running game into consistent yardage and maintain a healthier defensive lineup, the Maroons could turn a season of fluctuations into a genuine championship contender.