Grand Rapids West Catholic cruises to fifth consecutive state title

Grand Rapids West Catholic has become a team that you will see at Ford Field come late November. The Falcons captured their fifth consecutive division five state title with their 34 to 7 victory over the Saginaw Swan Valley Vikings.

“I’m very proud of this team and this program, said Grand Rapids West Catholic head coach Joe Hyland. “It’s a momentous occasion to win five straight state title.”

The Falcons tied the MHSAA state record for most consecutive state titles with five. The only other schools to win five straight are Farming Hills Harrison (1997-2001) and East Grand Rapids (2006-2010).

Turnovers doom Saginaw Swan Valley

Saginaw Swan Valley committed three turnovers in the game. Grand Rapids West Catholic wasted no time as they quickly converted them into points.

“Coach Smith did a phenomenal job of putting kids in the right spots,” said Hyland of his defensive coordinator. “He has been a terrific father, husband and man in front of these kids.”

The Falcons scored 17 points off of turnovers. One being an interception returned for a touchdown by Zaavon Scott.

“We focused on making plays on a play-by-play basis,” said Hyland. “This was a great win for the program and these guys are doing the program right.”

Scott finished the game with two interceptions for the Falcons.

Vallone conducts Falcon offense to a victory

The offense was very balanced for the Falcons entering the game as they had passed for 2380 yards and rushed for another 2574 this season. The headmaster of the offense was senior Gaetano Vallone.

“We've been able to achieve a lot as a program,” Vallone said. “When coach Hyland came into the program we were just going to keep buying in and this is where it has gotten us.”

Vallone finished the game 10 for 14 with 197 yards through the air and two touchdowns. Vallone also added another 79 yards and one touchdown on the ground.

Historical Significance

Grand Rapids West Catholic has won six states titles as a program. All six title have been won since 2010.

The Falcons look to become the first team to win six consecutive state titles if they can return to Ford Field next season.