WHITEHALL – A rivalry that’s occurred 117 times and a bell taken back and forth crossed the bridge. A game marked on both Montague and Whitehall’s schedule is the “Battle of the Bell.” The storied rivalry shows Montague holding the record of 64-51-2. However, Whitehall has been handling business for the past three seasons. Can we see Montague change the trajectory of this rivalry, or will Whitehall continue its dominance?
“This rivalry means a lot to our team and community. Being that the communities are so close and intertwined, there are a lot of connections that increase the intensity,” said Montague Head Coach Justin Dennett. Being that Whitehall has controlled the rivalry for the past three seasons, none of the players from Montague have seen the bell in their trophy case. “These kids grow up so close and have played against each other their entire lives, that it means a lot to win this game and get the bell,” Dennett said.
Montague football has been on a roll, however, winning their last two with both being against WMC teams. The Wildcats boast a (2-1, 2-0) record respectively, their only loss coming to a Forest Hills Eastern team primed for making a deep playoff run.
After an explosive 55-14 win against Orchard View, Montague looks to carry some of that over to this week. “On offense, we had a lot of success with our running game, and we need to continue that this week. Our defense has forced 8 turnovers between the last two games. We’ll need to win the turnover battle again this week to have success,” Dennett remarked.
The Tony Sigmon led Vikings hoist a (1-2, 1-0) record. However, their two losses have come against very elite teams. In week one Unity Christian defeated Whitehall. Although the Vikings opened the scoring with a Corde Anderson touchdown, turnovers soon after killed the Vikings’ momentum leading to a 43-21 win.
Most recently it was a high-powered Zeeland West team that beat Whitehall 60-43. Whitehall did show a lot of grit however in the second half, outscoring the Dux 36-22.
“Start fast. That’s a big thing for us as far as points of emphasis. I’d like to see us grow in terms of limiting mistakes and getting out of the gates fast,” said Tony Sigmon.
There are tons of emotions flowing through both programs with lofty goals of hoisting the prized bell after a victory against a cross-town rival. “A lot of bragging rights, even at places like a grocery store or a gas station. Something both communities take pride in,” Sigmon said.
I got the honor to sit down with coach Sigmon leading into this high-stakes rivalry game. When referring to his favorite memory of this game while coaching at Whitehall, he said “The game three years ago because it solidified a share of the conference title.” The Vikings won 34-14.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Whitehall Senior Gavin Craner: The RB/LB played a key role last week on both sides of the ball against Zeeland West scoring two TDs offensively while having multiple tackles for loss on defense. Craner is a true game-wrecker.
- Whitehall Senior Parker Mott: Mott is one of the captains of this Viking defense as a second-year starter. He as well plays both sides of the ball, helping Craner run up front on the offensive line.
- Montague Senior Ryver Jarka: This guy is as athletic as you can get, often taking snaps at QB and running through the teeth of the defense or bouncing it outside for an explosive run.
- Montague Senior Talan Degan: A key part of the Wildcat’s secondary, he recorded a big-time interception in the early moments of the game vs. Oakridge.
