Grand Rapids South Christian backup quarterback comes in to lead team on special postseason run
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (BVM) — Perhaps one of the most overlooked positions on a football team is the backup quarterback. This fall, Grand Rapids South Christian High School quarterback Jake DeHaan has proved just how valuable the position is.
On Oct. 30, in the Sailors’ first postseason game against Kelloggsville, South Christian starting quarterback Ty Rynbrandt went down with an injury. The senior quarterback had led the team all year, throwing for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, he would suffer a broken collarbone to knock him out for the rest of the team’s postseason run.
But that’s when sophomore Jake DeHaan stepped in, and he has produced a magical playoff run since.
DeHaan is a multi-sport athlete who also plays baseball and basketball at South Christian. He has been playing tackle football since third grade, and has developed his leadership and communication skills under center over the years.
“I’ve always loved football and watching it on TV with my family on Saturdays and Sundays,” DeHaan said. “It brings me joy to go out there and compete and it’s a great team game so I’ve always liked that part.”
Growing a love for the sport throughout his youth, DeHaan decided to continue on with it as he entered high school last year. The 16-year-old started for the Sailors’ freshman team, leading the squad to a 7-2 record.
This fall, DeHaan moved up to the JV squad, helping the Sailors to a winning record over its six-game schedule. The sophomore felt it was a good learning season that would prepare him for a future at the varsity level. Little did he know, that opportunity would occur already in October.
“The coaches were great in helping prepare me for varsity,” DeHaan mentioned. “Didn’t think it was going to come so soon.”
After seeing Rynbrandt go down in the team’s first playoff game, DeHaan unexpectedly got his opportunity.
“I was sitting on the sideline and figured I probably wouldn’t play,” DeHaan said. “Of course, just being a competitor, I wanted to play. But I didn’t want to play because of Ty getting hurt. It was really tough to see because the whole team looks up to him and when your senior quarterback goes down, everybody’s heart and mind goes to that.
“I came in and was a little nervous at the start, but I felt confident and I knew I had to go out there and make some good plays and good choices. When you have such a good team it makes everything easier. I was definitely nervous that first play or two, but I settled in after that.”
Of course, Rynbrandt’s injury hit DeHaan on a personal level as well. The sophomore has long looked up to the senior quarterback, and they have developed a close bond, perhaps even more so over the last couple months.
“I like to look up to Ty,” DeHaan said. “We’re decently close and he just is a good role model, not only on the field but off the field. He’s a good kid, smart, and does the right thing all the time. He’s a great role model for me because that’s how I want to be when I’m a senior. Having him there and teaching me stuff has been great from the start. When he went out, he came up to me and said that I have the skill and have everything I need. That was really helpful for me. He’s just always there and keeps helping me even today from the sideline.”
After finishing up the 56-0 blowout against Kelloggsville, DeHaan would get his first varsity start the following week in a district semifinals game against Grand Rapids Christian. A two-touchdown performance helped the Sailors to a 21-6 victory, setting up a district final matchup with Hamilton.
“That was a big game because it was a school rival and a playoff game,” DeHaan said about the matchup with Grand Rapids Christian. “The pressure was on but we thought we were the better team and we played like it.”
The win set the stage for a historic performance from the sophomore quarterback. Against Hamilton, the 16-year-old who was in just his second varsity start threw for 322 yards and an incredible seven touchdowns. The touchdown total set a school record, and was just two shy of tying the nine-touchdown single-game Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) record.
“That game was for a district championship and we knew we needed to win it for the community and the school,” DeHaan said. “When we got out there, everything just felt good and I felt confident right away. The whole team played well and everything just went well.
“Looking back on it, I’m just thankful for God, my coaches, my teammates and all the people who helped me here. It’s just a good moment to have. When I was playing I didn’t even realize it but it’s a cool moment and I hope we can finish this season with a championship.”
Unfortunately, the Sailors momentum was stopped soon after that district final victory with the MHSAA halting sports due to a new public health order that was put in place by Michigan state health officials. Hearing there would be a stoppage in the midst of a postseason run was tough for the team, but they are hopeful to be back out on the gridiron again soon.
“It was terrible news,” DeHaan said. “But I don’t think it’s going to take any of our momentum away. We’re still doing Zoom calls and have that energy that we are still going to play and win. Our coaches are doing a great job of keeping us motivated and I think we will come out of the gates running when we play.”
South Christian’s next scheduled game will be against Edwardsburg, the No. 1 seed in District 28. If the Sailors can win that game, they will put themselves just two wins away from a Division 4 state title.
“I just want to get back out and play and everybody on our team does,” DeHaan added. “We know that it’s going to be a tough game but we need to get together as a team and get the win. If we play the best we can, we believe we can beat anybody.”
It takes a strong amount of poise and mental toughness to come in and perform the way DeHaan has over this playoff stretch. He has proved he has what it takes, and while this season is at the top of the priority list, he knows this experience has been very beneficial for his final two years at South Christian.
“All of the players and coaches I have around me have made this not as difficult to do,” DeHaan said. “I just want to keep improving and keep getting better because I am not close to being perfect and there are a lot more things I can get better at. I haven’t thought a lot about next year yet but I expect to get our team going again and win a lot of games.”
After his time as a Sailor, DeHaan would be thrilled to play somewhere at the collegiate level. But first thing’s first: finishing up this playoff run with a gold trophy.
While DeHaan has a bright future ahead, he has made anyone who has ever been a backup quarterback proud with his performance. It will be exciting to see him back out on the field against Edwardsburg, and he has advice for anyone else who might end up in his situation.
“It’s definitely hard being a backup quarterback, but you just always have to be ready,” DeHaan said. “If you prepare well, stay in a positive mindset and try to help the team from the sideline, that’s all you can do. If you get your chance, you have to go take advantage of it.”
