DETROIT - Craig Tibbe was kicking himself after the game.
The Unity Christian football coach said he instantly regretted a play call that would eventually cost his team a shot at a state title.
The Crusaders lost 23-22 to Dearborn Divine Child in the Division 4 state title game at Ford Field on Friday, Nov. 28.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I’d like a do-over, for sure,” Tibbe said. “They defended it well. I’m kicking myself saying, ‘Why’d you try to get so cute? Just pound the ball.’ These guys had just been tearing it up (on offense) and then I go and do something like that.”
More: How Holland Christian nearly pulled huge playoff upset vs Unity Christian
More: Zeeland West football edged by Unity Christian in low-scoring homecoming thriller
With 6:44 remaining in the game, Unity running back Jared DeVries scored on a 2-yard run to make it 23-22 Divine Child. Unity had two options, kick the extra point to tie the game or go for two and the lead. But Tibbe went with option No. 3 instead. Freshman kicker Eli Dressler went out to boot the extra point with backup QB Isaiah Williams as the holder. They went for a fake instead. The snap went to Williams, who leaped up and passed into the end zone. But the pass fell short of his target.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“These kids put so much into it and all I do is take a few decisions I wish I could have back,” Tibbe said. “And say, ‘Man, I wish I had done this.’”
Unity Christian quarterback Justin Febus, right, runs against Dearborn Divine Child on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit.DeVries, a senior, had two rushing touchdowns and finished with 18 carries for 90 yards.
“This program has meant everything to me,” DeVries said. “The seniors from last year set the standard for this year.”
Lucas Elliott led Unity in rushing yards with 17 carries for 115 yards. Quarterback Justin Febus ran the ball 11 times for 48 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter. He was 2-of-6 passing for 27 yards.
Unity Christian's Isaiah Williams and Eli Dressler attempt a fake extra point.“It’s meant a lot,” Febus said of ending the season at Ford Field. “We’ve been playing together since third grade, and we played together all the way up (to high school). The 2018 and 2021 (Unity) teams made it to state, so we thought, ‘We’ve gotta do it.’”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementUnity Christian finished the season 12-2. One of the bigger wins was a 14-6 victory over Zeeland West on Oct. 3. The Crusaders also toppled Holland Christian in a first-round playoff shootout. Divine Child finished 13-1.
Isaac TeSlaa roots on his alma mater
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa had scored a touchdown against Green Bay at Ford Field on Thursday night in the Thanksgiving game. And he was right back on the field the next morning.
TeSlaa graduated from Unity Christian in 2019 and wanted to see his alma mater play in the Division 4 state championship game. He even led the Crusaders out of the tunnel.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“It’s pretty cool,” TeSlaa said. “Running out here for games with the Lions is a little different than coming out here (with Unity). Just kinda reliving that experience of being a high schooler and seeing how giddy these guys are to come out here and play on this field. It reminds me that I’m so grateful that I get to play out here every Sunday.”
TeSlaa was a quarterback in high school when he led Unity Christian to the state title in 2018. So it’s unusual for him to make the transition to wide receiver. And even more rare to go from Division II Hillsdale College and transfer to Division I Arkansas, where he was drafted by the Lions.
Unity Christian graduate Isaac TeSlaa signs autographs at Ford Field.“Two very big dreams I had were to play in the NFL and I wanted to play receiver at some point,” he said. “I thought it was more of a pipe dream than something that would become a reality. But God has blessed me with a lot of opportunities. I’ve made the most of ‘em.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTibbe said it was a blessing having his former player show up to root on Unity.
“It’s really fun to see Isaac again,” Tibbe said. “It’s pretty neat to have him walk into your locker room and lead these guys out (of the tunnel).”
TeSlaa has three touchdowns for the Lions this season.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Unity Christian football lost to Dearborn Divine Child in state finals
AdvertisementAdvertisement
