The Whitehall football team, led by quarterback Kyle Stratton, opened its season with a massive road win over state power Unity Christian. 

Stratton accounted for five touchdowns and the Viking defense allowed zero points after halftime to claim a 54-26 win.

This marks Unity Christian’s first regular season loss since 2019 after back-to-back undefeated regular seasons. 

Whitehall trailed 14-7 after the first quarter, but held a 27-26 lead at halftime. The second half was all Vikings with 14 points in the third and 13 in the fourth to pull away for the 28-point win.

Stratton was 7-for-12 passing for 222 yards and three touchdowns. He added 101 yards and a score rushing and also returned an interception for a touchdown on defense.

Stratton calls signals before a play against North Muskegon in 2021. Photo/Steve Gunn

Nate Bolley rushed seven times for a team-high 110 yards. Malcolm Earvin, Jackson Cook and Jaiden Altgilbers each scored a rushing touchdown for the Vikings.

Trannon Aylor was Stratton’s top receiver, hauling in four catches for 154 yards and three touchdowns, all in the first half. 

Cook led the defense with 10.5 tackles, while Graycen Sheperd had 8.5 and Bolley made seven stops. 

Whitehall starts the season 1-0 and will face Hastings next week.