The Muskegon Big Reds came back from an early 20-0 hole to lead late in the fourth quarter against Zeeland West, but couldn’t hang on for the win.

After a thrilling comeback by Muskegon, Zeeland West scored the game-winning touchdown with 49 seconds left to win 38-36 in an O-K Green showdown. 

The Dux stormed out to a 20-0 lead in the first quarter. Muskegon got on the board with 9:46 remaining in the first half on a 3-yard Jakob Price touchdown. 

Zeeland West extended the lead to 26-7 before M’Kha Guy found Daccarion Taylor for a touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 26-14 heading to the half.

Muskegon struck first after halftime with a 22-yard run by Price, bringing the Big Reds within 26-21 with 7:46 left in the third. 

Zeeland West responded and scored with 7:37 left in the game to go up 32-21. 

M’Khi Guy ran in a 9-yard touchdown and a two-point conversion on the next drive to make the score 32-29 with 4:23 to play. The Big Reds then recovered a very important onside kick.

Minutes later, Jakob Price scored on a 6-yard run to put Muskegon ahead for the first time, 36-32, with about two minutes left.

The win wasn’t meant to be, however, as the Dux scored with 49 seconds left to claim the win.

Muskegon is now 3-2 on the season and 2-1 in the O-K Green.