DETROIT (WOOD) — Zeeland West’s ‘Wing T’ offense under coach John Shillito has been a problem for opposing teams through the years.

Detroit Martin Luther King was the latest team to find that out.

The Dux ran all over the Crusaders in Saturday’s Division 3 Final at Ford Field.

Zeeland West rushed for 327 yards en route to a decisive 42-22 win. 

“That’s what we do,” Dux coach John Shillito said. “I do think that for King, it’s not an offense that they run against, so it’s a challenge for them to get ready in a week.

“We’re used to it on the West side. We are used to playing against people who spend plus seasons on it. They are a great defensive program and did a lot of good things, but we had nine third-down conversions and they made us work. Again, we just did what we do.”

Zeeland West senior Keaton Hendricks set a new MHSAA record for touchdowns in a state title game.

Hendricks accounted for six, three through the air and three on the ground. He rushed for 129 yards on 16 carries and caught three touchdown passes for 25 yards. 

“The performance couldn’t have been done without my offensive line,” Hendricks said. “They blocked things up perfectly, and the backs carried out their fakes tremendously. They brought  the defenders out of the way and that’s what led to the scores. And then Trey on those beautiful throws. He just dropped them right in there.” 

It was Zeeland West’s first state title since 2015 and fifth overall. The Dux have never lost in the state championship game and finished the season at 13-1.

“It’s good to be 5-for-5,” Shillito said. “I’m really proud of these guys. Five is big, but for this group of kids, it’s theirs. 

“I thought our kids played really, really hard, and the biggest thing we did was when they scored, we answered every time. That was a big key to the game. Everybody made big plays, but Trey and Keaton made big key plays when we needed first downs.” 

MLK coach Terel Patrick said Zeeland West’s offense was one that they weren’t accustomed to playing against.

“It was very difficult to prepare for that style of offense in four days,” he said. “We have not seen it in probably six years. I wish we had more time, but nevertheless, they executed the heck out of their offense today.”

Hendricks raced 49 yards for Zeeland West’s first touchdown of the game as he dove for the pylon.

Hendricks added another rushing touchdown from 14 yards out to put the Dux up 14-0. 

Zeeland West pushed its lead to 28-6 in a 3-minute span late in the second quarter as Hendricks caught a 6-yard pass from Trey Sloothaak and then scored on a 30-yard run.

MLK scored on the final play of the first half to make it trim the Dux’ lead to 28-14.

In the second half, Zeeland West didn’t relinquish its lead and added a pair of touchdowns.

“We stayed two scores up, and we knew they were explosive on offense so I was proud of our ability to move the ball against that team,” Shillito said. “They are a terrific defensive program, have been forever.”

Dux senior quarterback Trey Sloothaak also played a key role in the run game. He had 12 carries for 124 yards and tied for the team lead with six tackles.

Senior Isaac VanderZwaag tallied 54 yards on 10 carries.