Friday nights in Zeeland just feel different. You’ve got the smell of concession stand popcorn, the crisp lake breeze, and the rhythmic, almost hypnotic execution of the Wing-T offense. But if you were looking for the latest Zeeland West football score during the 2025 regional finals, you probably felt that familiar knot in your stomach.
The Dux fell to Lowell in a 36-34 heartbreaker on November 14, 2025. One score. Two points. That was the distance between a return trip to the semi-finals and the end of a gritty, transitional season.
Honestly, nobody really knew what to expect this year. Following the legendary John Shillito—a man who essentially built the Dux DNA over two decades—is a tall order for anyone. Jeff Bolhouse took the reins as only the second head coach in the program's history, and he didn't exactly have a "warm-up" schedule.
The Regional Final That Got Away
The November 14 showdown at Lowell was basically a heavyweight boxing match. Zeeland West went in with an 8-3 record, fresh off a dominant 48-24 district final win over St. Joseph.
Lowell is a tough place to play. The Red Arrows have their own deep-seated tradition, and the atmosphere was electric. The Dux relied on what they do best: ground and pound. Brandon Holman, the junior standout, was everywhere. He’s been the engine of this offense all year, and against Lowell, he helped the team rack up 218 rushing yards.
But football is a game of inches and occasional bounces that just don't go your way. A 34-36 final score is the kind of result that keeps coaches up at night. It wasn't for a lack of effort. The Dux moved the ball. They played physically. In the end, Lowell just found one more play than Zeeland West did.
📖 Related: Ryan Suter: What Most People Get Wrong About the NHL's Ultimate Survivor
A Season of Streaks and Statement Wins
If you look back at the full 2025 Zeeland West football score sheet, it was a bit of a rollercoaster. They started the year with a bang, shutting out Detroit Old Redford 44-0. Then came the West Ottawa game on September 5, which was probably the highlight of the early season.
The Dux escaped with a 28-24 win, and they did it on a literal Hail Mary. Seeing a team known for the Power T and the Wing-T win on a last-second heave? That's the kind of stuff that makes high school sports so chaotic and beautiful.
Key Results from the 2025 Campaign
The middle of the season showed just how tough the OK Gold conference is.
- September 26: The Bird Bowl. The Dux absolutely dismantled Zeeland East 38-14. Brandon Holman was a man possessed, tallying 143 rushing yards and finding the end zone three different ways (two rushing, one receiving). Plus, he grabbed an interception. Talk about a stat-sheet stuffer.
- October 3: A reality check against Unity Christian. The Dux lost a defensive slugfest 14-6. It’s rare to see Zeeland West held to a single touchdown, but Unity’s defense was disciplined.
- October 31: Playoff opener against Niles. The Dux won 30-21, proving they could handle high-pressure postseason road games.
Life After the Legend
It’s weird not seeing John Shillito on the sidelines. He finished his career with a 186-46 record at West. That’s an 80% win rate over 20 years.
Jeff Bolhouse didn't try to reinvent the wheel, which was smart. He kept the core identity. You still saw the misdirection, the pulling guards, and the relentless physicality that makes opposing linebackers hate Saturday mornings.
👉 See also: Red Sox vs Yankees: What Most People Get Wrong About Baseball's Biggest Feud
The 2025 roster was anchored by seniors who had just come off a 2024 State Championship. Guys like Austin Ulberg and Mason Busscher provided the veteran leadership needed to navigate the coaching change.
But the real story was the emergence of the juniors. Brandon Holman (RB/CB) and Drew Albrecht (QB) became the focal points. Albrecht, standing at 6’3”, isn't your typical Wing-T quarterback. He’s got the frame to see over the line and the legs to make you pay if you over-pursue the fullback.
What the Numbers Tell Us
When you dig into the stats, the Dux were still a statistical anomaly in the best way possible.
In the district final win over St. Joseph, they put up 340 rushing yards. Most teams would be happy with that in two games; the Dux did it in four quarters. Holman scored six total touchdowns during that playoff run.
Defensively, the team had some growing pains. Giving up 36 to Lowell and 35 to Whitehall earlier in the season (a 35-28 loss on September 12) showed that while the offense was elite, the defense was sometimes susceptible to big plays.
✨ Don't miss: OU Football Depth Chart 2025: Why Most Fans Are Getting the Roster Wrong
Why the 2026 Outlook is Scary
For the rest of the OK Gold, the 2025 Zeeland West football score totals should be a warning.
A lot of the production is coming back. Brandon Holman will be a senior. Drew Albrecht will be a senior. The "Dux Swamp" (the student section) is going to have a lot to cheer about.
If you're following this team, keep an eye on the trench work. Names like Eli Chavez and Jace Henry are going to be the ones deciding if the Dux return to Ford Field in 2026. They have the size and, more importantly, the experience of a deep playoff run.
Final Takeaways for Dux Fans
The 2025 season ended earlier than anyone in Zeeland wanted. Losing by two points in a regional final is a special kind of pain. But the transition from the Shillito era to the Bolhouse era was remarkably smooth.
The identity hasn't changed. They are still going to run the ball. They are still going to hide the football better than a Vegas magician. And they are still going to be a nightmare to prepare for.
To keep up with the team heading into the next cycle:
- Watch the Junior Highlights: Look for Brandon Holman's film on MaxPreps; it explains why he was the focal point of every defensive coordinator's nightmare.
- Monitor the OK Gold Realignment: The conference is always shifting, and the Dux's strength of schedule is a major factor in their playoff seeding.
- Check the Offseason Weights: Zeeland West wins games in the weight room in February, not just on the grass in October.
The Dux ended 2025 with an 8-4 record. For most schools, that's a dream season. In Zeeland, it’s just fuel for the next one.