Hamilton came into its game against Holland Christian looking for a big win, and Garner Hulst made sure the Hawkeyes got it
By: Colin Vork
Hulst scored five touchdowns in four different ways as Hamilton defeated Holland Christian 45–26. It was one of those games where it seemed like every time Hulst touched the ball, something big was about to happen.
He scored his first touchdown on a reception from Nolan Schrock, helping Hamilton tie the game at 7–7. Later, Hulst scored on a rushing touchdown to give the Hawkeyes another boost.
Hulst then made an impact on special teams. He returned a kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown, giving Hamilton a 23–13 lead.
But he still wasn’t done.
In the second half, Hulst returned a Holland Christian punt for a touchdown. Then he did it again, giving him his fifth touchdown of the night. Carter Hickok, senior safety and special teams player, said: “ Every time Garner touched the ball, it was absolutely electric.”
His five touchdowns came from a reception, rushing touchdown, kickoff return, and two punt returns. Hulst also nearly added a passing touchdown when he threw a 45-yard pass that was stopped at the 1-yard line.
For Hulst and the Hawkeyes, it was a huge performance in a rivalry game.
“This was a big win for us,” Hulst said. “We’ve been wanting to beat them.”
By the end of the night, Hulst had been involved in just about everything Hamilton needed to win. It was the kind of performance that teammates and fans will probably be talking about for a while.