The first week of the high school football season has come and gone, and there was plenty to be excited about. For a quick look back at last week’s games, check out our Recap Central page. Also check out our Standings page and the Remax-United Power Poll.
This week, Michigan Sports Radio will broadcast the following games. The complete area schedule is also listed at the end of the article.
Coopersville at Wayland (Thursday)
The Broncos picked up a win last week against Big Rapids, where they opened up a 42-7 lead before allowing Big Rapids to crawl back into the fold. Dylan Merlo paced the offense with three touchdowns in their win. Nash Merkins added an interception and a kick return touchdown. This week, they travel to Wayland, where they will take on the Wildcats. Wayland is 0-1 after their loss to Hamilton last Thursday. These two last played in 2006, when Wayland won 23-14.
Wyoming at Northview (Thursday)
The Wyoming Wolves and first-year coach Carlton Brewster will travel to Northview to take on the Wildcats and first-year head coach Ryan Oshnock. Last week, Wyoming fell behind early in a 37-13 loss to Forest Hills Northern. Northview, meanwhile, was able to fend off West Ottawa to start the 2021 campaign with a victory. Matt Toole had two touchdowns in their victory, while Donyea Robinson made his impact felt on the ground. In 2019, Northview cruised to a 49-21 victory over the Wolves.
Freeland at Alma (Thursday)
Tri-Valley Conference play begins for the Falcons and the Panthers this week. Last week, Freeland started their season with a victory over Clare. Alma also started their season with a victory, shutting out Shepherd 35-0. The Falcons have won the last two meetings in this series, including a 14-10 victory last season.
Central Montcalm at Newaygo (Thursday)
The CSAA-Gold season begins for both Central Montcalm and Newaygo this week. The Hornets doubled up Morley-Stanwood in their opener, behind a strong performance from Isaac Johnson. Newaygo is looking to rebound from a second-half collapse against Kent City. The Lions led 19-0 at halftime, before Kent City scored 20 unanswered points. In 2020, Central Montcalm defeated the Lions 47-21.
Jenison at Forest Hills Northern (Thursday)
The Jenison Wildcats were taken down by Forest Hills Central in their season opener. They will try to get back in the win column as they travel to face another Forest Hills school, the Northern Huskies. FHN started their season with a win over Wyoming last Thursday. These two schools have not met since 2004, when the Jenison defeated FHN.
Cedar Springs at Rockford (Thursday)
The Red Hawks and Rams will renew a rivalry that was last played in 1981. From 1961-1969, these two were members of the Tri-River Conference together, and they have only played twice since. Last week, both teams won their season openers. Cedar Springs had little trouble with Swan Valley, while Rockford held off a late charge from Sterling Heights Stevenson.
Muskegon Catholic Central at West Catholic (Thursday)
A battle of two of the area’s historical powerhouses will take place on Thursday, as West Catholic hosts Muskegon Catholic. The Crusaders shook off a slow start, rallying to beat North Muskegon last week. West Catholic cruised to their opening victory, thanks to a record-setting day by Tim Kloska. This will be the 36th all-time meeting between the schools, a series that Muskegon Catholic leads 18-17. The last meeting was in 2011, when Muskegon Catholic won 24-21.
Swan Valley at Frankenmuth (Thursday)
The Swan Valley Vikings could not contain the rushing attack of Cedar Springs a week ago, suffering a 48-16 defeat. They are hoping that their adjustments this week will improve their rush defense against Frankenmuth, another run-heavy program. Last week, Frankenmuth had little trouble in rushing past Goodrich, 28-14.
East Grand Rapids at South Christian (Friday)
The East Grand Rapids Pioneers took a tough loss in Week 1 against a talented Zeeland West program. This week, it gets no easier, as they will travel to South Christian. The Sailors got off to a strong start in Week 1, handily defeating their rival Grand Rapids Christian. The two teams did not play last season, but in the four years prior, East Grand Rapids won all four meetings as the teams were members of the OK Gold.
Chippewa Hills at Tri-County (Friday)
The Tri-County Vikings started the 2021 season by posting a shutout against Lakeview, a 46-0 game that only lasted three quarters. Chippewa Hills was the victim of a shutout, falling to Gladwin 56-0. In the regular season finale in 2020, Chippewa Hills pulled off a 19-16 victory against the Vikings. The Warriors have won six of the past seven in this series.
U-D Jesuit at Grandville (Friday)
The Cubs of U-D Jesuit will travel across the state to take on the Grandville Bulldogs. Last week, U-D Jesuit started their season with a 34-13 victory against Grosse Pointe North. Grandville went on the road on Saturday, falling to Glenbard West (IL) by a final tally of 50-26. This will be the first meeting between the two teams.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s at Hudsonville (Friday)
The Eaglets of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s will travel across the state to take on the Hudsonville Eagles in a non-league battle. Orchard Lake St Mary’s started their season with a 21-16 victory against a strong Oak Park team. Hudsonville will be playing their second straight opponent from the east side of Michigan, falling to Saline in a heartbreaker last week, 34-30. This is the first time these schools have faced off.
Merrillville Andrean (IN) at Grand Rapids Catholic Central (Saturday)
Andrean, one of Indiana’s powerhouse programs, will travel up to Grand Rapids to take on the Cougars. Andrean is currently 1-1 on the season, as they have faced two schools much larger than themselves. Drayk Bowen is their top player, a 4* junior linebacker that will also make an impact on offense. Grand Rapids Catholic Central also has talent in their own right in Joey Silveri and Nolan Ziegler. The pair each had three touchdowns last week in the Cougars’ season-opening victory against Lapeer.
OTHER AREA GAMES
Thursday
Lowell at Caledonia
West Ottawa at Mt Pleasant
Hopkins at Allendale
Hamilton at Benzie Central
Cadillac at Fruitport
Zeeland East at Spring Lake
Holland Christian at Forest Hills Eastern
Grand Rapids Christian at Unity Christian
Greenville at Kenowa Hills
Benton Harbor at Ottawa Hills
Byron Center at Middleville
Belding at Lakewood
Comstock Park at Holland
Godwin Heights at Fowler
Kelloggsville at Ionia
Sparta at Ludington
St Johns at Reeths-Puffer
Detroit Osborn at Grand Rapids Union
Kent City at Hart
Montague at North Muskegon
Oakridge at Whitehall
Shelby at Ravenna
Manistee at Lutheran Westland
Hesperia at St Louis
Coleman at Holton
Saugatuck at Lakeview
Carson City-Crystal at Morley-Stanwood
Battle Creek Harper Creek at Hastings
Martin at Fennville
Friday
East Kentwood at Birmingham Brother Rice
Grand Haven at Traverse City West
Grand Blanc at Forest Hills Central
Calvin Christian at Muskegon Heights
Mona Shores at Detroit King
Cass Tech at Muskegon
Big Rapids at Fremont
Reed City at Grant
Saturday
Middletown Christian (OH) at Grand Valley Christian
