**ARTICLE BY HUDSON HARKNESS**
Fremont @ Grant
Former CSAA Gold foes face off against each other in week four as Fremont travels to Grant.
The Packers come into this matchup with a 2-1 record, and they are coming off a defensive slugfest in week three where they lost to Ludington 7-0. The Packers are looking to get their first 3+ win season since 2014, and they have the opportunity this week against Grant. Fremont has to keep their defense strong this week and the get their offense back on track after scoring 20+ points in the first two games.
Grant is looking for a big bounce back win after getting blown out by Tri-County, 42-0, in week three. The Tigers offense had their hands full when facing the Vikings. They committed five turnovers in the first half and had no answer to the Vikings’ pressure. Grant must figure a way to adjust to the pressure of the Packers, and their defense must stop the run. Last week, Tri-County rushed for five touchdowns. If the Tigers would like to get back in the win column, they must make big adjustments on the offensive side of the ball to slow down the Packers defense.
Central Montcalm @ Chippewa Hills
Central Montcalm looks to get back in the win column as they visit the winless Warriors in week four.
Central Montcalm started the season off with a big win against Morley-Stanwood. From there, it has been a heartbreaking loss against Kent City and a blowout loss to Big Rapids. Last week, the only points the Hornets were able to score came from a special teams score. The Hornets offense has struggled since the 2nd half of the Kent City game. Central Montcalm is going to need more offensive production from Joey Morrow and Isaac Johnson if they want to right the ship this fall.
Chippewa Hills is trying to pick up their first win of the season in week four. There has been a huge improvement in the Warriors, week to week. The Warrior offense has put more points on the board every week, and their defense has held its own against tough opponents. There is hope inside the Chippewa Hills program that this week could be win number one.
Central Montcalm wants to avenge their two losses this week against Chippewa Hills, but the Warriors might have other plans as the improvement each week could lead them to a win against a struggling Central Montcalm team.
Big Rapids @ Reed City
Big Rapids travels to face their rival, Reed City, in this important week four CSAA Gold Matchup.
The Cardinals are looking to continue their dominance against CSAA Gold teams this season. After falling to Coopersville in week one, Big Rapids has since shutout Newaygo and only allowed Central Montcalm to score once. The Cardinals offense is hitting on all cylinders right now, with Wil Strickler, Ayden Hewer, and Zander Prince all contributing on the offensive side of the ball. On defense, the Cardinals have only allowed six points since losing in week one. Big Rapids will have a challenge this week with Reed City having their number in recent years.
Reed City is fighting to get into that second place spot in the Gold. After falling to Tri-County in week two, the Coyotes defeated Chippewa Hills. This Reed City team has a different feeling than past Coyote teams. There are multiple games on this Reed City schedule that you look at and think they could lose, as in the past you expect them to go 9-0. This is one of those games. The Coyotes must come out hot on offense and hold the Cardinals offense in check. With a number of playmakers for Big Rapids, it could be difficult.
Big Rapids has the chance to upset the Coyotes this week and take a firm hold of second place in the Gold. The home-field advantage could play a part in this game too, as there is always a different feeling when you step onto the field in Reed City.
Newaygo @ Tri-County
Newaygo tries to upset Tri-County on the road and move out of last place in the CSAA Gold.
The Lions picked up their first win of the season in week three, when they faced off against Morley-Stanwood. Remy Wells was the star in that game, as he has been expected to be all year. Week three was the first time the Lions were able to put any number on the scoreboard, as Newaygo’s offense has struggled mightily in the opening weeks. The Lion defense has played well this season, although it is hard to tell with the eye test. They will have a big test this week as they face a strong Vikings offense.
Tri-County controls their own destiny in the Gold. After taking down powerhouse Reed City, and defeating rival Grant, the Vikings are in a great spot. The Vikings must keep getting the ball to Trent Behrenwald and Stuart Gould. Those two account for the majority of the Vikings points. On defense, watch for Chase Dewey. Newaygo has an offensive line that has had its issues, and Dewey off the edge could create some serious nightmares.
This week looks like a game Tri-County should win easily, however with a Newaygo team that has confidence after their first win, it could be more difficult than people think.
White Cloud @ Kent City
White Cloud will hit the road to open CSAA Silver play in Kent City.
The Indians come into this matchup with a 2-1 record, and are coming off a 26-14 win over Hesperia. In that win over the Panthers, White Cloud saw two players reach double digit tackles, while two others secured an interception. White Cloud’s offense has also created some sparks, as Jace Silverthorn, Landyn McGowen, and Nate Compeau all scored a week ago. This week, the Indians will face an undefeated Eagles team that is able to run the ball down through their opponents. On defense, Kent City is able to keep pace with any speed or power a team might bring to the table. White Cloud will have their hands full in this matchup.
The Eagles are sitting pretty atop the Silver rankings with a 3-0 record. Last week, Kent City faced a tough Watervliet team and put a show on winning 49-34. That score shows that the Eagles offense, led by Mason Westbrook, can put up a large number on that board at any moment. This week the Eagles defense will have to step up big. White Cloud, this season has been able to air the ball out and keep it on the ground, this game will test the Eagles defense.
The CSAA Silver has a great matchup in their opening games with two strong teams that could be fighting for a playoff berth come week ten. This game will answer the questions of whether White Cloud is legit, and if Kent City’s defense step up against a solid offense?
Lakeview @ Morley-Stanwood
Lakeview and Morley-Stanwood open up CSAA Silver play against each other as the Wildcats hit the road.
The Wildcats picked up their first win in week three against Allen Park Cabrini. In that game, Lakeview was able to hold onto the ball. The Lakeview offense was able to find the paint multiple times and control the time. This week, the Wildcats will face the 0-3 Mohawks that so far this season have only scored once. This could be a game that Lakeview’s defense steps up big and allows for their offense to shine.
Morley-Stanwood has had troubles all over the field this season. The Mohawks haven’t been able to put any points on the board, and their defense hasn’t been able to create pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback. This game could be the chance for the Mohawks to get to the quarterback and create turnovers. As Lakeview is a team that struggles holding the ball, Morley-Stanwood may be able to win the turnover battle, which could allow them to reach the win column.
Morley-Stanwood is working on everything they can do to get their first win, and Lakeview wants to keep their momentum. This game is going to be won and lost by turnovers. Expect for whatever team doesn’t give the ball up the most to come out victorious.
MSR WEEK 4 PREVIEWS
