**ARTICLE BY NICK TUORI AND JOSH LONGSTRETH**
The seventh week of the season is finally upon us. The following games are highlighted by MSR this week.
ROCKFORD v EAST KENTWOOD – See link here for complete preview.
Grandville vs Caledonia
The Bulldogs and Fighting Scots are set on a collision course for an epic OK Red battle. There is star power on both sides, starting in the battle in the offensive backfield. Grandville is spearheaded by Tank Terry, while Caledonia starts its offensive attack with Brock Townsend. There were offensive fireworks on both sides last season, when Caledonia escaped with a 50-40 victory. It’s reasonable to expect the same sparks this Friday. Check out the Michigan Game Night interview with Grandville’s Carson Kopko as the they preview the game.
South Christian vs Middleville
The Sailors kick off their seventh contest against longtime rival Middleville. Since losing to East Grand Rapids, South Christian has ripped off four straight conference victories. With a highly anticipated match-up against Grand Rapids Catholic Central on the clock in Week 8, it is vital that the Sailors stay focused this Friday. Middleville enters this game with a 1-5 record, but that maiden victory took place last week. The Trojans offense scored 46 in their win over the Bengals, the third time the Trojans have surpassed the 30 point mark. Last fall, South Christian dominated this contest to the tune of a 43-2 victory. It was the fourth straight in this series for the Sailors.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central vs Forest Hills Eastern
The Cougars, much like the Sailors above, are a week away from a enormous football game. Unlike South Christian, the Cougars have an equally daunting task this Friday. Forest Hills Eastern comes into this game with a 5-1 record, a 3-1 league mark, and they were just seconds away from a victory over South Christian in their lone defeat. The Hawks have put together a tremendous season, and will pose a threat for GRCC. Since their loss in Week 1, the Cougars have reeled off five straight wins, all by 32+ points. The last time FHE beat GRCC was in 2010, nine meetings ago.
Coopersville vs Fruitport
The Broncos will look for their third straight win when they take on Fruitport on Friday night. Coopersville has seen its offense thrive this fall with 40+ points in each of their victories. Fruitport is still searching for their first win of the season, taking six frustrating defeats. Only one game, their Week 1 loss to Kenowa Hills, was decided by single digits. The Trojans defense has been challenged in the past three weeks, giving up 190 points in their last 12 quarters.
Freeland @ Frankenmuth
You get to a point in the season as a football team where you know that week is coming. That week where you really find out what you’re made of. It’s the game that every season, you’re able to truly see where you are as a football team. That week is now here for the Freeland Falcons. Freeland has been tested and they’ve prevailed each week. For nearly a span of four games, the Falcons have completely dominated on both sides of the ball. Last week, Freeland was able to show some new wrinkles in their pass game. Giving that upcoming opponent something to think about. Nearly every year Freeland knows the team that will be in the way. Yet again in 2023, it’s no different. It’s Frankenmuth week. The Falcons look more than ready, they’ll see if they can bring that to fruition in their biggest matchup of the season.
The Frankenmuth Eagles, much like every year, are rolling in the 2023 season. Last week they took it to a very solid Garber team, defeating the Dukes, 54-7. In fact, since their week one loss to a very good Goodrich team, Frankenmuth has done nothing but dominant on offense and defense. But the Eagles know what lies ahead this week as well. They are no stranger to another dominant team but like themselves. Each year, that teams awaits in the Falcons.
This one will have a big say in how the TVC-Red Conference plays out. Both teams have shown the signs of teams that could make deep playoff runs. The Eagles have taken the last four but you can throw that out the window in a matchup like this. Both teams played in a defensive battle in 2022 that came down to the final quarter before Frankenmuth finally wore down the Falcons. Expect nothing less in the 2023 edition. Get the popcorn ready, this one sets up to be an absolute battle.
Swan Valley VS Alma
The Swan Valley Vikings were able to pull out a tough win last week over John Glenn, 34-27. It wasn’t always easy for Swan Valley but at this point in the season, you’ll take it any way that you can get it. The win was enough to put the Vikings at .500 on the season as they say in the thick of the playoff hunt. This week they will have a hungry Alma team who is coming off an impressive win over Bridgeport.
Alma picked up their first win since week one last week when they took down Bridgeport, 41-24. The Panthers had been going through it a bit but hope the week seven win can give them some momentum down the stretch of the season. A step in the right direction this week could prove vital for Alma as they finish with a gauntlet of a schedule (@Swan Valley, VS Garber, @ Big Rapids).
The two will square off this Friday night @ 7:00.
Newaygo @ Chippewa Hills
In what has been an up and down season in 2023 for the Newaygo Lions, that trend continued in week six. Newaygo fell handily to a Reed City team that has put together some big momentum, 14-44. It was a game in which the Lions could never get on track as Reed City jumped out to an early 38-6 lead. This week Newaygo will have a chance to get back on track but it won’t be easy as they take on a Chippewa Hills team who is coming off a big win over Lakeview.
Chippewa Hills cruised to win over the Wildcats, 40-15. It was a big win to end a three game losing streak for the Warriors. Their previous three losses came in the worst ways as their offense and defense couldn’t get many things going during that span. A win this week could have Chippewa Hills trending in the right direction as we come down the stretch of the regular season. It would also mean that the Warriors still have a shot at the playoffs.
They’ll welcome in Newaygo in week seven with a 7:00 start time.
Tri-County @ Big Rapids
The Tri-County Vikings found themselves in a bit of a battle last week. Coming in against a Central Montcalm team who was coming off a tough loss, the Hornets didn’t show that as they took the Vikings to the wire. Tri-County would trail a couple times on the night before showing their grit and coming out with the win. It could go a long way as they now face their biggest test of the season. A Big Rapids team who has won five games in a row after losing their season opener.
Big Rapids did what they have done for a majority of the season last week, dominate on both sides of the ball en route to another win. It was a game in which the Cardinals built a 21-6 lead and put up 338 yards of total offense on the night led by a balanced attack. The Big Rapids defense was able to create two turnovers on the night to help with that. This week gets a little tougher as they will face a Vikings team who has their sights on a deep playoff run. The Cardinals know they have that type of team as well.
Expect this to be an absolute battle. Both teams, with much riding on this one, should have the fans in store for a nail-biter. The two will square off Friday night at 7:00.
Central Montcalm VS Grant
The Central Montcalm Hornets fell in another tough battle last week to Tri-County, 14-22. It hasn’t been a season that has gone accordingly in terms for Montcalms hopes, but they have battled and could easily be on the other side of the column to this point in the season. They have dropped the past two games to two of the conferences best but were in those games throughout each. The Lions were on top a couple times last week over the Vikings before Tri-County made their run. This week could be good for the Hornets as they have a great chance to get a win in facing a Grant team who has struggled for much of the year.
Grant had the misfortune of facing one of the hottest teams out their last week in Big Rapids. It was a game in which the Tigers could never really get back in as they fell behind early. The fact of not being able to stop the Big Rapids offense along with their own struggles on offense, spelled nothing but doom for Grant for much of the game. Two turnovers wouldn’t help. This week they have a shot in a great matchup but it won’t be easy as they face a Montcalm team who still has life in them.
The two battle this Friday night at 7:00.
Zeeland West VS Muskegon
For the first time since the 2015 season, the Dux of Zeeland West have started their season at 6-0. They have done it in impressive fashion by outscoring their opponents, 292-50. It’s been so impressive that many think this might be the best team in their respective division. This week, they will be in for an even bigger test. Facing a Muskegon team that has won four games in a row quite handily. This is a Dux team that appears to be up for any team that lies in their way, however. They’ll be up for the battle.
After starting the season by dropping their first two games, Muskegon has been on the other side of the column for the past four weeks. Those first two weeks didn’t deter the Big Reds as they faced two powerhouses in Rockford and De La Salle who are putting together big seasons of their own. In fact, Muskegon has now faced three teams during their winning streak they appear to be on the playoff track. This, too, could be the Big Reds toughest test to date. It will go a long way in telling Muskegon where they stack up against top teer teams to this point in the season.
Expect this one to come right down to the wire. Showcased as one of the best games in the state this week, Muskegon heads over to Zeeland West to take on the Dux this Friday night.
Zeeland East @ Holland
After starting the season in the best possible way, things have hit a sidetrack for Zeeland East the past two weeks. East fell to rival Zeeland West in week five and would suffer another defeat at the hands of Muskegon last week. It was a game in which another slow start for the Chix spelled doom the rest of the way. East gave up over 500 yards of total offense to the Big Reds and couldn’t muster much offensive output of their own. This week could be a breath of fresh air for the Chix as they take on struggling Holland. Getting back on track and fixing some things will be big for East in this one. The Dutch sit at 0-6 on the year.
It hasn’t been an ideal start to the season for the Holland Dutch. Losing to Zeeland West last week, 7-68, Holland just hasn’t been able to build any momentum this season. Arguably one of the toughest schedules in the state hasn’t helped by any means. Coming down the stretch, if the Dutch can just compete it could be a step in the right direction for their program.
They welcome in the Chix this Friday night.
Comstock Park @ Sparta
The Comstock Park Panthers have now won two in a row after a thrilling come from behind win over Hopkins in week six. Comstock Park fell behind early in that game, 0-14, and would even trail by a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Then the offense did what it has done for much of the season, rattling off two momentum changing touchdowns late to secure a 35-29 win. Their offense would rack up 428 total yards on the night to help a defense that struggled in both halves. The defense will really need to get on track this week against a Sparta offense that has showed some signs this season.
For Sparta, their three-game winning streak came to an end last week at the hands of Belding. Both the Spartans offense and defense had put up big time performances the previous weeks for the Black Knights put a halt to that. It was a game in which Sparta found themselves hanging tight before they struggled in the second half. This week they’ll need that defense that was stout the previous three weeks, Comstock Park has not had any games this season where their offense really struggled. Sparta has the opportunity to get their offense back on track as well against a Panthers defense who has been worn down at times. This is a big game for both teams, especially in the fact that the Spartans are hanging on for dear life in the playoff race.
The Panthers roll into Sparta this Friday night for what should be a big time matchup.
Gladwin VS Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Gladwin did what they do to many in last weeks win over Pinconning, jump on you early, and wear you down for four quarters. The Spartans were the ones to feel that last week as the Flying G’s went on to win, 56-14. The Gladwin offense had it rolling again, especially on the ground by piling up 309 rushing yards on the night. The defense would complement the offense by holding Pinconning to just 105 total yards on the night. Gladwin has been tested on more than one occasion this season, but, they’re in store for their biggest test this week. For this group, they have been built for it and welcome the task at hand. It’s Homecoming week, and they welcome in a team that would love nothing more than to ruin their night in Notre Dame Prep.
Notre Dame Prep is a name that rings loud throughout the state of Michigan. Rich in football culture, the Irish are a perennial playoff power. It’s a team that has been nothing but impressive but rolling over teams nearly all season. They’re led by veteran quarterback, Jacob Tuttle, at the helm. A big time playmaker at wide receiver in Joey Decasas. Tuttle can get it done on the ground with the help of speed demon, Lucas Mylenek. And the Irish have played teams already this season that could have derailed their plans. But this week, they know what they’re up against and they’ll need every bit of the offense and defense that they have shown all season long.
These two played a tight game throughout that came down to the last possession before Gladwin grabbed a 33-27 win over the Irish. Expect nothing less in this years matchup. Two teams that have high aspirations for their seasons yet again. If there is a game to not miss this Friday night, this might be the one. Buckle in tight. Gladwin welcomes Notre Dame Prep in for their Homecoming night in week seven.
Clare vs Sanford Meridian
Clare grabbed their second win in a row last week as they steamrolled Okemos, 61-0. The Pioneers put together their best performance of the season by racking up 363 yards of total offense. The defense was even better, holding the Wolves to –9 (yes, that’s not a mistake) on the night. Clare jumped out to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter and that was enough to propel the Pioneers the rest of the way. This week they’ll have a chance to inch closer to a possible playoff spot when they take on a struggling Meridian Mustangs team.
The Meridian Mustangs took another step back in week six by falling to Beaverton, 14-34. Meridian has now moved to 1-5 on the season as it has not been the year they had hoped for. Outside of one game in 2023, the Mustangs offense hasn’t been able to get many things going on a weekly basis. The defense hasn’t been far behind. Outside of their win over Alpena, the defense has had trouble limiting opposing offenses. Last week they would give up over 400 yards of total offense to the Beavers. This week won’t be any easier by taking on a Clare team that continues to roll. They’ll need to limit the Pioneers on offense and need to find some ways to get their offense going or it could turn into a long night.
Clare welcomes them in this Friday night for a Jack Pine showdown.
Bullock Creek vs Millington
There aren’t many teams riding on as much momentum right now as Bullock Creek. The Lancers have now won three in a row outscoring their opponents in that span, 126-15. Bullock Creek jumped up early on Homecoming last week en route to a 42-7 win over Hemlock. For much of the season, the Lancers offense and defense have been completely in tune with each other. They have shown nothing but complimentary football, something that has been needed. This week might be their biggest test of all, however. They take on a Millington team who remains undefeated.
It’s been another successful season for the Millington Cardinals, a team that has made the playoffs every year since 2003. The Cardinals start off at 6-0 and have now outscored their opponents, 236-54. Both the offense and defense have been able to nearly have their ways for much of the season. But, this week will be no easy feat for them either. They take on a Bullock Creek team that is riding high on momentum right now. The Cardinals will do everything in their power to put a stop to that.
Millington heads into Bullock Creek for a showdown with the Lancers this Friday night.
