TEAM OUTLOOK

East Grand Rapids enters its third season under veteran head coach Josh Shattuck this season, as they look to build upon a strong 7-3 campaign that included a couple of strong wins over the likes of South Christian and Lowell, before falling in a 14-13 slugfest in the first round vs. EGR.

EGR’s use of a two-QB system in 2023 will give way to a more traditional single starter as Carson Thorton will now have the reins of the offense, and the staff is excited about his growth physically and mentally as a player heading into the season. The offensive line will be a huge part of the team’s offensive success in 2024, as they return three of five starters from last year’s team: Will Kowalewski, Jake Tieetma, Grand Adloff. They also will have a duo of very talented receivers for Carson Thornton to find, in seniors Isaac Mulder and Gavin Buck.

The defense led the way last year, as they were able to win and compete in a lot of slugfests throughout the season. Will Zyskowski (LB) and Matthew Rose (DL) are returning senior leaders of a very strong group up front. Grand Adloff will add in a big role on the defensive line as well, and junior linebackers Josh McCune and Kaden Goossens will play alongside Zyskowski in the middle of the defense.

They will see a lot of the same tough schedule they went through in ‘23 this year, plus a few other difficult tests. Big games will include an early home game against South Christian and a back-to-back of GR Catholic Central and Forest Hills Central to end the season.