TEAM OUTLOOK

After a 5-5 season with a young team across the board in 2023, the Hudsonville Eagles are set up for a bounce back – even in the always-tough OK-Red this season. Add in tough non-conference contests vs. Howell and D2 state semifinalist East Lansing, and the Eagles will again be battle tested this season.

Last year coach Brent Sandee used a pair of quarterbacks, with now-senior Griffin Baker starting the majority of games with now-junior Brady VanLaecke stepping in up from the JV team while Baker missed some time with injury as well – they both will battle for the starting job this season in camp in an open competition. The offense includes 8 of 11 starters from last year, including all of their starting skilled position players, including powerful RB Bryce Fox, returns this year and will look to replicate his 200+ yard performance he had in the playoff game vs. Grandville throughout the season. Third year starter Carson Dyksta is also back as the team’s top WR target, they also welcome WR Zach Vanderploeg back this year – after missing 2023 with injury.

Hudsonville’s schedule features a ton of powerful run games and several next-level-D1 running backs, Connor Brintnall is a returning all-conference LB that will be key in helping stop those opposing attacks. Isaac VanderVeen also will be critical in that role and help pressure dangerous pass games at DT.