The third conference in our 2025 football preview series is the River Cities Alliance. This is the second year of the conference, and last year was extremely thrilling on the gridiron. This fall, I would expect more of the same, with four teams expecting to be in playoff contention, and three others that will provide difficult challenges each week.
River Cities Alliance
- Lowell
- Coopersville
- Kenowa Hills
- Cedar Springs
- Greenville
- Allendale
- Sparta
Allendale (1-8 in 2024)
It was an uncharacteristically frustrating season for Allendale, as they won just a single game for the first time since 1996. In fact, after their Week 2 win, they were not within 14 points of any remaining opponent. Joel Brose is ready to see his team continue to take strides in the right direction in the RCA this fall.
Ryan Holstege is going to play quarterback for Allendale, and he will look to hand the football off to Ashton Steele and Trevor Spencer. Defensively, Jarek Walker and Tariku Vredeveld will lead the way from the linebacker position. Allendale has a challenging schedule once again, with non-league games against Holland Christian, Kalamazoo United and Spring Lake, but expect Brose to build this team into a more competitive bunch this season.
Cedar Springs (7-3 in 2024)
The Red Hawks returned to the playoffs again last year, posting a 7-2 regular season before a first-round exit against Lowell. This season, they return several key skill players, but they have some questions in the trenches. All-Region running back Spencer Schoenborn is back, as is All-Conference Kaiden Dreyer. Noah Malory, a third running threat, adds to the trademark T-attack. Avery Umphrey, an All-Conference selection at kicker last fall, is also back and ready to make an impact on special teams.
On defense, Luke Egan was an All-Region selection as a defensive back. Kaiden Dreyer will also make an impact on defense. If this team is able to find strong play on the offensive and defensive line, expect them to be in the RCA title race in the final weeks, and to be playing on Halloween week in the postseason.
Coopersville (7-3 in 2024)
The Broncos were back in the postseason for the sixth straight season, but more importantly they secured the distinction of being the first-ever RCA football champions with their Week 9 win over Cedar Springs.
Although record setter Beau Harris has graduated, seven starters are back on offense, including lethal weapons at wide receiver. Brooks Hadden was an All-State choice last year, while Sam McDonald was named All-Conference. These two are a top tandem for the new quarterback, likely freshman Champ Kelly. In the trenches, it all starts with Troy Dunneback and Will Decker, both All-Conference choices last fall at tight end and guard respectively. Calvin Rossman, an Honorable Mention All-Conference nomination in 2024, will provide more experience after contributing heavily both on the offensive line and at defensive end.
The schedule does Coopersville no favors, as Big Rapids, Ludington and West Catholic are all tough challenges outside of a challenge league slate. Assuming that the quarterback situation transitions smoothly, expect the Broncos back in the playoffs and fighting to repeat as the top team in the RCA.
Greenville (2-7 in 2024)
Last season was a big transition for Greenville, as Scott McDougall began his tenure and the ‘Jackets started their time in the RCA. It was a better season than their 2-7 mark showed, as Greenville lost three games by one score or less. Expect some of that talent to show more in the win column in 2025.
Kyle Graber was an All-Conference wide receiver, but he is expected to take over at quarterback. He gets the advantage of being protected by Isaiah Dimet, and having Drake Wood serve as a receiver and blocker from the tight end position. On defense, Carter Cusack and Jagger Roberts anchor the linebacking core. The non-league slate includes Cadillac, Forest Hills Eastern and Petoskey, which along with some league opponents, should give Greenville a chance to compete in several games this fall.
Kenowa Hills (6-4 in 2024)
Don Fellows began a new chapter in his coaching career last fall, leading Kenowa Hills after a lengthy tenure at Grand Rapids Christian and Grand Rapids Union. Victories in their final three games allowed them to climb into the postseason with the Knights’ first winning season since 2014.
Grayson Fellows is back at quarterback after throwing for 19 touchdowns as a sophomore. He just recently received a scholarship offer to Davenport, and will likely garner more accolades and opportunities with another strong season. He will look to All-Region wide receiver Will Fussman, who also has received some recruiting attention. Perhaps the most scouted player is Lundon Hampton, who plays both running back and wide receiver. He provides elite speed, and will have his preference of school to attend when the time comes. This junior trio, paired with Derek Chapin, Macoy Bertolii and Zander Yost on defense, will make this team a tough opposition every week.
Lowell (8-3 in 2024)
The Red Arrows were a strong team in 2024, as they went to the playoffs and finished 5-1 in the RCA. This year, they will test themselves early with perhaps their three best opponents in the first three weeks (East Grand Rapids, Mattawan, Coopersville) all on the road.
Logan Dawson is back at quarterback. He primarily makes an impact with his legs, as he ran for 21 touchdowns last fall. When he does throw, Brady Smith will be his top target. The All-Conference tight end spent his summer at Brown, Princeton and Yale. With a 4.31 GPA, Smith is an ideal fit for the Ivy League. Brody Lehman (Safety), Nathen Raison (RB/LB) and Jake Iakiri (OL/DL) both have their share of Division 3 offers as well. This experienced and talented core will give Lowell a great shot to play in the postseason and compete for the RCA crown.
Sparta (2-7 in 2024)
It’s not very often that a hometown favorite returns to coach his alma mater. This fall, Ryan Patterson will return to Sparta ready to lead the Spartans with hopes to rebound from their 2-7 season.
The key for this team seems to be up front, where Blake Steinbacker, Carter Wheelock and Logan Brooks all provide some experience. Charlie Alt and Sawyer Jansma will be back as receiving threats for the new quarterback. It may take time, but Patterson will try to establish his impact on the program this fall.
