The fourth conference in the 2025 MSR football previews is the OK Black conference. This league was home to one of 2024’s best surprises, the Northview Wildcats. This year, there are three teams that should have real aspirations at the postseason.

 

OK Black

  1. GRCC
  2. East Grand Rapids
  3. Northview
  4. Holland Christian
  5. Middleville
  6. Ottawa Hills

East Grand Rapids (5-5 in 2024)

Josh Shattuck’s Pioneers were back where East Grand Rapids belongs, in the playoffs. They were unable to score on FHC in either the regular season finale (24-0) or their first round exit (7-0). This year, they have their sights set on earning some hardware, either as league champs or district champs.

On offense, the strength comes up front, with All-Conference anchors Grand Adloff and Kaden Goossens providing protection to a new quarterback, likely Josh McCune. Tyler Blake, Asa Cox and Dylan Buck will also provide some experience on both sides of the football. The schedule is difficult for EGR, but they aren’t afraid of testing themselves against the likes of FHC, Lowell and South Christian out of league play. This group is hungry to prove to others that they are a championship team this fall.

Grand Rapids Catholic Central (8-5 in 2024)

The Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars returned to the playoffs for the 17th straight season in 2024, though they appeared to be an underdog at 5-4. They disposed of Hopkins, West Catholic and Kalamazoo United to capture yet another regional title. Their season ended narrowly, 42-35, against Frankenmuth in the semifinals.

This fall, expect the Cougars to be playing deep into November again, but also for their August, September and October to look even better. Odin Spencer, who threw 20 touchdowns as a freshman last year, is back at quarterback. Kamall Hillard, a speedy tailback with eight touchdowns, will provide some spark on the ground. When Spencer airs it out, look for Grayson Tidd, a sophomore with a scholarship offer to Western Michigan, as well as Owen Tietema to be the primary targets. Dean Armock, an All-Conference tight end, is also a great safety blanket.

On defense, the Cougars start with linebacker Brayden Sweeney, an All-Conference selection that is committed to Purdue. This team feels like a classic GRCC team that is loaded with talent on both sides. They have an interesting non-conference with games against Lake Central (IN), St Thomas More (ONT), Jackson Lumen Christi and South Christian, but we have always seen that the Cougars are good for any challenge.

Holland Christian (6-4 in 2024)

After a 5-0 start, Holland Christian lost four of their final five games, bowing out of the playoffs in a 35-7 loss to South Christian. It was a great step forward for coach Dave Abberger, who made his first playoff appearance, but the Maroons are looking for more in 2025.

Although there will be some inexperience at quarterback, whomever the signal caller is will have the benefit of experience at the skill positions. Simon Grotenhuis was an Honorable Mention All-Conference wide receiver last year, while Isaiah Myaard leads the running back room with several Division 3 offers (Alma, Dordt, Elmhurst). On defense, Will Grant was a stalwart last year at linebacker, earning 1st-team All-Conference honors. He will be joined by safety Cole Meiste (HM All-Conference) to provide some experience on this side of the ball. If Holland Christian can get started with early wins in 2025, expect them back in the postseason.

Middleville (3-6 in 2024)

Last season was a frustrating year for the Trojans, as they posted a 3-6 record. In both their season opener against Hastings and their game against Holland Christian, the Trojans had a real shot to earn a victory, but were unable to do so. But with two victories in the final two weeks, they have some positive momentum to carry into 2025.

Micah Dock is back at quarterback for the Trojans, and senior Derious Robinson is back to anchor the defense from the linebacker position. It has been since 2020 that Middleville has posted a winning record. They will need to capitalize on the first four weeks of their schedule if they have any hopes of changing that mark in 2025.

Northview (9-1 in 2024)

Last season was a storybook year for Northview. Coach Oshnock’s bunch posted the school’s first undefeated regular season since 1970, taking down some heavyweights in the process. Unfortunately, they failed to win a playoff game, falling to Byron Center in the opening round.

This season, they have a deeper postseason run in their sights, returning several key contributors. Jalen Gant, a first-team All-Conference selection at running back, provides electrifying speed for this Northview backfield. Carson Ginn, a fellow 1st-team selection, will lead the offensive line to provide some protection for the quarterback, likely transfer Braylon Jefferson.  KeAndre Johnson was a stellar defensive lineman last year, and he is back to create some chaos in the trenches. This team will be tested in certain spots, and they start off with a tough game at West Catholic, but I would expect the Wildcats to be back in the postseason, and contending for the Black title deep into October.

Ottawa Hills (1-8 in 2024)

It was a year of growth in 2024 for the Bengals, under first year head coach Kendall Jackson. Ottawa Hills lost their first eight games, before nearly exceeding their entire season point total in a 40-8 victory over Benton Harbor. This win sent the seniors out on a high note, snapping a 31-game losing streak for the program.

Though Rashawn Rogers has graduated and moved on to Michigan State, the cupboard is not bare for the Bengals. Jevon Welzein returns to captain the defense, after earning All-Conference honors a season ago. On offense, Xzavier Lawler will be the go-to tailback after putting together an Honorable Mention All-Conference season in 2024. There are some competitive opportunities on this schedule, as Coach Jackson looks to build a solid program at Ottawa Hills, a team that has not experienced a winning season since 2013.