By Randy Gregory, Michigan Sports Radio
Two of the most successful big school programs in Michigan high school football are set to square off at Muskegon on Friday, September 5 under rare circumstances. Both Rockford and Muskegon will be looking to right the ship coming off an uncommon occurrence. Ithe is an odd week when both schools fall, but that is exactly what happened this past week. Rockford had a fourth quarter lead over Saline before self destructing and falling 37-28 while Muskegon fell in a shootout at Grandville 44-40.
The teams have faced off a dozen times in the past with Rockford holding a 7-5 edge historically. Rockford won last year 28-21 after a late Muskegon rally fell short at Rockford. The Rams dominated a state title winning Big Red squad 27-7 in 2023 as well. The Big Reds are coached by Shane Fairfield who is in his sixteenth year at the helm. He has amassed a tremendous overall record of 157-35 while claiming a pair of state titles and making it to the finals on nine different occasions. Last year was an anomaly for Muskegon as they finished a very uncharacteristic 3-5 to miss the playoffs. They have made their schedule even more challenging this year as they will take on two of the top teams in the OK Red (Grandville and Rockford), as well as traveling to Ohio to take on Garfield Heights and defending Ohio state champs Cincinnati Moeller.
Muskegon is led by junior Recarder Kitchen. The 6’6″ 250-pounder is a defensive end as well as doubling as a tight end offensively. He is ranked as one of the top 75 players in the country for the 2027 class. Offensively the Big Reds will run Lamar Bradford at quarterback after he was the backup in 2024. He will be joined by running back Keshawn Drummer and a bevy of talented wide receivers. Arquez Petty will line up in the slot and is also a capable runner. Demetrius Rainey-Brown, Deontae Chambers, Jamier Jefferson and Jamir Matthews are also regulars at receiver for Muskegon. Up front the Big Reds return four linemen who either started last year or saw significant playing time. Ernesto Botello was a starter at left guard and Javen Puhalski at center. They will be joined by Mateo Rivera and Caleb Lardie. Defensively the returners are a little more unproven outside of Kitchen. The three other returning starters are Charlie Chatman at safety, Keyuan Bradford at cornerback and Jacob Watkins on the defensive line.
