Photo courtesy of Lou Murray
Only four regular season games remain, with league championship chases and the playoff picture starting to come in view. Let’s take a look at the live action you can catch on MSR this Friday!
ROCKFORD (4-1) vs HUDSONVILLE (5-0)
Maybe the game of the year that will very likely determine the course of the OK-Red. Rockford has already pocketed back-to-back wins over EK and Grandville and now look to hold the win in hand and upper hand in the OK-Red race.
It was a 28-0 win for the Rams where they controlled both sides of the ball, especially defensively where the high-powered Bulldogs (though without Jayden Terry) were shutout for the first time since the 2017 season. Hudsonville has been equally flying with a 42-0 Jenison thrashing last week to lead into their first big test of the campaign.
We again watch who will be the signal caller for the Rams, senior 2nd year starter Brayden Daniels has been nicked up and the Rams made a late, secret move to sophomore Casen Whitford, who looked very good in his first varsity start against the Bulldogs.
ZEELAND WEST (4-1) vs UNITY CHRISTIAN (5-0)
Another maybe conference-deciding game, this itime in the OK-Gold, as the rolling Crusaders host the 2024 D3 state champions, with both teams 2-0 in league play. Unity Christian’s offense is rolling like the 2021 team in many regards (that set the all-time MHSAA scoring record), now pouring on 50+ points in both conference games they’ve played with wins over Zeeland East and FHC.
The Dux just dominated the Bird Bowl over their cross town rival Chix 38-14 to earn a second straight tough league win after taking down South Christian 2 weeks ago.
EGR (3-2) vs HOLLAND CHRISTIAN (4-1)
Interesting battle in the OK-Black. EGR is fresh off winning a slug-fest and handing Northview their first loss of the year, and HC got back on track after dropping their conference opener to Northview by taking down Ottawa Hills 55-0.
Classic matchup here of a physical run-the-ball and play defense let Pioneers team vs a high flying HC offense and strong defense to boot that will each be trying to control the pace and style of the game.
SOUTH CHRISTIAN (2-3) vs FHC (2-3)
Another OK-Gold game and a couple of surprising teams to see each sitting at 2-3, as both were at Ford Field as recently as 2023 and made regional or deeper playoff runs last year. South Christian snapped a 3-game slide with a 54-0 win over Wyoming last week, and FHC fell big to Unity 52-16. We’ll see if FHC can get back in the W column to get bac to .500 or if the Sailors can get a win streak started to do the same.
FREELAND (4-1) vs ESSEXVILLE-GARBER (2-3)
Freeland kept it rolling again last week picking up win #4 of the season 42-13 over Alma. Essexville-Garber, after starting 2-0 have not lost three in-a-row, giving up 42+ in all of those games and never scoring more than 13. This could be a good chance for the Falcons to earn another Tri-Valley Red win, or for the Dukes to come up with a statement win to get back to an even 3-3 on the year.
MORLEY-STANWOOD (2-3) vs CENTRAL MONTCALM (4-1)
Central Montcalm fell for the first time this season last week to Port Laker 13-0, while Morley Stanwood has picked up both of their wins in consecutive weeks – including a big 52-0 triumph over White Cloud last week.
Before last weekends shutout, the Hornets had scored at least 4 touchdowns in every game they played, we’ll see if they can get back in the win column and get the offense rolling again.
COOPERSVILLE (2-) vs ALLENDALE (1-4)
A big 42-7 win has made it two in-a-row for Coopersville, as they and their freshman QB Champ Kelly seem to be settling in big more as they hit Rivers Cities Alliance conference play. Allendale hosts their homecoming off their first win of the year last year over Sparta 26-13 and will look to make it a win streak.
GR CATHOLIC CENTRAL (5-0) vs OTTAWA HILLS (0-5)
GRCC has still never allowed more than 14 in a game this season and a 10-0 win over TK last week notched their first shutout of the season for the vaunted Cougars defense. Ottawa Hills is seeking their first win of the season, they fell to Holland Christian 55-0 last week.
TRI-COUNTY (4-1) vs REED CITY (3-2)
Tri-County made a good statement in their win over Newaygo, piling up the points 58-19. They’ll look for a second straight win as they take on Reed City this week. The Coyotes fell to all-conquering Big Rapids 40-13 last week. For comparison, the Cardinals beat T.C. 63-6 two weeks ago.
NEWAYGO (0-5) vs GRANT (1-4)
Been a tough year so far for both Grand and Tri-County, a 35-0 week two triumph over Hesperia for Grant the lone win combined. This will be a big game to build some momentum for the stretch run for each team.
MANTON (3-2) vs EVART (2-3)
A big 57-9 win over Lake City last week has now earned back-to-back wins for the 3-2 Rangers of Manton, they’ll look to keep the streak going against 2-3 Evart. The Wildcats fell 32-21 last week to LeRoy Pine River, a team the Rangers will see next week after this contest.
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A Huge week for sure, so, be sure to tune in live right here on the MSR website along with the Michigan Sports Radio App!
