The Michigan Sports Radio team has you covered with plenty of exciting previews of this week’s action. All of the games below will be a part of our recap coverage on Friday night, when we have over 40 area game summaries. Many will also be live on our network.
LIVE ON MSR
Coopersville v Allendale (Preview by Lien Veldboom)
As we enter into week 7, the push for the playoffs begins. There are three weeks left of conference play, and the Coopersville Broncos are on the fence. They enter Friday night with a 2-2 record within the OK Blue and are tied alongside Fruitport and Holland Christian in the standings. They will battle to gain their fifth overall win against the Allendale Falcons who are 2-4 and looking for a road upset.
Freeland v Swan Valley (Preview by Josh Longstreth)
The Freeland Falcons were battling some adversity for the first time in the 2022 season. With that adversity, the Falcons bounced back in a big way. Freeland would head into John Glenn High School and take one from the Bobcats last week, 52-0. The Falcons would head into Bay City on a business trip, jumping out to a 24-0 lead after one on the home team. They piled up nearly 400 yards on the ground with everyone getting in on the action. They forced John Glenn into multiple turnovers on the defensive side and held the Bobcats to just 60 yards of total offense. Utterly dominant to say the least. Freeland now sits at #6 in Division 4, 5-1 overall, and 4-1 in TVC play. They will now face a different test this week.
Swan Valley comes in as one of the hottest teams in the TVC. The Vikings grabbed their fourth win in a row last week at the hands of Birch Run. It moves them to 4-2 overall and 4-1 in TVC play. The Swan Valley defense has held offenses at bay. The last three wins they’ve held those teams to just 14 points per game. The offense has averaged 37.7 points per game. Senior RB Tyler Drain has led the way over that four-game span. Over the last four, Drain has 92 carries, 678 yards rushing, and 8 TD’s. That is nearly 7.3 yards per carry, and 2 TD’s per game. He’s been helped, though. QB Colton Klein has gone 25 of 44 passing for 403 yards, and 6 TD’s. He’s also pitched in 2 rushing TD’s. Drew Kaeckmeister has 3 receiving TD’s over the last four. It’s a team that is hot at the right team spearheaded by Drain. They’ll have a chance to stay hot in week 7 in one of their biggest tests. This one should catch the eye of many and what could be a Friday night thriller. Swan Valley will storm into Freeland for a 7:00 showdown under the lights with the Falcons.
Grandville v Jenison (Preview by Nick Tuori)
The Grandville Bulldogs took another tough loss last week to Rockford, falling to the Rams 37-14. After their 4-0 start, Grandville has played two of the top teams in the state, falling to both Rockford and Caledonia. This week is a bit of a reprieve, as they will be favored in their matchup against Jenison. The Wildcats are 2-4, coming off a 38-0 thrashing at the hands of rival Hudsonville. Look for the Bulldogs to bounce back and secure a victory. Their ground game, led by freshman phenom Jayden ‘Tank’ Terry, will be nearly impossible for Jenison to bottle up on Friday night.
Central Montcalm v Grant (Preview by Hudson Harkness)
Grant will host Central Montcalm in the battle of the two bottom teams in the Gold. Central Montcalm has struggled all season and last week was no different. The Hornets had no answers to the high-powered Tri-County offense and their offense couldn’t handle the pressure that the Vikings bring. This week, Central Montcalm faces off with a team that has the same struggles. The Hornets will most likely look to go through the air on offense to get the ball off quick. The passing game has been where the Hornets have had the most success this season, when they have been able to get it off.
The Tigers faced a tough Big Rapids team in week six. Grant was unable to stop the pass from the Cardinals as they let up over 300 passing yards and 200 more on the ground. This Grant team has also struggled moving the ball up field. Last week they netted 137 total yards. This week with Central Montcalm liking to air the ball out, the Tigers secondary must step up or else it could be a long night.
This game is a toss-up, as both teams have been struggling this season. I do think that if Central Montcalm can get their passing game established early, they could come out on top, if Grant can’t make the much-needed adjustments to their secondary.
GR Catholic Central v Ottawa Hills (Preview by Nick Tuori)
Last week, Grand Rapids Catholic Central’s winning streak was snapped. It was a stunning defeat at the hands of South Christian. Despite the talent and stature of the Sailors, it felt improbable to imagine the scenario in which the Cougars did not win. This week, they will look to start a new streak against longtime rival Ottawa Hills. These two have played countless of thrilling matchups in their history, dating back to their time in the City League. The Bengals have suffered some tough losses in the opening six weeks of the season, and on paper it appears a seventh straight may be on its way. However, Coach Christian Verley is building a program at Ottawa Hills. His investment in these kids, both on and off the field, is going to pay off soon with results on the gridiron.
Big Rapids v Tri-County (Preview by Hudson Harkness)
Big Rapids will travel to Tri-County in an important CSAA Gold matchup for both squads. The Cardinals picked up a big win over Grant last week. Big Rapids was firing on all cylinders, as their offense was scoring in all ways and their defense stepped up big shutting out Grant. This week’s opponent will be much more difficult. The Vikings have speed at all positions and have been the most physical team in the conference. Last season, this game was in the hands of the Cardinals until the last drive when Tri-County rose to the challenge and drove the length of the field. This week, Big Rapids must play with the same energy we saw last season in this matchup. They must also not take their foot of the gas if they get an early advantage. The Vikings won’t give in at any point so Big Rapids has to maintain energy the full 48-minutes.
Tri-County is the hottest team in the Gold and that was shown against Central Montcalm in week six. The Viking run game accounted for six of their eight touchdowns and, as they have done all year, moved the ball at will. This Big Rapids’ defense will not give in to the Tri-County run game. They may have to rely on their game in the air, which they have been able to do at points in the season. The Vikings speed is going to be a big factor in this game, if they can set the tone that this is going to be a track meet, they will have a leg up.
This matchup has quickly become one of the most intriguing games in the conference in recent years with close game after close game that comes down to the last drive. I expect this game to be another close game. Tri-County must showcase their speed early and set the tone. Big Rapids must show they can score on a strong defense.
Leslie v Carson City-Crystal (Preview by Nick Tuori)
The Carson City-Crystal Eagles will look to improve on their 5-1 record when they face Leslie on Saturday. The Blackhawks are struggling this year, with a reversed 1-5 mark. Aside from last week’s three-point loss to Perry, and their 7-6 win over Stockbridge, Leslie has not been in many games this fall. The hometown of former Alma College Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ryan Clark has seen its football program fall on tough times, with no more than three wins in any season since 2013. Tim Swore’s bunch at CCC, meanwhile, has outscored their opponents by 99 points, and enter on a 5-game win streak after their opening loss to Fowler. Expect that streak to extend out to six games, and rather easily.
Rockford v Hudsonville (Preview by Randy Gregory)
The Rockford Rams will look to remain unbeaten when they take on Hudsonville. For a complete preview, check out Randy’s article here.
GR Christian v Lowell (Preview by Nick Tuori)
The Grand Rapids Christian Eagles evened their record at 3-3 last week, with a win over Greenville. They currently find themselves ranked 28th in the Division 4 playoff point race. A trip to the postseason would feel more certain if they could add a victory on Friday against a stout Red Arrows bunch. Lowell, 4-2, suffered a loss against unbeaten Forest Hills Central last week. The Red Arrows have already matched their win total in each of the past two seasons, and appear on their way back to the Lowell of old. This will be a thrilling battle on Friday night.
East Grand Rapids v Forest Hills Northern (Preview by Nick Tuori)
The Pioneers took Byron Center to the brink last Friday, falling narrowly 20-19. Despite their 2-4 record, East Grand Rapids is the first team out in the Division 3 playoff picture, currently ranked 33rd. They are benefitted by their brutal strength of schedule that features South Christian, Rockford and Forest Hills Central, in addition to Byron Center. This week, they could get some key points against a Division 2 Huskies team. FHN evened their record last week at 3-3, but they have mostly followed the script this fall. Their wins are against lesser opponents, and they have not been in their defeats against stronger clubs. East Grand Rapids may just have the horses to get this victory, as their recent play gives Coach Shattuck’s bunch plenty of momentum.
Newaygo v Chippewa Hills (Preview by Hudson Harkness)
Newaygo is back at home. This time against Chippewa Hills in a matchup up of two one-win Gold teams. Chippewa Hills picked up their second win of the season against Lakeview last week, 42-0. The Warriors were able to move the ball with any play they wanted, and they had the ability to penetrate the Wildcat offensive line to create pressure and mistiming. They must do more of what they did against Lakeview. Newaygo has a number of playmakers that once in space can use their speed to move the ball. The Lions offensive line has had its holes in the road and if Chippewa Hills can get in the backfield, they have a shot.
The Lions had a rough outing against Reed City last week. The run game of Reed City was too much for Newaygo’s defense and allowed for big play after big play. The Lions have been hit with the injury bug as of recent and have relied on young players to step up on both sides of the ball, this week could be their week to shine. Newaygo still has athletes out wide that can make a big play at any moment, it just depends on if the offensive line will step up and provide time for plays to develop.
This game seems like a ‘prove it’ type of game, where both teams are looking to prove that this season has been a fluke. This can be the week that both teams look to turn their season around and with the end in sight, both can end the season on a high note.
South Christian v Wayland (Preview by Nick Tuori)
The South Christian Sailors were already a top-ranked team in Division 4, but a win over the Grand Rapids Catholic Central dynasty delivered a statement that these boys are ready to return to Ford Field. Sailor fans long for the days when Ford Field felt like an annual tradition, with stars like Jon Wassink, Mitchell Quakkelaar and Sam Heyboer leading them to the finals. This year’s team may just have the horses, led by its own gunslinger in Jake DeHaan. He has a plethora of weapons around him, and they are truly explosive. This week, they run into a Wayland team that is having a fantastic season at 4-2. The Wildcats, led by Dustin Loomans, are unfortunately about to enter a gauntlet against South Christian, Cedar Springs and Grand Rapids Catholic Central.
West Catholic v Fruitport (Preview by Lien Veldboom)
In week 7, Fruitport will host the undefeated Falcons of West Catholic. The only loss for the Trojans in OK Blue play came from the undefeated Unity Christian Crusaders. They will have to play a strong defensive game, as West Catholic has shown that they can be productive both through the air and in the ground game. The Falcons have won all their conference games by double digits, with the help of Tim Kloska and Bernie Varnesdeel, two of the area’s best offensive weapons.
BEST OF THE WEST (OTHER GAMES WITH MSR ARTICLES TO FOLLOW)
Spring Lake v Hamilton (Preview by Lien Veldboom)
The Spring Lake Lakers are in desperate need of a pick-me-up in order to continue their playoff streak. They enter week 7 with a 1-5 overall record, and a 0-4 league mark. This week might just be the week for them. They are scheduled to face the Hamilton Hawkeyes, who have won one just OK Blue conference match since the start of the 2021 season.
Holland Christian v Unity Christian (Preview by Lien Veldboom)
This rivalry goes back many years, even before the new conferences were constructed back in 2020. Unity Christian and Holland Christian were both in the OK Green before the current realignment and have played in every season dating back to 2005. The Maroons will look to beat Unity Christian for the first time since 2019. However, this is a tough ask for Chris Kuipers and his team. Unity Chrisitan made an outstanding playoff run last year and has continued their dominant play these past few weeks. They are currently 4-0 within the conference, and look to be hitting their stride after a slow start to the season.
Caledonia v Grand Haven (Preview by Nick Tuori)
The Caledonia Fighting Scots take their 6-0 record into battle with Grand Haven on Friday night. Led by quarterback Mason McKenzie, offensive weapons Justice Reed and Brock Townsend, and trenchmen like Jaxson Engleberg, this Caledonia team is lethal. They may just have the best offense this program has seen since 2014, when all-star tailback Eddie Kelly led the Fighting Scots to an OK White title and a #3 state ranking. Caledonia’s defense is equally as stout, allowing just 68 points in six games, with three shutouts on the books (and 40 points allowed in the Grandville game). Grand Haven sits at 1-5, with the 28-point win over Traverse City West feeling like a distant memory. Unless Caledonia is looking ahead to their Week 9 showdown with Rockford already, this game should not be much of a contest.
Kent City v Reed City (Preview by Hudson Harkness)
Kent City travels north to Reed City in a CSAA heavy weight crossover matchup. The Eagles are coming off their 3rd shut out of the season and their 6th win overall. Every team that Kent City has faced thus far, has not been able to stop their run game, that comes right at you and next thing you know they are at the goal line. Their defense has thrown different looks at teams all season, whether that is blitzing multiple players or sitting back on the pass, they are very versatile. This game will be a lot more difficult on their defense. Reed City is going to run the ball multiple times in a row and when the defense is drawn in, they are going to throw it over the top. This will be interesting to see how the Eagles react to the power of Reed City.
Reed City is coming off a big win against Newaygo, where they scored on offense and special teams. The Coyotes defense all stepped up big. They were able to defend the pass and load the box in must run scenarios. They did everything right all game. This week they must key on the run with Kent City running a majority of their plays but be able to adjust to pass. Their offense must play with the same explosiveness they have all season.
A game between two heavy weight teams in each division of the CSAA should be a thriller. This is going to be an old school, win the game in the trenches, type of battle. However, Reed City should come out victorious, with what I have seen after the loss to Tri-County, they look like a new ball team that can compete with anyone in the area.
Lakeview v St Charles (Preview by Hudson Harkness)
Lakeview will host St. Charles in a non-conference bout between two, two-win teams. St. Charles comes into this week with a 2-4 record and are coming off a 42-point loss to Carson City-Crystal. The Bulldogs offense has not been able to produce when it matters the most and their defense has not stepped up when facing tough opponents. St. Charles is being outscored this season 161-34.
The Wildcats are looking to rebound from their 42-0 loss to Chippewa Hills and their second shutout in a row. Lakeview had no answers to the Warriors in the air and their offense couldn’t get the ball moving when they were faced with pressure. The story all season for Lakeview has been they can not hurt themselves, and they will compete with any team. This week they have to keep focused on limiting the big mistakes. If they can do that, they can take down St. Charles.
This game is up in the air. There are two teams that have looked inconsistent all season but have showed glimpse of potentially. If any of these teams can key in on the little things and limit the big mistakes, that will be the team that comes out on top.
Morley Stanwood v White Cloud (Preview by Hudson Harkness)
White Cloud hosts Morley-Stanwood, as the Indians work to get their first win over the Mohawks in 13 seasons. Morley-Stanwood is coming off their 4th shutout of the season in the 36-0 loss to Kent City. The Mohawks this season have not looked great. Their offensive line has not been able to hold up and their defense has not looked great at any level, allowing chunk play after chunk play. This week they face another tough team in White Cloud. The Indians are going to look to air it out and put more stress on an already struggling secondary. Morley-Stanwood must key in and find where Silverthorn is as he is the best play for White Cloud and might be the best player in the CSAA Silver.
The Indians had a hard-fought game against Muskegon Heights last week that saw White Cloud coming out on top, 64-28. The Indians struggled in the 1st half but looked like a changed team in the 2nd half when they came out hitting on all sides. This game against Morley-Stanwood should be another win added for the Indians, but they must keep to their game plan and play assignment football. The Mohawks have nothing to lose so expect for them to try and pull something out of their bag of tricks. This is an important game for White Cloud if they want to stay in contention for the Silver title.
White Cloud should be able to end the streak this Friday against Morley-Stanwood. The Mohawks have not looked good in any aspect all season and the Indians have looking like one of the most explosive offenses in the entire CSAA. White Cloud has the chance to add another shutout to their resume.
Wyoming v Muskegon (Preview by Michael Markoch)
The Muskegon Big Reds are hanging on to a chance at a second consecutive OK Green title. After defeating the Union Red Hawks 43-20 last week, the Big Reds are still in the thick of the race. Quarterback M’Khi Guy rushed for two touchdowns against Union and the defense played lights-out in the second half. Against a team like Wyoming, the Big Reds have an opportunity for a tune-up before their clash with rival Mona Shores in two weeks.
As for the Wyoming Wolves, they are just looking to feel good about something as another disappointing season winds down. Last week, the Wolves lost to the Tigers of Armada 41-14. Expect a dominant victory from the Big Reds this week at home.
Zeeland East v Mona Shores (Preview by Michael Markoch)
After being a playoff team in 2021, the Zeeland East Chix have done nothing short of disappoint in 2022. Coming in at 1-5, after a loss to Reeths-Puffer, the Chix are simply looking to avoid a last place finish in the conference this season. The defense has not been quite as sharp as advertised coming into the season and quarterback Austin Keur has had his share of growing pains in his first year under center.
On the other side of this matchup, Mona Shores has taken firm control of the OK Green conference after a 34-6 thumping of previously undefeated Zeeland West in week six. The Sailors have found a different gear since losing to Rockford in week two and have showed that they are clearly the most talented team in the conference this season. With two potentially tricky games in the last two weeks of the season, this game is still not something to be taken lightly for Mona Shores. This is another game where you shouldn’t expect much, Sailors should coast in this one.
Reeths-Puffer v Zeeland West (Preview by Michael Markoch)
Finally, we arrive to the game of the week in the OK Green. Reeths-Puffer has exceeded all expectations and find themselves on the doorstep of the playoffs this season with a 5-1 record. The Rockets won a defensive game against Zeeland East last week, 20-18, and to this point in the season, the Rockers have performed well in one-score games. Those close games are what are going to propel teams to the playoffs, being able to win when certain units aren’t operating at their highest efficiency. It should be a win the Rockets will be able look back on as a character builder.
Zeeland West got rocked by Mona Shores in a surprising result last week, losing 34-6. To that point, the Dux had been nothing short of dominant in their previous five games. The Dux and their vaunted “Wing-T” offense will present the Rockets with their toughest test to this point as they will continue to try and dominate on the ground, something teams have been able to do against Puffer this year. Both teams need a win to keep pace with Mona Shores in the OK Green, and it should be a good one in Zeeland this weekend.
JOSH’S SAGINAW-AREA SPOTLIGHT
Croswell-Lexington v Imlay City
The Cros-Lex Pioneers football team narrowly escaped an upset-bid from the Yale Bulldogs in week 5 of the Michigan High School Football Season. In week 6, they would not escape. The Pioneers would drop their first game of the year to a good Almont Raiders team. The Raiders were able to pile up over 400 yards of total offense on a stingy Pioneer defense. The loss would drop the Pioneers to second place in the BWAC, tied with Armada but they hold the head-to-head over the Tigers. They now look up to the North Branch Broncos. It’s a tough one to swallow as the Pioneers have been dominant for much of the season. However, they will have a shot at controlling their own destiny as they still face the Broncos. This week, they’ll look to get back on track against Imlay City.
Imlay City has not been on the favorable side in the 2022 season. The Spartans come into this one 0-6 overall and 0-5 in the BWAC. They have been outscored 37-212 on the season. They will now have a chance to see if they can catch Cros-Lex still reeling from last week. It would be an upset that would build some momentum for the Spartans to end the season.
Cros-Lex has dominated much of this series for the latter of a decade but there have been some close games throughout. With the Pioneers having to try and bounce back after a deflating loss, they’ll look to see if they can take that frustration out when they welcome them in for a 7:00 battle this Friday night.
Clare v Sanford Meridian
The Clare Pioneers had a unique week last week. In sort of a bye week, the Pioneers would pick up a forfeit victory over Okemos who canceled the rest of their season last week. The last time we saw Clare was in a week 5 win over Harrison on the Pioneers homecoming, 49-10. It was a game in which the Pioneers were led by different contributors. Even more important is the fact that QB Jayden Arthur has continued to improve each week. The sophomore took over for previous junior Miles Haggart, who had a season ending injury earlier in the season. It’s a team that has battled through adversity to continue in what will be another successful season for the Pioneers after much change for the program. The Pioneers sit at 4-2 overall and 3-1 in the JPC. For a fairly young team, including a new head coach in Steven Spranger, you couldn’t ask for more. But it’s a team that isn’t content and looks to continue the improvement heading into the final stretch of the 2022 season. They’ll look to continue building momentum when they face another tough opponent this week.
The Sanford Meridian Mustangs have had what many could say as a successful season as well. After bouncing back from a 2-7, 2021 campaign, the Mustangs currently sit at 4-2 overall and 3-1 in the conference. They, too, have battled adversity. The Mustangs got caught in a dog fight last week against an improving Beaverton squad. It would end in a thriller when kicker Gabriele Riccucci would nail a 22-yard field goal to give the Mustangs a gritty 10-7 win over the Beavers. Brayden Riley had himself a night for Sanford. The senior finished the night with 140 yards rushing, a passing touchdown, 10 tackles on defense, and an INT. The Mustangs will look to see if they can continue the high in a big JPC matchup in week 7.
It’s a series that Clare has dominated for much of the decade, with a handful of close ones. Clare will look to see if they can continue that dominance when they head to Sanford for a pivotal JPC matchup. The action gets started with a 7:00 kickoff this Friday night.
St Louis v Valley Lutheran
It’s been a tough road for St. Louis football in the 2022 season. After a tough loss to a very good Millington football team in week 6, it left the Sharks at 0-6 overall, and 0-3 in the TVC West II. They have been outscored 53-255 over the course of the season. The effort is there from the young Sharks, the schedule however, has not been easy. In the last four weeks St. Louis has faced Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Ithaca, Nouvel Catholic Central, and Millington. These are perennial powers. Those teams are a combined 20-4 in the 2022 campaign. This week will not be any easier, but they’ll be hungry.
On the other sideline will be Valley Lutheran. Things have not been easy for the Chargers, either. They, too, sit at 0-6 overall and 0-3 in conference play. They have been outscored 14-236 over the course of the season. Coming off a forfeit loss in week 6, they too have been through a ringer of a schedule. Their last three opponents are the previous Nouvel Catholic Central, Michigan Lutheran Seminary, and Ithaca. They’ll be just as hungry. Valley Lutheran has not beaten St. Louis since the 2013 season. St. Louis will look to see if they can keep their handle on the Chargers. Each will look to see if they can grab their first win of the season when Valley Lutheran welcomes in the Sharks for a 7:00 Friday night tilt.
Frankenmuth v Alma
The Frankenmuth Eagles had it on cruise control last week against Bridgeport, defeating the Bearcats, 50-0. Bridgeport was hoping to pull off the upset, but it was all Eagles from start to finish. The Eagles are now 6-0 overall on the year and 5-0 in conference play. A week after a huge win over Freeland, Frankenmuth was not hoping for a letdown game and instead had a lot of young guys make appearances. For a team that is outscoring opponents at a rate of 239-30 on the year, you wouldn’t expect anything less from a team with high goals in mind. The defense was even better in this one, holding the Bearcats to negative yards of total offense. In a turbulent year for Bridgeport, they were just unable to get anything going in this one. Nicklaus Hoesman led the way for the Eagle defense with 7 tackles on the night. Senior QB Aidan Hoard led the way on offense, this time through the air. Hoard would finish with just one incomplete pass and over 100 yards passing in week 6.
The Alma Panthers have had a tough go of things in the 2022 season. The Panthers lost another tough one last week losing to Garber, 0-58. It would be the first time all year that the Alma offense had been shut out. The Panthers are scoring just 18.8 points per game on the offensive side. To make matters worse, they’re giving up 41.5 on the defensive side of the ball. Riding a now 3-game losing streak, the Panthers will look to see if they can take down the top team in the TVC. They know they’ll need to play at their best as Frankenmuth has won the last three matchups with them. Alma has also played a schedule that might remind one of a “house of horrors”. Five of the six teams they have faced, including a very improved out of conference foe in Shepherd, could very well be playoff teams this year. They’ll have a chance to right their wrongs in what would truly be a signature win in 2022.
Frankenmuth will look to see if they can continue their dominance in this one. Alma will look to see if they can give the Eagles a test when they storm into Frankenmuth for a 7:00 showdown.
Gladwin v Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
It was just another week, and another dominant win for Gladwin football. This time the Pinconning Spartans would be the victim. Gladwin would remain undefeated on the year, beating the Spartans, 48-0. The Gladwin defense was dominant yet again, they have now allowed just seven points through week six. The Flying G’s would jump up early again in this one leading 27-0 after the 1st quarter and 48-0 at the half. It was all they would need. Nick Wheeler had a big night accounting for 3 total TD’s for the Gladwin offense. Logan Kokotovich added a TD on the ground. Anna Seebeck added 6 PAT’s on the night and she would get into the endzone as well on a rushing TD. Earl Esiline found himself in the endzone twice on the night with a receiving TD and punt return TD. Kaden McDonald and Lucas Mead helped the scoring. McDonald on a receiving TD and Mead on an INT TD. It was another fun night for the Flying G’s and they would look to turn their heads to the next opponent. The next one could very well be their toughest test, head coach Marc Jarstfer knows what lies ahead, “It’s really a great opportunity to find out where we’re at against a perennial power. They run a 4-2-5 defense, and Pat Fox is widely known for this. His teams are very well coached. They will stunt a lot on the line, and they really show a lot of different pressures. We have to make sure we minimize our mistakes and capitalize on their which is very few and far between”. As many have found out in the 2022 season, Gladwin will be ready.
The Notre Dame Prep Fighting Irish have had much success in the 2022 season in their own right. The Irish come in at 5-1 on the year, the lone loss coming by just 3-points to an undefeated Clinton team. Since then, Prep has gone on to outscore their opponents 225-69 over a five-week span. They’re led by QB Jacob Tuttle who has accounted for 811 yards passing, 13 passing TD’s, 255 yards rushing, and 3 TD’s on the ground. Junior RB Zach Mylenek is one of the best on the ground in Division 5, and can get it done on the receiving end as well. Tuttles favorite target is Jeremy Gale who poses problems on the onside for defenses. Sophomore Drew Heimbuch is a force on the defensive side of the ball. Nathan Bloom and Landon Hehl are guys that will get after the QB. The Irish are a defense that can turn you over often if offenses aren’t careful with the ball, Joey DeCasas, Caden Husch, and Billy Collins lead the defense in that regard. To say that it’s a team that poses many problems is putting it lightly, they’ll look to leave Gladwin with nightmares of their own.
This will be a game that many in the state will have an eye on. Two teams that could potentially make deep runs in the State Playoffs. It will have the feel of a playoff game when Gladwin makes the long haul over to Pontiac where the Irish will be waiting. This monster showdown is slated to kickoff at 7:00 this Friday night at William Kozyra Alumni Field.
