By Randy Gregory,  Michigan Sports Radio

Photo by Miles Postema

 

After disposing of highly rated Detroit Cass Tech in their season opener, Rockford moves on to their next big challenge when they host the Muskegon Big Reds on Friday, September 6 at 7:00 P.M. Rockford emerged with a thrilling 30-23 victory in their opener while the defending state champion Big Reds suffered a surprising 28-13 loss to Zeeland West in their opener at home. The two behemoths of Michigan high school football have met 11 times over the years with Rockford holding a narrow 6-5 edge in those contests. Last year the Rams jumped out to a 27-0 lead before finishing the contest on top by the score of 27-7. Muskegon also lost their second game last year to Warren DeLaSalle but then ran off 12 consecutive wins to claim the state crown in Division 2. Ironically the championship tilt was also against DeLaSalle as the Big Reds overcame a 21-7 halftime deficit to emerge victorious by the count of 33-21.

 

Muskegon lost all of their skill players last year amongst also losing seven three-year starters. The only two returning starters are Division 1 recruits in linemen N’Kye Wynn (Rutgers) and Jim Harris (Virginia). They were able to get a key transfer though when North Muskegon quarterback James Young made the move to Muskegon. Young was a First Team All State selection who threw for 33 touchdowns against only eight interceptions while racking up 2623 yards.

 

The picture is much rosier on the defensive side of the ball as Muskegon returns six starters. Two on the defensive line, two linebackers and a pair of defensive backs are part of an experienced Big Red defense. Muskegon features a trio of expected Division 1 commits headlined by linebackers Darekeo Speech and Adrian Rankin JR. They are joined by highly regarded sophomore Recarder Kitchen on the defensive line where he will be joined by Robert Mills. The two returning defensive backs are Mhakai Lenox-Brooks and Lyn Wilson III.

 

If history is any indication, it will be a close, hard-hitting contest that will be decided late as these two fine teams take to the gridiron. Another huge crowd will almost certainly be in attendance so make your plans to get there early on what preliminarily looks to be an unseasonably cool evening.