Team Preview: Spring Lake

<strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Overview</span></strong> Spring Lake is coming off a decent 2020 season going 4-2 in league play earning 3rd in the OK-Blue behind West Catholic and Unity Christian. The Lakers could have a breakout year, having narrowly lost to West Catholic 14-12 last year with key wins against Allendale and their crosstown rival, Fruitport. Under 5th-year coach Dan Start, Spring Lake has improved every year under his leadership and I predict they’re only going to get better. Spring Lake is one of the most up-and-coming High School Football programs in West Michigan and I’m excited to see what they accomplish this season and beyond. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Schedule/Games to watch </strong></span> August 26 @ Orchard View September 2 vs Zeeland East September 10 vs Holland Christian <strong>September 17 @ Fruitport</strong> The crosstown rivalry returns with Spring Lake dominating the past few seasons. Although Spring Lake will be heavily favored, anything can happen in a rivalry game, especially that it’s @ Fruitport. As long as Spring Lake can limit turnovers and play sound team football, the Lakers have a great chance of having a sweet bus ride home. September 24 @ Hamilton October 1 vs Unity Christian October 8 vs Coopersville <strong>October 15 @ West Catholic </strong> Last season, Spring Lake nearly took down the titan that is West Catholic in a heartbreaking 14-12 loss. I see both teams improving their overall rosters in 2021, so it’s going to be interesting to see if Spring Lake can leap forward enough to upset West Catholic and make a legitimate run for the league title. <strong>October 22 vs Allendale</strong> Last year’s matchup was an absolute shootout with Spring Lake coming out on top 38-36. The high-powered Allendale offense will again look to light up the Laker’s defense in upset fashion to close out the season. This matchup may also hold heavy playoff implications for both teams, as I could see both teams needing a victory here to solidify a spot in the playoffs. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Players to watch </strong></span> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13367148/Alex-Lee">Alex Lee</a>, RB - With the departure of ’20 standout [player_tooltip player_id="80866" first="Steve" last="Ready"], Alex Lee has some big shoes to fill at the running back position. Lee shows nice speed and good vision, showing the ability to find holes and run downfield for a few extra yards. Lee was also used a bit in the blocking and passing game, which makes me curious about what other things he could accomplish for ’21 as the presumed #1 back for the Lakers. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10413044/Ty-French">Ty French</a>, OLB - Playing more as an edge rusher, French plays as a smart run-stuffing backer. French does his job and does it well, setting the edge and constantly forcing runners to cut inside. The defensive sets that Spring Lake runs set French up for success, often confusing opposing offensive lines making a clear lane for French to penetrate. If French can improve his block shedding, as well as be quicker and more decisive in pass reads, he can be a true leader for the Laker’s defense. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11554308/Brodie-Lightfoot">Brodie Lightfoot</a>, DB/OLB - A transfer from Texas, Brodie Lightfoot looks to utilize his coverage and run-stuffing abilities. Lightfoot is a bit of a mystery, but had a solid season down in Texas and is undoubtedly looking to be a vital asset at Spring Lake, but the question is how exactly he’ll be utilized in the defense, or even perhaps offense. Look for Lightfoot to have a great year in whatever role he may be in. <strong>X-Factor: Do your job</strong> Spring Lake is a team that needs to play sound, unselfish, fundamental football to succeed. Without huge standout college talent, Spring Lake doesn’t have stars to lean on, which of course has its pros and cons. I have a good feeling about this team as they’ve improved every season since Dan Start took over in 2016, and I’m very intrigued about the future of this program this season and beyond.