Grand Rapids area District Finals Matchups to Watch
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We’re here in the 2nd round of the playoffs with 16 teams remaining in each division fighting for a spot in the regional finals, plus a shiny MHSAA trophy. We saw many great games in the Grand Rapids area during…
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Continue ReadingWe’re here in the 2nd round of the playoffs with 16 teams remaining in each division fighting for a spot in the regional finals, plus a shiny MHSAA trophy. We saw many great games in the Grand Rapids area during the district semifinals, and we have an even better slate of matchups this week. Check out the best Grand Rapids area games to follow during the district finals.
Games to Watch
Grandville @ Rockford (D1) – Grandville has had this one pinned on their greaseboard for quite some time. These two teams faced off in last year’s playoffs, and Rockford won that game in 3OT. They also met up during week 4 of this season, and Rockford won that one in 2OT. Needless to say, the Bulldogs are going to come out motivated and ready to kick the #1 ranked Rams to the curb this Friday. This is not to count Rockford out, as they deserve the #1 ranking in Division 1, though they seem to struggle against the T-Wing offense that Grandville brings out.
Players to watch – Zak Ahern Zak Ahern 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Rockford | 2022 State MI , Kade Kostus Kade Kostus 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Rockford | 2022 State MI , Alex McLean, Jackson Buckler Jackson Buckler 6'5" | 290 lbs | OL Grandville | 2022 MI , Luke DeHaan, Carlos Alvarado
Mona Shores @ Caledonia (D2) – Perhaps I shouldn’t doubt defending state champion Mona Shores, but this time I truly think this is going to be a close game (I promise, maybe). Mona Shores surprised everyone last week with a statement 31-7 blowout against Forest Hills Central, and they come in with experience and momentum. As for Caledonia, they have a great resume defeating some great teams such as Byron Center and Grandville, while their only loss was to #1 Rockford 17-14. This matchup is one that I will be keeping a close eye on.
Players to watch – Dahmir Farnum, DJ Caviness, Mark Konecny Mark Konecny 6'0" | 190 lbs | QB Mona Shores | 2022 MI , Andrew DeVries Andrew DeVries 6'2" | 270 lbs | OL Zeeland East | 2022 State MI , Mason McKenzie, Caleb Paarlberg
South Christian @ Hastings (D3) – It’s hard to concretely predict this matchup since there are few common opponents, and both teams are in very different conferences, though I have a feeling this one is going to be great. Both squads are coming in with similarly high PPG’s and both teams have a winning tradition. Should be very interesting to see the result of this one.
Players to watch – Evan Roedema, Sam DeHaan, Jake Vermaas, Daniel Harp, Owen Winegar, Collin Fouty
Oakridge @ Tri-County (D5) – I’ll be heading to Tri-County High School to watch this one. No better small-town game to watch this week, as this matchup looks to be a shootout between two great offenses. Overall I’m just excited to cover a great game with two teams that I haven’t gotten the opportunity to look very closely at.
Players to watch – Ethan Jozsa, Derek Driscoll Derek Driscoll 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Oakridge | 2022 MI , Kimball Hanks, Tyler Tompkins, Nate Lovell, Mikey Stout
West Catholic @ Catholic Central (D5) – A massive showcase of talent in this one as two elite programs face off against one another. I’ve talked extensively about West Catholic throughout the season, as they’re an elite program that’s incredibly well-coached with a great winning culture. If anyone is going to defeat Catholic Central, it’s West Catholic. On the other side is the titan Catholic Central. Housing one of the great Michigan prospects, Notre Dame commit Nolan Ziegler Nolan Ziegler 6'4" | 205 lbs | DB Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022 State MI , Catholic Central looks to 3-peat in the state championship. In addition, Catholic Central hasn’t lost a game since September 7, 2019, and they look to continue that incredible streak.
Players to watch – Nolan Ziegler Nolan Ziegler 6'4" | 205 lbs | DB Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022 State MI , Joe Mullett, Joey Silveri Joey Silveri 6'1" | 200 lbs | QB Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022 MI , Timmy Kloska Timmy Kloska 6'0" | 220 lbs | RB Grand Rapids West Catholic | 2023 State MI , Kyle Kloska Kyle Kloska 6'2" | 295 lbs | OL Grand Rapids West Catholic | 2022 MI , Noah Arsulowicz