Ceiling and Floor: OK-Green
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The OK-Green is an incredible league that sports a ton of talent. I’ve already predicted this league, but I can’t help but go further in covering it. I believe we have two teams who are state-championship contenders and six teams…
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Continue ReadingThe OK-Green is an incredible league that sports a ton of talent. I’ve already predicted this league, but I can’t help but go further in covering it. I believe we have two teams who are state-championship contenders and six teams who could make the postseason. Now I’ll give my ceiling and floors for the OK-Green!
Muskegon
Ceiling: 15-0 (State Championship)
Floor: 5-4 (1st-round Playoff Exit)
Muskegon has the best shot to win the league, and with their roster, perhaps the best shot out of any West Michigan team to win the DIII State Championship. Last year was a “down year” for Muskegon, as they were upset by Cedar Springs in the playoffs, though I see them going much further this time around. With very tough games against De La Salle and Mona Shores, the Big Reds are more than likely to have a loss or two heading into the postseason, but I do expect them to come in with high seeding. Though 5-4 is a bit outrageous to think, if their prominent up-and-coming athletes don’t step up, there could be some upsets at hand.
X-Factor Players: Destin Piggee Destin Piggee 5'6" | 160 lbs | ATH Muskegon | 2024 State MI , Jake Price Jake Price 5'6" | 175 lbs | RB Muskegon | 2024 State MI , Kingston Blackmon Kingston Blackmon 5'6" | 160 lbs | DB Muskegon | 2023 MI , Amariyan Glover Amariyan Glover 5'9" | 160 lbs | WR Muskegon | 2023 MI , M"Khi Guy, Karl Brooks Karl Brooks 6'4" | 345 lbs | OL Muskegon | 2024 State MI , Miguel Botello Miguel Botello 6'4" | 300 lbs | OL Muskegon | 2024 State MI
Mona Shores
Ceiling: 14-1 (State Championship Loss)
Floor: 5-4 (1st-round Playoff Exit)
This is a big-time elite program with a winning culture and an elite coaching staff. Mona Shores retains a ton of talent, though, on paper, they have a slightly inferior roster to Muskegon. Regardless, Mona Shores could win this league and go back to Ford Field. Though, I find it hard to see them defeating a team like De La Salle in the state championship. As for their floor, they have some challenging games against Rockford and Muskegon, plus let’s not forget the battle Union put up last season.
X-Factor Players: Sam Wahlberg Sam Wahlberg 5'10" | 225 lbs | OL Mona Shores | 2023 MI , Dahmir Farnum Dahmir Farnum 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB Mona Shores | 2023 State MI , CJ Ivy CJ Ivy ATH Mona Shores | 2023 State MI , Jaylen Vinton, KeWaun Farnum KeWaun Farnum 5'9" | 170 lbs | ATH Mona Shores | 2023 State MI , Luke Emmons Luke Emmons 6'3" | 300 lbs | OL Mona Shores | 2024 State MI
Zeeland West
Ceiling: 11-2 (Regional Playoff Exit)
Floor: 4-7
The Dux are a consistently great team, but it’s been a few years since they’ve been elite. At their ceiling, they could steal a win against Muskegon or Mona Shores and make a playoff run, but at their floor, they could be a team that falls off. Without huge internal losses such as a coaching change, I expect the Dux to be a great team.
X-Factor Players: Skyler Geurink
Grand Rapids Union
Ceiling: 8-3 (Divisional Playoff Exit)
Floor: 2-7
This is a very high ceiling and low floor for Union. Last season, there were times when they looked incredible (1st half vs. Mona Shores), while at other times, they looked rough (vs. Wyoming). What I hope to see this next season is a leap forward, just like what we saw last season. It’s awe-inspiring what Don Fellows has been able to accomplish so far at Union, and since they’re a Division 1 school, the potential is there for a great team.
X-Factor Players: Robert Dedrick Robert Dedrick 5'10" | 210 lbs | LB Grand Rapids Union | 2024 MI , Romulus Flowers, Kaharri Caldwell Kaharri Caldwell 6'4" | 250 lbs | OL Grand Rapids Union | 2024 State MI , Tommy Stevens
Zeeland East
Ceiling: 7-3 (1st-round Playoff Exit)
Floor: 2-7
After the Chix significant coaching changes, it’s been tough sledding. After a 5-5 season in 2021, plus with me not knowing many players, I’m unsure what to expect from this team. They’ve been great before, and they could be pretty good if they come out of the blocks fast.
Reeths-Puffer
Ceiling: 5-5 (1st-round Playoff Exit)
Floor: 2-7
Reeths-Puffer has got their guy, and that is Cody Kater. If RP wants to play with the big boys, this hire needs to be a hit, and the results may not show for a few years. This team has some good talent, and I wouldn’t count them out of many games, though it’s always a demanding schedule in the OK-Green. This is a bit of a narrower ceiling-floor, but I’m confident in that assessment.
X-Factor Players: Tayte Vanderleest, Brody Johnson Brody Johnson 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB RP | 2024 State MI , Bryce Ross Bryce Ross 5'9" | 175 lbs | DB Reeths-Puffer | 2024 State MI
Wyoming
Ceiling: 2-7
Floor: 0-9
This team needs some change to compete in the Green, and I’m not sure what that change is. Wyoming has some guys, but the whole team needs to put something together.
X-Factor Players: Bernie Varnesdeel, Jase King, Tyler Frick
Holland
Ceiling: 2-7
Floor: 0-9
Holland Football has been in a lull, and I don’t see them winning many games in 2022. Like Wyoming, they have some guys, but they need to bring it all together somehow.
X-Factor Players: Poe Fillmore, Donal Morin