Week 1 Grand Rapids Area Games of the Week

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>IT'S WEEK 1!!!!! Apologies for the unprofessional writing, but oh my gosh, we're less than 4 days away from Varsity kickoff. To celebrate, you know I've got to bring back Games of the Week. High School Football in the Grand Rapids area has always been huge, with packed houses and lots of local media attention (more than the East Side!). We all love our football here in GR, and today I'll outline 5 matchups I'm most excited for! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Grand Rapids Christian @ Grand Rapids South Christian </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I already know this is going to be an under-the-radar matchup. These are two programs that have been sneakily and consistently strong over the past few years. These two teams were 2021 playoff teams, and both, on paper, should be improved from last season. South Christian took the cake last season with a 24-7 victory, but I still think this will be one of the best games of the week.<br>Players to Watch: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13202283">Jacob DeHaan</a>, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10013574">Eli Smith</a>, [player_tooltip player_id='207193' first='Alek' last='Wickstrom'], [player_tooltip player_id='362792' first='Tyler' last='Porte']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Grand Haven @ Reeths-Puffer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is an exciting matchup showcasing two programs attempting to close the gap. Last season, both teams had their fair share of close games and embarrassing blowouts, but new talent with both programs plus a new Head Coach at RP makes for an exciting matchup. Last season, Grand Haven came out on top 16-8. <br>Players to Watch: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15046321">Connor VanBeek</a>, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13461210">[player_tooltip player_id='253256' first='Nolan' last='Peckham']</a>, [player_tooltip player_id='407083' first='Tayte' last='Vanderleest'], [player_tooltip player_id='253315' first='Brody' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='253314' first='Bryce' last='Ross']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>GR Ottawa Hills @ GR Union</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A classic inner-city rivalry, Ottawa Hills and Union face off at Historic Houseman Field with a ton on the line. First and foremost, bragging rights. These two programs haven't been the most prestigious as of late, but Union is a team that looks to be putting things together. If Union can win two straight against their rivals, the bragging rights would be insane. In addition to bragging rights, GRPS is a district that allows students to choose where they'd like to play sports (Union or Ottawa Hills) so you better bet this means a ton for the reputation of both programs and to the middle school talent watching, choosing where to play. <br><strong>Players to Watch:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='290737' first='Tommy' last='Stevens'], [player_tooltip player_id='329551' first='Syncere' last='Hobson'], [player_tooltip player_id='253311' first='Robert' last='Dedrick'], <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13438908">Antoine Mitchell Jr.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Mona Shores vs. Manitowoc Lincoln (WI)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a unique matchup that both teams have had on their calendar for quite some time. Looking at both rosters, I think Mona Shores is going to make Manitowoc wish they hadn't made the trip out, but all in all, this will be a unique opportunity to watch two very different teams from across Lake Michigan face off. <br><strong>Players to Watch: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='243089' first='Dahmir' last='Farnum'], [player_tooltip player_id='243093' first='KeWaun' last='Farnum'], [player_tooltip player_id='243090' first='Sam' last='Wahlberg'], <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15037324">Gavin Lettenberger</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->