Week 1 Grand Rapids Area Games of the Week
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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…
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Continue ReadingIT’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!
Grand Rapids Christian @ Grand Rapids South Christian
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.
Players to Watch: Jacob DeHaan, Eli Smith,
Alek Wickstrom
Alek
Wickstrom
5'11" | 155 lbs | QB
West Catholic | 2024
State
MI
,
Tyler Porte
Tyler
Porte
6'6" | 245 lbs | TE
Grand Rapids Christian | 2023
MI
Grand Haven @ Reeths-Puffer
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.
Players to Watch: Connor VanBeek,
Nolan Peckham
Nolan
Peckham
6'0" | 255 lbs | LS
Grand Haven | 2024
MI
,
Tayte Vanderleest
Tayte
Vanderleest
6'4" | 205 lbs | WR
Reeths-Puffer | 2023
State
MI
,
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
GR Ottawa Hills @ GR Union
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.
Players to Watch:
Tommy Stevens
Tommy
Stevens
5'8" | 175 lbs | QB
Grand Rapids Union | 2023
MI
,
Syncere Hobson
Syncere
Hobson
6'2" | 260 lbs | OL
Grand Rapids Union | 2026
MI
,
Robert Dedrick
Robert
Dedrick
5'10" | 210 lbs | LB
Grand Rapids Union | 2024
MI
, Antoine Mitchell Jr.
Mona Shores vs. Manitowoc Lincoln (WI)
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.
Players to Watch:
Dahmir Farnum
Dahmir
Farnum
5'9" | 190 lbs | RB
Mona Shores | 2023
State
MI
,
KeWaun Farnum
KeWaun
Farnum
5'9" | 170 lbs | ATH
Mona Shores | 2023
State
MI
,
Sam Wahlberg
Sam
Wahlberg
5'10" | 225 lbs | OL
Mona Shores | 2023
MI
, Gavin Lettenberger