Week 5 OK-Conference Games of the Week

This season is flying by WAY too fast, and it needs to slow down. Anyways, it's week 5, and we have a few insanely good league matchups. Two in the OK-Red and two in the OK-Green, to be precise. So without further note, let's go over the 4 games to watch in the Ottawa-Kent conference!   Rockford @ East Kentwood   This has the potential to be the game of the week. These are two historically great programs and two programs already with amazing wins on their resume.   Rockford is no stranger to the bright lights, especially over these past couple of years. The Rams find a way to win game after game and year after year- this is a program that never rebuilds but reloads. More specifically, [player_tooltip player_id='232200' first='Mac' last='VandenHout'] at QB is going better than I could have ever imagined. He has 862 yards and 13 passing TDs through 3 games, and he likely would have broken the 1000 mark if Grand Haven didn't have to forfeit last week's match. (In comparison, 2021 All-State Rockford QB Zak Ahern had 563 yards over his first 4 games last season). In addition to Mac, [player_tooltip player_id='232201' first='Alex' last='McLean'] is lights-out, while [player_tooltip player_id='286467' first='Brody' last='Thompson'] has surprised many people. Also, Rockford has an amazing defense led by [player_tooltip player_id='394475' first='Rick' last='Beison'], [player_tooltip player_id='232202' first='Tyler' last='Hoek'], and others.   On the other side, East Kentwood has been extremely impressive this season after going 2-7 last season. Their marquee win is against Brother Rice, who just defeated one of, if not the most talented team in the state in De La Salle. They also suffered a week 1 loss against a strong Muskegon team, and they currently stand at 3-1. I haven't been able to find many stats for this team, but it's safe to say that this team is led by figures like [player_tooltip player_id='241629' first='Casey' last='Joppie'], Corey Mitchell, and Nathan Cobbs.   Caledonia @ Grandville   These are two GREAT 4-0 teams, and whoever wins this one will likely play Rockford to decide the OK-Red.   Grandville fielded a generally inexperienced team last season, but that means this year's team is experienced and hungry. The Bulldogs have won every game by at least two possessions, and they run the T-Wing better than any team in the state right now. This team is led by Carson Smith, Tyson Mann, Cash Ruff, [player_tooltip player_id='206418' first='Jayden' last='Terry'], and others. It's notable that [player_tooltip player_id='206418' first='Jayden' last='Terry'] is just a freshman, and he's one of the most electric freshmen in the state.   Caledonia turned heads last season, and with their returning talent, they're heavily regarded as one of the best teams in West Michigan and the favorites to win the OK-Red. [player_tooltip player_id='407081' first='Mason' last='Mckenzie'] has been lights-out and is one of the best QBs in the state, while Derek Pennington and Brock Townsend are other true leaders of this team. Caledonia has absolutely demolished everybody they've played.   Zeeland West @ Muskegon   This is another gargantuan league matchup that could decide the fate of the OK-Green.   The Dux always seem to be sneaky good. Maybe not always as in the limelight as Muskegon or Mona Shores, the Dux have less of a media/hudl presence, but boy, do they always field great teams. Speed is the name of the game this season, and that's what playmakers Skyler Geurink, Trevor Wallar, and Parker Holman have. The Dux have been absolutely dominant, outscoring their opponents 188-15 so far this season.   Muskegon has state-championship potential, but they've gotten off to a slower start than I had expected. They have a great win against East Kentwood, an expected loss against De La Salle, and surprisingly closer-than-expected games against Reeths-Puffer and Zeeland East. This game will be a true measuring-stick game for the Big Reds. Jakob Price and [player_tooltip player_id='253303' first='Destin' last='Piggee'] are two electric, dynamic playmakers, while [player_tooltip player_id='253307' first='Miguel' last='Botello'], [player_tooltip player_id='253306' first='Karl' last='Brooks'], and D'Andre Hudgins round out an elite offensive line.   Union @ Mona Shores   A quickly-rising program vs. an established powerhouse.   I'm a big fan of Union football because they were once a bottom feeder lucky to win 1 game each season, and now they're in the playoff mix in one of the most difficult leagues in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='290737' first='Tommy' last='Stevens'] is an electric QB to watch, while [player_tooltip player_id='329551' first='Syncere' last='Hobson'] is among the best young linemen in the state. The receiving core could use some work, but Jersey Brown showed out for them last week. On defense, Robbie Dedrick and Keith Griffin are good pieces and they'll both be returning next season. I expect them to battle hard against Mona Shores.   Mona Shores. Every time I watch this team, I'm impressed by their discipline and athleticism. This is a great team with some of the most experienced coaches in Michigan. [player_tooltip player_id='243089' first='Dahmir' last='Farnum'] is a menace in the open field, and he has a good line with [player_tooltip player_id='243090' first='Sam' last='Wahlberg'] leading the charge. The passing offense leaves a little to be desired, but that's the only area I can think of that isn't great or elite. This is a team that is eyeing a state championship.

This season is flying by WAY too fast, and it needs to slow down. Anyways, it's week 5, and we have a few insanely good league matchups. Two in the OK-Red and two in the OK-Green, to be precise. So without further note, let's go over the 4 games to watch in the Ottawa-Kent conference!