2023 Preview | Muskegon Big Reds

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your subscription by using Pallone30 in the coupon code area!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Football season is just around the corner, and that means it's team preview time! Over the next month, we'll be previewing many teams throughout Michigan. This summer, we'll go more in-depth on these teams than ever. For our next Preview, we look at my personal Division 3 State Championship Favorite, Muskegon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Muskegon Big Reds</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you know Michigan High School Football, you know Muskegon. The Big Reds are a truly legendary football school. Muskegon is the winningest High School Football Team of all time in Michigan and the 7th winningest program in the Nation, with an 888-287-43 record. With multiple legendary coaches, NFL alumni, and countless State Championships, The Big Reds are eyeing another trip to Ford Field this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season was a rollercoaster for the Big Reds. They began their season with an extremely close victory against East Kentwood- who proved to have a bit of a bounceback season themselves. The next week, they traveled all the way to Warren to face off against the goliath that is De La Salle. This proved to be a major learning experience, as Muskegon fell to DLS 49-16 in what would prove to be their biggest point-differential loss of the season. Reeths-Puffer came in and proved to be a gritty team, though Muskegon still came out on top. Week 4 against Zeeland East was an expected victory before a heartbreaking 38-36 loss against Zeeland West. The Zeeland West loss proved to be a major turning point in the Big Reds season. After this loss, Muskegon went on to dominate their final four games of the regular season, which included a 55-35 win against Rival Mona Shores. The postseason came around, and Muskegon did what they do best. They made it look easy in the first two rounds, winning both games by a combined score of 104-23. The Regional Finals was another pivotal point in the season, as they marked their revenge against Zeeland West. In the Semifinals, Muskegon out-physicaled DeWitt in a blizzard with a dominating 49-21 performance. Moving onto the State Championship, Muskegon fell to Detroit King 56-27 in what was a Championship full of fireworks. Although they didn't raise the trophy last season, The Big Reds look to be one of the favorites this season, as they retain several key players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heading into 2023, Muskegon has what I'd call the highest-ceiling offense in all of Michigan. In addition, there's no doubt in my mind that Muskegon will have the best offensive line in Michigan, alongside the most electric QB/RB/SB Trio in the state. They also have a few receivers that the coaching staff are quite excited about. On the defensive front, this is where a few holes may show. Their front 7 will be solid and will have a few great players. Same with the defensive backs- but there currently aren't D1 standouts like there are on the offensive side of the ball. Like last season, the only way Muskegon is losing will be in a shootout. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2022 Recap</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 1 (H) - Defeated East Kentwood 20-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 2 (A) - Lost to De La Salle 49-16</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 3 (H) - Defeated Reeths-Puffer 28-20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 4 (A) - Defeated Zeeland East 41-19</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 5 (H) - Lost to Zeeland West 38-36</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 6 (A) - Defeated GR Union 43-20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 7 (H) - Defeated Wyoming 62-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 8 - Holland Forfeit </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 9 (H) - Defeated Mona Shores 55-35</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pre-Districts - Defeated Sparta 64-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Districts - Defeated Coopersville 40-14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Regionals - Defeated Zeeland West 27-20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Semifinals - Defeated DeWitt 49-21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championship - Lost to Detroit King 56-27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses Due to Graduation</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kingston Blackmon - Defensive Back</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amariyan Glover - Defensive Back</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>D'Andre Hudgins - Offensive Tackle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Impact Players</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["253304"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The face of Muskegon's offense is Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='253304' first='M'khi' last='Guy']. Part of the three-headed monster that includes Guy, [player_tooltip player_id='253303' first='Destin' last='Piggee'], and Jakob Price, this group will be a mismatch nightmare. Guy in particular will be an integral part of the offense. I'm not worried about the run game, as Muskegon's O-Line alongside the stellar play design Muskegon has will allow them to do whatever they want against most teams. If Muskegon can level up when it comes to the passing game, it's all over. I'm looking for M'Khi to have a bit more consistency when it comes to passing the ball. Although Muskegon won't do it much, there may be key moments in key games where they'll have to pass the football.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["602233"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"I could have chosen any offensive lineman for this, though I'm choosing Muskegon's most well-known rising star on the O-Line. Last season, Wynn showed significant improvements throughout the season. He faced several top defensive linemen throughout the season. He took his lumps at times during the regular-season, but in the postseason, there was noticeable improvement. This offseason, there was even more improvement, and with that came a Toledo Offer.rnN-Kye right now looks like the player with the highest ceiling on this team. His measurables are off the charts, and he's playing for a OL Coach and a team that has produced multiple NFL players. If N-Kye continues improving, he'll be a Power 5 prospect.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["740721"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"A bit of a wildcard, Stanley has the potential to be one of the biggest surprises of this season. As a defensive end last season, Stanley showed a ton of promise and looked like a potential D1 prospect at a DE. Seriously- Stanley has some legit film against a few top teams.rnThis season, Stanley is making a switch to TE. He's got the height and the athletic potential, though I expect this position switch to come with a few bumps in the road. While watching him about a month ago, he looked fine, but his route-running and hands need some work. Whatever Stanley plays this season, he has the potential to be an absolute game-wrecker.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64c2da91ade15"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Key Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='253307' first='Miguel' last='Botello'] | Offensive Guard </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='253306' first='Karl' last='Brooks'] | Offensive Guard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recarder Kitchen | Offensive Tackle </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Terrance Davis | Defensive End </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='253308' first='Chris' last='Jones'] | Defensive Tackle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(And many others!) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2023 Schedule / Pivotal Matchups</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aug. 25 vs. Rockford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rockford serves as a phenomenal early-season measuring stick game. The Rams consistently sport one of the best defenses in all of West Michigan, and this year is no different. Muskegon will be tested against a great front 7 with a few stars in the defensive backfield. Rockford's offense will test Muskegon's young secondary and serve as a great physical test for those 1st-year Varsity players. If I had to choose a winner, I'd pick Muskegon, though this is far from an easy W. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sep. 1 vs. De La Salle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An extremely intriguing rematch that also serves as a potential State Championship Preview. On one hand, Muskegon lost to DLS handily last season, though DLS loses a few extremely significant pieces, while Muskegon retains most key players. On the DLS side, they have a few starting debuts of legit Division 1 prospects. This will be a great game, with the playing field being a bit more level than last season, though I would be extremely impressed if Muskegon won this game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sep. 8 vs. Holland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sep. 15 @ Mona Shores</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kicking off high-league league play will be against crosstown rival Mona Shores. The Sailors return some key players, including a rising star QB and some great Front 7 players. This is a great matchup year after year, and this year will produce some fireworks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sep. 22 @ Reeths-Puffer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sep. 29 vs. Zeeland East</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oct. 6 @ Zeeland West </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zeeland West proved to be the most even matchup of last season. A super well-coached and disciplined team, The Dux themselves believe they are an open state championship window. On paper, Muskegon is the better team, but Zeeland West will be out to win the league and knock the Big Reds out of the postseason. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 13 vs. Union</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oct. 20 @ Wyoming</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">X-Factor: Secondary </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Muskegon's secondary may make or break the season. Against teams like Rockford, De La Salle, Mona Shores, and in the postseason, Muskegon's secondary will be tested. Last season, Muskegon was picked apart by a few future Division 1 Quarterbacks, which also served as their biggest losses. Returning to Division 2, Muskegon will face even more high-powered passing offenses. It is a must that Muskegon's secondary is ready to face multiple College-ready receivers and QBs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts + Season Prediction </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Muskegon heads into 2023 as a top team in a stacked Division 2. With other teams such as De La Salle, Mona Shores, Caledonia, Groves, Traverse City Central, and others as potential postseason opponents, a State Title run is an extreme challenge. Still, with Musekgon's current roster, I firmly believe they're the #2 team in Division 2 behind De La Salle. I believe this team's ceiling to be as high as any and the floor to be quite low, considering who they could face early in the postseason. There is a chance that Muskegon starts out slow with their grueling first-half schedule, though this is a sure-fire playoff team that lives for the postseason. I ultimately can't wait to see what Muskegon is able to do this season! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Floor: 6-4, Pre-districts loss to Caledonia </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ceiling: 14-0, State Championship Victory</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: 12-2, State Championship Loss to De La Salle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->