Potential District Championship Gamebreakers

We are just days away from crowning the champions of district finals across the state. This week, I took an in-depth look at the four district championship games that feature matchups involving OK Conference teams and the athletes that have the ability and opportunity to be difference makers, AKA "game breakers." Let's dive in.   Division 1: Rockford (10-0) vs Caledonia (9-1)   Alex McClean, WR, Rockford 23”   One of the best overall matchups across the state this week features a rematch between two top-10-ranked teams in Division 1. Rockford has one of the best passing attacks in the state, led by senior quarterback Mc VandenHout. His go-to receiver all season has been fellow senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='232201' first='Alex' last='McLean'], who has nine touchdown receptions and two rushing scores on the season. Alex is one of the more dangerous slot receivers in the state due to his ability to create separation quickly. Caledonia will need to key in on Alex if they hope to exact revenge on the Rams.   Justice Reed, WR, Caledonia 23”   Caledonia's backfield duo of [player_tooltip player_id='407081' first='Mason' last='Mckenzie'] and Brock Townsend gets the majority of the recognition for the Scots' high-powered offense, and rightfully so. However, slot wideout Justice Reed has as much explosion as anyone on the field and has the benefit of the defense keying in on Townsend and McKenzie. Keep an eye on Justice as a guy who can change the course of the game on any given play.   Division 2: Forest Hills Central (10-0) vs Mona Shores (8-2)   [player_tooltip player_id='251945' first='Ty' last='Hudkins'], WR, FH Central 24”   Forest Hills Central wideout [player_tooltip player_id='251945' first='Ty' last='Hudkins'] has the second most receiving touchdowns in the entire OK Conference with nine scores this season. Simply put, he has been a matchup nightmare for every defensive back that he's lined up against. Ty has a great mix of speed, footwork, and body control, allowing him to create one-on-one opportunities on the outside for Forest Hills Central.   [player_tooltip player_id='243093' first='KeWaun' last='Farnum'], SB/DB, Mona Shores 23”   If Mona Shores hopes to make it back to Ford Field this season, [player_tooltip player_id='243089' first='Dahmir' last='Farnum'] will have a lot to do with it. Dahmir has been a leader for the Sailor's defense this season, and he will get a stiff test going up against [player_tooltip player_id='251945' first='Ty' last='Hudkins'] and the Ranger's offense. I'd expect Mona Shores to have multiple coverages to throw at Forest Hills Central, ultimately with KeWaun being the focal point of their defensive game plan.   Division 3: Muskegon (8-2) vs Coopersville (7-3)   Jakob Price, RB, Muskegon 24”   It seems like every week Jakob is filling the stat sheet with yet another 75+ yard run. He's pound-for-pound, one of the most explosive backs in the state, and one of the hardest to bring down in the open field once he gets to the second level. Coopersville will need to blanket Price if they hope to contain the Big Reds' attack.   Dylan Merlo, RB, Coopersville 23”   The Broncos have a well-seasoned weapon of their own in running back Dylan Merlo. Dylan has been a focal point of Ed Kaman's spread attack for the past several seasons and should get plenty of chances tonight against Muskegon. Whether its carries between the tackles or catching the ball in space, Coopersville will need a big game from Merlo to advance past the Big Reds.   Division 4: South Christian (10-0) vs Unity Christian (6-4)   Seth Ritsema, WR, South Christian 23”   South Christian is one of three undefeated teams remaining from the OK Conference, and much of that credit goes to the Sailor's passing attack. Seth Ritsema has stepped up as a possession receiver that has taken advantage of every opportunity given to him. Last week, he had three touchdowns to lead South Christian to a district semifinal win.   Dylan DeHoop, RB, Unity Christian 23”   The Crusaders graduated the majority of its ground game from last season's state finalist team, leaving Dylan DeHoop as Unity Christian's go-to back. If Unity pulls off the monumental upset, Dylan will need to break off a couple of big-time runs. Expect South Christian to try to bottle him up early and often.

We are just days away from crowning the champions of district finals across the state. This week, I took an in-depth look at the four district championship games that feature matchups involving OK Conference teams and the athletes that have the ability and opportunity to be difference makers, AKA "game breakers." Let's dive in.