My Most Anticipated OK-Red Matchups in 2022
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The 2022 scheduling process is nearly complete, and how we have a great idea of many of the enormous games being played in the Grand Rapids area. In each Ottawa-Kent division, we have amazing games happening week after week. It’s…
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Continue ReadingThe 2022 scheduling process is nearly complete, and how we have a great idea of many of the enormous games being played in the Grand Rapids area. In each Ottawa-Kent division, we have amazing games happening week after week. It’s a long way away from the 2022 season, but I can’t help but ponder the great competition that will be fielded.
Home/Away are not yet available for many contests.
Week 1 (Aug. 26 Weekend, Non-league games)
Hudsonville vs. Saline
Hudsonville has a massive 2022 class thus, they will be fielding a more inexperienced team. On the other hand, Saline will be fielding CJ Carr CJ Carr 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Saline | 2024 State MI , the #1 prospect in the 2024 class, and Dylan Mesman Dylan Mesman 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE Saline | 2024 State MI , the #1 TE in the class. This will be a great early test for Hudsonville, while Saline will be expected to have their talent on full display after a disappointing 1st-round playoff exit. It’s also interesting to note that Saline defeated Hudsonville 34-30 in 2021. I would bet on this game being played in Saline.
Grand Haven vs Reeths-Puffer
These are two teams trying to get a winning season together. Grand Haven is not happy with 3-6 and will rematch Reeths-Puffer after defeating them 16-8 in 2021. The most interesting aspect of this game for Grand Haven will be their youth and inexperience, and if any first-game jitters get to them. Reeths-Puffer, on the other hand, comes in with just-hired Head Coach Cody Kater and a relatively talented squad with RB Brody Johnson Brody Johnson 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB RP | 2024 State MI , FS Bryce Ross Bryce Ross 5'9" | 175 lbs | DB Reeths-Puffer | 2024 State MI , and others. Very interesting game on both ends.
Jenison vs. Forest Hills Central
Another rematch from 2021, Jenison comes in with lots of great young talent, while FH Central comes in with similar talent. On paper, both of these teams will be improved from last season, making for a great early gut check for both teams.
Week 2 (Sep. 2 Weekend, Non-League games)
Mona Shores @ Rockford
This is a huge one and one that I will likely attend. Both of these teams are powerhouses that have competed for state championships in the near past, and both teams will be fielding some amazing talent. Rockford comes in having won the OK-Red in 2021 and making a deep playoff run narrowly losing to Grand Blanc in the regional finals. Mona Shores on the other hand had a very uncharacteristic season being booted from the playoffs early, and fielding a younger team. There are many questions to be answered during this contest and I cannot wait to watch them all be answered. Pin this one on your calendar. Players to watch will include Dahmir Farnum Dahmir Farnum 5'9" | 190 lbs | RB Mona Shores | 2023 State MI , CJ Ivy CJ Ivy ATH Mona Shores | 2023 State MI , Sam Wahlberg Sam Wahlberg 5'10" | 225 lbs | OL Mona Shores | 2023 MI , Mac VandenHout Mac VandenHout 5'11" | 190 lbs | QB Rockford | 2023 State MI , Alex McLean Alex McLean 5'7" | 165 lbs | WR Rockford | 2023 State MI , and Rick Beison.
Caledonia vs North Farmington
I absolutely love when Grand Rapids area teams face off against the OAA teams I used to play against in High School. Caledonia has improved significantly under Head Coach Derek Pennington, and I expect them to be even better this coming season. QB Mason Mckenzie will play a big role in this one as I expect him to be significantly improved from last season. As for North Farmington, they were wildly inconsistent in the OAA White last season, though they retain lots of experienced athletes for 2022. QB Ryan Shelby Ryan Shelby QB North Farmington | 2024 State MI will be the X-Factor for the Raiders.
Week 3 (Sep. 9 weekend, Start of League Games)
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
These two teams were in the bottom half of the OK-Red last season, and they’ll both be craving an early league victory. East Kentwood fields an outstanding QB in Casey Joppie Casey Joppie 6'1" | 180 lbs | QB East Kentwood | 2024 State MI , and he’ll be the most important piece of this East Kentwood team. As for Grand Haven, they had trouble in close games last season, and this could be an opportunity to reverse that trend.
Grandville @ Hudsonville
It is a monumental game for both programs. Grandville turned it on at the end of 2021 fielding a young team, and they could be even more dangerous in 2022. As was said earlier, Hudsonville will be young in 2022 and this is one of those physical league matchups that may decide both team’s playoff fate.
Week 4 (Sep. 16)
Jenison @ East Kentwood
Another major game for two teams hoping to be more competitive in 2022.
Week 5 (Sep. 23)
Grandville @ Caledonia
Both teams could be significantly improved in 2022. I would not be surprised if both of these teams were in the top-3 in the league heading into this one. This matchup could decide the league at the end.
Week 6 (Sep. 30)
Grandville @ Rockford
2 of the last 3 matchups between these teams have been 2+overtime classics. These rivals will square off again this time in Rockford, a very tough place to play. This will have major playoff ramifications.
Week 7 (Oct. 7)
East Kentwood vs West Ottawa
Both teams may have a ton to prove in this matchup.
Week 8 (Oct. 14)
Grand Haven vs Grandville
This could be a big game for both teams. We’ll just have to see how the previous weeks play out.
Week 9 (Oct. 21)
Rockford @ Caledonia
This game could decide the OK-Red. In fact, I would bet on it. Rockford has been consistently elite for some time, while Caledonia is one of the fastest-rising teams in the state. Last season’s week 7 matchup ended up deciding the whole league, and the stakes will be significantly raised during the final week of the season with major playoff and league consequences.