I’m starting to think this whole prediction thing isn’t for me.
After making a few glaring errors in our preseason prediction show, I followed it up with some pretty horrific picks in Week 2, going 7-9 overall.
But for some reason, someone decided to give this favorite fat face a second (and perhaps last) chance,
Let the record show I’m a little distracted this week, because my alma mater Grand Valley State hopes to euthanize the Bulldogs from Ferris this weekend. If my picks don’t go right, I’ve got that excuse ready to use. Also let the record show, I’ll take my Lakers by 10 over Tony Annese.
As we near the end of the regular season, it’s interesting to see where conference races and playoff hopes currently sit.
It looks like the Muskegon Big Reds are going to cruise to an O-K Green conference title after stomping rival Mona Shores in the second half last week.
In the West Michigan Conference, Montague with a win on Friday night would clinch its second straight title. But in the words of Lee Corso on ESPN’s College Gameday, “Not so fast my friend”. If Whitehall defeats Montague on Friday, and Oakridge beats Ravenna, the Wildcats, Vikings and Eagles would share the championship.
As far as playoffs, the local teams that are currently in the postseason picture headed into Week 8 are Mona Shores, Muskegon, Fruitport, Spring Lake, Whitehall, Oakridge, Montague, Muskegon Catholic, Ravenna, Muskegon Heights and Holton.
Now let’s see who I expect to win in Week 8:
[1]Fremont (1-6) at REED CITY (6-1) – While the Packers seem to be Improved, and picked up a win over Chippewa Hills last week, this is a big ask for Fremont. Reed City currently sits in first place in the CSAA Gold Division and won’t have much trouble.
FRUITPORT (3-4) at Allendale (3-4) – The Trojans have a chance to pick up a much-needed win, because they will face undefeated Hudsonville Unity Christian in the last week of the regular season. Fruitport needs all the points it can get to seal a playoff spot, so a win on Friday is pretty necessary.
GRAND HAVEN (3-4) at East Kentwood (1-6) – Grand Haven has had an up-and-down season with a 3-4 overall record. The Bucs started 3-1 but have lost three straight. I expect Grand Haven to get back to it winning ways on the road on Friday.
MANISTEE (4-3) at Hesperia (0-7) – The Panthers are in the process of a rebuild. Unfortunately for them, Manistee won’t be kind enough to provide building blocks.
Shelby (0-7) at HART (2-5) – The Hart football team has been an interesting story this season. They’ve shown improvement and fight. That’ll continue with a rivalry victory.
Hartford (0-7) at KENT CITY (4-2) – Hartford hasn’t scored a single point all season. Kent City, a bubble playoff team, will post a dominant victory.
MORLEY-STANWOOD (5-2) at Ludington (2-5) – The Orioles are another team that’s had bright moments and not-so-great moments. Morley-Stanwood is the top team in its conference and I expect the Mohawks to handle Ludington.
NORTH MUSKEGON (2-5) at Mason County Central (1-4) – The Norse need a win. This is the perfect spot on their schedule to get a victory and feel good about what the program can be next year with the expansion of the West Michigan Conference.
MONA SHORES (5-2) at Holland (1-6) – I expect the Sailors to be hungry for some vengeance following a tough loss at home to the Big Reds last week. Holland may want to start the clock before Mona Shores even gets off the bus on Friday.
Montague (6-1) at WHITEHALL (6-1) – Whitehall was my preseason pick to win the West Michigan Conference. The Vikings have only surrendered a total of six points in five weeks. Montague will be tested, and I think the Wildcats may just struggle a tad being on the road. This will come down to the final seconds and I’ll take the better defense.
MUSKEGON (6-1) at Reeths-Puffer (3-4) – The Big Reds may have been overlooked following their loss to Cass Tech. But I think Muskegon may have re-opened some eyes with a throttling of the Sailors. Reeths-Puffer isn’t at the top conference level and will get running-clocked as the Rockets continue to build their program.
Centreville (6-1) at MUSKEGON CATHOLIC (6-1) – The Crusaders have a fast and experienced defense. I think home field advantage will give the Crusaders a slight edge over a very good Centreville squad.
Ravenna (5-2) at OAKRIDGE (6-1) – Ravenna has attempted to play spoiler a few times this season, but came up short. I think the Bulldogs may keep it close against the Eagles, but Oakridge at home is almost unbeatable at times. Give me Oakridge by 10.
Spring Lake (6-1) at GR WEST CATHOLIC (6-1) – The Spring Lake offense has been tested with multiple injuries at running back. But the Lakers responded with a big win over Coopersville last week, to the surprise of some. West Catholic is a different animal, however, and may show the Lakers they’re just a step below.
MUSKEGON HEIGHTS (5-2) at Carson City-Crystal (6-1) – The Tigers have been one of the best stories in 2021. They may earn home field advantage throughout the playoffs if things continue to go right. I’ll take the Tigers to continue their storybook season.