PREP GRIDIRON PICKS, WEEK 9

There are a lot of things I love about the high school football season.

I love the chance to see some really great athletes compete against each other, and seeing the transition from summer to fall on Friday (and some Thursday) nights. I love covering unexpected success stories, great rivalries and classic games.

But there is one thing I don’t like — it just goes by too damn fast. I mean, how is it Week 9 already?!

It seems like just days ago I was prepping for my Thursday night opener at Fruitport, when the Trojans dominated Kenowa Hills. In the blink of an eye, I’m gearing up for a Week 9 showdown between Muskegon Catholic Central and Oakridge.

Luckily for me, the Muskegon area is packed full of quality football teams, meaning our season gets extended by at least a couple weeks. Heading into the final week of the regular season, there are about a dozen local teams with eyes on the playoffs.

Remember, the MHSAA’s new playoff system takes effect this year — no more “six wins and you’re in.” Playoff teams are based solely on the MHSAA’s playoff point system, meaning teams like Fruitport (4-4) and North Muskegon (3-5) still have a chance at the postseason.

Before we find out who’s dancing, and speculate about deep playoff runs, we have one last week of regular season action to take care of. I’ve been tasked with picking our games this week, and I’ll do my best to improve on my 12-3 record from earlier in the season.

Be sure to visit MuskegonSports.com Friday night for results on our local games to see how our teams, and I, did this week.

Fremont (1-7) at CADILLAC (6-2) — A tough season for the Packers comes to an end against a Cadillac team that made the state finals last year. The Vikings get the win in a final tune-up for the playoffs.

HUDSONVILLE UNITY CHRISTHIAN (8-0) at Fruitport (4-4) — The Trojans have ripped off three straight wins to put themselves back in the playoff picture. A win would all but guarantee a spot, but it would take a huge effort to beat the Crusaders, who’s closest game was a 26-point win over West Catholic. Here’s hoping a strong schedule can boost FruitportINto the playoffs with a 4-5 record. They could be a tough out if they get the chance.

ROCKFORD (8-0) at Grand Haven (3-5) — Grand Haven had a 3-1 start, it’s best since 2014, but it looks like this season will have the same result – a 3-6 record. The O-K Red is a gauntlet yet again this year and Rockford looks like the cream of the crop.

White Cloud (4-4) at HART (3-5) — I like the Pirates to finish the season the same way they started, with back-to-back wins. Unfortunately for Hart, they ran into the buzzsaw that so often is the West Michigan Conference. If the Pirates win, it will be the best record the program has had since a 4-5 finish in 2004. Things are looking up.

HESPERIA (0-7) at Shelby (0-8) — Well, the good news is that one of these teams will taste victory this season. I’ll go with the Panthers, who have been able to put up more points so far this year.

Newaygo (1-7) at HOLTON (4-3) — Holton is poised to make a third playoff appearance in four years if the Red Devils can win Friday. It could be another big day for the Holton offense against a Newaygo squad that has lost four in a row.

KENT CITY (5-2) at Grant (3-5) — The Eagles have been flying high since a two-week layoff in the middle of the season. In the last three games, all wins, Kent City has outscored opponents 146-58. They’ll keep it rolling this week.

Mason County Central (1-5) at LAKEVIEW (1-7) — This is an interesting game when looking at how many games these teams have played this year. The Spartans didn’t play until Week 4 and have only suited up for four official contests. Meanwhile, Lakeview hasn’t played since Week 6 after back-to-back forfeits. I guess I’ll go with the home team in this one.

Montague (6-2) at PORTLAND (6-2) — This should be a great playoff primer for a pair of strong teams looking to make deep postseason runs. I’ll take the Raiders to win a tight one, but won’t be surprised in the slightest if I’m wrong. The last time I had picking duty I went against the Wildcats and paid the price. We’ll see if they burn me again.

Wyoming (1-7) at MONA SHORES (6-2) — Mona Shores responded from its loss to Muskegon by dropping 76 points on Holland last week. I expect them to top 60 again this week, building some confidence for another playoff run.

Zeeland East (5-3) at MUSKEGON (7-1) — Plenty of people doubted the Big Reds after a Week 2 loss to Cass Tech. Outside of that game, though, Muskegon has taken care of business with a strong defense and a big-play offense featuring a pair of electric sophomore running backs. This team is fun to watch, and we could be watching them late into November.

MUSKEGON CATHOLIC CENTRAL (7-1) at Oakridge (7-1) — This one should be a lot of fun – a pair of storied local programs meeting for just the third time. The Crusaders earned their 500th win earlier this season, while Oakridge won number 400. Both teams excel at running the ball, but which defense can come up with a big play? I’ll lean toward MCC in a game that could come down to the wire.

MCBAIN (5-3) at Muskegon Heights (5-3) (Saturday at 1 p.m.) — The Tigers have stumbled following an exciting 4-0 start, going 1-3 with the lone win being a forfeit. The teams McBain has lost to are a combined 22-2 and the Ramblers have won five of their last six games.

Ludington (3-5) at NORTH MUSKEGON (3-5) — The Orioles have been a bit up and down this year, while the Norse have had a few close losses to their larger WMC foes. North Muskegon could sneak into the Division 7 playoffs with a win. With a little more on the line, I think the Norse find a way to get it done.

Central Montcalm (5-3) at RAVENNA (5-3) — A lot of attention has been paid to the three teams atop the West Michigan Conference this year, but don’t overlook Ravenna. The Bulldogs gave Montague a run and nearly stunned Oakridge last week after trailing by 29 points. I think Ravenna makes a statement with a big win heading into the postseason.

REETHS-PUFFER (3-5) at Grand Rapids Union (3-5)  — The Rockets hung with Muskegon a little longer than I think most expected last week. Here’s hoping R-P can put together a strong four quarters and head into the offseason with some positive momentum against a Union team that faded after a 2-0 start.

Allendale (3-5) at SPRING LAKE (6-2) — I like the Lakers to pick up win number seven this week, which would be their highest total since 2013. Spring Lake should be well prepared for playoff action as well, after playing in a tough O-K Blue conference this year.

WHITEHALL (7-1) at Reed City (7-1) — What a run it’s been for Whitehall since a Week 2 loss to Oakridge. The Vikings have ripped off six straight wins, allowing just 20 total points in that span. Reed City will be another good test, as the Coyotes average more than 35 points per game, but I’ll take the Vikings to get to 8-1.