It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

It may not be the actual holiday season, but high school football is back, and that’s good enough for me.

With the return of football, I have some things on my wish list that I’m sending to the Santa in the football jersey (not quite ready for the red suit version yet).

No. 1 on my list is health. Not just for the local high school players, who are out there every week bravely playing a pretty rough sport, but also for myself. I was recently reminded that Slip N Slides are for kids, not large adults, and my ribs paid the price. The ability to breathe normally again would be a great way to start the football season.

I would also like to have at least one of our local teams back in the state finals at Ford Field on Thanksgiving weekend. It was weird not making the trip down to Detroit last year to cover Muskegon or Mona Shores or Montague or somebody. Muskegon County is the mecca of high school football in Michigan, and our teams belong in the lineup on the big weekend.

Finally, I would like to ask Santa for one little stocking stuffer – a lot of great action and close scores in the four opening games that our reporters and photographers will cover this weekend.

It will start on Thursday with Fruitport at Kenowa Hills. The Trojans, who were a good but somewhat cursed team last season, have big plans for this year and want to get off to a good start. We will also be at Reeths-Puffer to cover the Rockets’ first game under new coach Cody Kater as they take on Grand Haven.

On Friday MuskegonSports.com will be at Hackley Stadium for a season kickoff doubleheader – North Muskegon vs. Muskegon Catholic, followed by the Big Reds hosting East Kentwood.

Check out MuskegonSports.com all weekend for all the results of all the games!

With that all said, below are your favorite fat boy’s picks for Week 1:

FRUITPORT at Kenowa Hills – I fully expect the Trojans to get off to a great start this season, just like they did last year in a 42-2 victory over Kenowa Hills.

Grand Haven at REETHS-PUFFER – The Rockets have struggled against the Bucs in recent years, but I think the excitement of ushering in the Kater era will help the Rockets get a win.

MONTAGUE at Spring Lake – This seems like an intriguing matchup between two solid programs. I think the Wildcats, who still have a lot of talent two years after winning a state title, will come out victorious.

Kent City at NEWAYGO – The Eagles are no longer led by Coach Bill Crane, and it may take them some time to adjust to new leadership.

LUDINGTON at Petoskey – The Orioles missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2017, and I think they will probably be pretty inspired to get back there. A non-league win would be a nice start before plowing into their new adventure in the tough West Michigan Conference.

Sparta at OAKRIDGE – This was an excellent matchup last year with Oakridge sneaking out a one-point victory. Sparta is a solid squad, but Oakridge will have the edge with a strong offensive attack.

Orchard View at REED CITY – Perhaps one of the best local stories this season is the return of varsity football at Orchard View. But this isn’t a Disney story, and there will be some hiccups for the Cardinals along the way.

Whitehall at HUDSONVILLE UNITY CHRISTIAN – What a challenge for the Vikings, and an opportunity to show what they are made of. I’m hoping Whitehall can keep it close, but they’ll be facing a squad that is typically one of the best in the state.

Fremont at HART – This is an intriguing matchup to begin the season. I expect the Pirates to continue to build off their 4-5 record from last year.

MANTON at Hesperia – It would great for the Panthers to start the season with a home victory, particularly under new head coach Tyler Fehler, but I just don’t think it will happen.

Holton at MANISTEE – The good news is that Holton will have a team after getting more kids to sign up. The bad news is that it will take a while for this very young, inexperienced squad to gel.

FRANKFORT at Mason County Central – Frankfort has qualified for the playoffs for two straight seasons while the Spartans were 2-5 last season. I don’t see a big change here.

Lincoln at MONA SHORES – The Sailors had their annual playoff run cut short last year, which will make them an angry and dangerous opponent all season. They will not be hospitable hosts to their visitors from Wisconsin.

East Kentwood at MUSKEGON – The Big Reds are thought by many to be one of the most talented squads in the state. They will start out with a victory, and it probably won’t be close.

MUSKEGON CATHOLIC vs North Muskegon – This will likely be one of the best matchups in Week 1. I think the Crusader defense will be able to handle the wide-open Norse offense, but it should be a great game.

GODWIN HEIGHTS at Muskegon Heights – I hope I’m wrong on this one, but Godwin Heights ended last season on a three-game winning streak and Muskegon Heights has a lot of new faces in the lineup.

BEAL CITY at Ravenna – Beal City didn’t lose a game until the state finals last year after losing by one point to Ravenna in the opener. I think the Aggies will be looking for some revenge this time around.

WHITE CLOUD at Shelby – Shelby has won just one game in the last four seasons combined. I’d love to see the Tigers win, but they will be facing a White Cloud team that made the playoffs last season.