It’s hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the regular season of prep football.

Maybe it seems like it’s flying by so fast because we’ve already seen so many really tight, interesting games.

Last week I covered Reeths-Puffer in its thrilling overtime win over Grand Rapids Union.

The Rockets were looking for a bounce-back after a close loss to Muskegon, and they did not let Union’s game-tying drive at the end of regulation ruin their big night. The end of that contest was about as exciting as high school football can get.

I expect Reeths-Puffer to continue its strong play and finally earn a state playoff spot. The Rockets will roll over winless Wyoming this Friday.

I also expect to see the Fruitport Trojans bounce back from their high-scoring loss to Unity Christian and get a victory on their new field turf. It’s about time the Trojans get the chance to play a home!

There are several other really great matchups this week, including Muskegon at Zeeland West, Grand Rapids Union at Mona Shores, Montague at Ludington and Fremont at Oakridge. Below are my picks, along with the flawless rationale for those picks.

Remember to check out MuskegonSports.com on Friday night and Saturday morning to see who won and how.

MuskegonSports.com’s Dave Hart picks the winners in Week 5.

Coopersville (3-1) at Fruitport (2-2)

The Trojans have been an offensive sensation this season and should be 3-1, but lost in Week 2 after squandering a big lead against GR Christian. This will be another great game, but Fruitport will break in its sweet new turf field with a W.

Shelby (0-4) at Hesperia (1-3)

The Panthers have won their last three meetings against Shelby and will continue that trend and get their first ever West Michigan Conference victory.

Spring Lake (1-3) at Holland Christian (2-2)

The Lakers have lost a couple in a row and are learning how to play under Coach Mallory. They will improve as the season moves along but will drop this conference game on the road.

White Cloud (2-2) at Holton (0-4)

The Red Devils keep showing up and playing hard each week, but they will have to show us that they can stay close with an opponent before they can be picked to win.

Grand Haven (1-3) at Jenison (1-3)

The Bucs will be happy to take the field after missing last week’s game due to injury/illness. Missing a week of live action might cost them, however, and I have to take Jenison in this one.

Kent City (4-0) at Lakeview (2-2)

The Eagles have exploded offensively over the last two weeks, scoring 67 points against White Cloud and 49 against Watervliet. Lakeview does not have the defense to slow Kent City’s momentum

Montague (2-2) at Ludington (3-1)

The Orioles are coming off their first loss of the season, and Montague has not played its best football so far this season. I’ll take Ludington as my upset pick of the week – but would it really be an upset for t home team with the better record to win? Either way the Orioles will once again prove they can play with the big boys in the West Michigan Conference.

Ravenna (3-1) at Mason County Central (1-3)

The Bulldogs are cruising toward a showdown with North Muskegon for the Rivers Division title in the West Michigan Conference. They shouldn’t have a problem against the one-win Spartans on the road.

Zeeland West (4-0) at Muskegon (3-1)

The Big Reds have yet to reach their full potential this season, despite their solid record. They will have to play flawlessly this Friday, and I think they will, because Muskegon always improves as the weeks go by. The Big Reds will win this game in the final few seconds.

Grand Rapids Union (3-1) at Mona Shores (3-1)

The Sailors are my favorite to win the O-K Green conference and they will hand the Red Hawks, who lost the OT thriller to R-P last week, their second straight loss to a Muskegon-area team.

Fremont (3-1) at Oakridge (4-0)

The Packers are a team that we are not used to seeing in the victory column. Any more wins from here on out will be huge for this squad, which has not had a winning season in a really long time. The Eagles have had a winning culture for years, and they will beat the new kids on the block.

Muskegon Catholic Central (2-2) at Orchard View (0-4)

It’s great to see the Cardinals back on the field, and they are showing some progress. But they will be facing a solid Crusader team that needs more wins and will get one on Friday.

Hart (3-1) at North Muskegon (3-1)

The Pirates have had a fine season so far, but North Muskegon has one of the best quarterbacks around in sophomore James Young. He will continue his aerial assault and the Norse will win their fourth game of the year.

Manistee (3-1) at Whitehall (4-0)

The Vikings look like the best team in the West Michigan Conference and beyond, and they will keep the train rolling with a home win against the Chippewas.

Reeths Puffer (3-1) at Wyoming (0-4)

The Rockets have had two nail-biters in a row and haven’t blown anyone out yet this season. That will change in Wyoming.

Riverview Gabriel Richard (2-2) at Muskegon Heights (0-4)

The Tigers have struggled this season and I don’t expect that trend to change quite yet.