  Grant 38 Kelloggsville 22 The Tigers opened their season at home as they rolled to a 38-22 victory over Kelloggsville on Thursday night. Sophomore Jack Swanson started the scoring with a 10-yard touchdown run in the opening quarter with Aiden Booth adding the 2-point conversion. Later, Swanson caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Rory Fish and Booth added the 2-point conversion and the Tigers led 16-0. Booth added a 5-yard run into the end zone later in the second quarter, Swanson scored the 2-pointer and Grant took that 24-0 lead into the half. Brayden Jordan’s 8-yard run in the third quarter pushed the Tigers’ advantage to 30-0. Gavin Kiliszewski caught a 38-yard touchdown pass from Fish and Booth ran in the 2-point conversion to cap the scoring for the home team. Booth finished with 18 carries for 128 yards. Swanson added 11 for 98 plus two catches for 40 yards.Sincere Hatch had six solo tackles and five assists. Eddie Beight had five solo tackles, four assists and recovered a fumble. Rico Robinson had five solo tackles and three assists. Gitch Geneoux had 4 solo tackles, 1 sack, and 3 assists. Coach Lowry: "Great effort by our kids tonight. We came out and ran the ball well and played tough gritty defense against a very athletic Kelloggsville team. I loved our hustle."r Grant rushed the ball 52 times for 269 yards and gained another 78 through the air. The Tigers stay at home for next Friday’s matchup with Tri County The Vikings opened on the road with a 38-24 over the Panthers of Comstock Park. Shelby 59 White Cloud 20 The last time the Tigers won an opener their seniors were first graders. It was also the last (non Covid) time they qualified for the playoffs and ended up being their second trip to the state semis in a row. Since then the wins have been few and far between but the hosts sent their fans home happy with a convincing victory over White Cloud. The Tigers built a 19-0 lead before the Indians could get on the board and held a 31-12 advantage at intermission. Coach Trice: “We went down big and didn’t have enough gas to make a comeback.” Jayden Robinson had a monster night despite the loss as he piled up 280 total yards and accounted for 2 passing scores and one on the ground. Dalton Crawford and Jayden Graves each caught a TD and Graves added an interception. Reece Johnson led the defense with 7 tackles. White Cloud heads to Harrison Friday. The Hornets defeated Pine River 24-14 in their opener. Hopkins 34 Fremont 20 The Vikings scored early and went up 7-0 but the Packers came back to notch a TD and after a missed PAT the first quarter ended at 7-6 A penalty flag gave the hosts a lift and put them in position to score in the second. The failed conversion made it 13-6 and while the Packers were moving the ball well in their next possession they ran out of time and went to the locker room facing that 7 point deficit. The second half saw the Packers battle back and forge a 20-20 tie but the Vikings put up another 7 early in the 4th then held off the Pack to secure the win. A late TD was added by Hopkins in the closing minute. Brayden Crosley hit on 10 of14 passes for 158 yards while rushing for 28 yards and a td, Asa Barnhard led all rushers with 80 yards and a td and Khai Noordyk had 36 yards and a td. Jacob Burns finished with 5 receptions for 67 yards and Karter Frens pulled in 3 for 47 yards. The defense was led by Seth Zerlaut (5.5 tackles), Khai Noordyk (5), Noah Hansen (5), Jacob Burns (4) Michael Robinson (4). Noordyk added a sack and Tritan Corrigan collected a pick. Fremont will play their home opener and first conference game Friday when Manistee comes to town. The Mariners defeated Kalkaska 47-12 in their opener. Hesperia 13 Farwell 0 Hesperia put a W on the board but it didn’t come easy against a rugged Eagle squad. The visitors from Farwell were playing their first game since a return to the 11-player game, having spent 3 seasons competing in 8-player. After a scoreless first quarter the Panthers got on the board when Blake Sayer found an open Eli Edens who cradled the catch and ran it in for a 27 yard touchdown. Kicker Lacey Mey split the uprights and the hosts went up 7-0. From there the teams battled to a standstill with the turnovers and mistakes often a part of early season games. Midway through the 4th, Sayer put the Panthers back on the board with an end around run that found paydirt. The defense posted a shutout with Skyler Stalbaum collecting 8 tackles and a 30 yard interception white Noah Walker and Thor Klaus each tallied a half dozen tackles. Dom Rivera forced and recovered a fumble adding 4 tackles and Dominic Smith also notched 4 tackles. Stalbaum also excelled on the other side of the ball finishing the night with 13 rushes for 71 yards. Sayer rushed for 38 yards and hit on 9 of his 15 tosses for 114 yards . Ian Fox caught 5 of those passes for a game high 51 yards and Thor Klaus pulled in 3 for 26 yards. Hesperia will be looking to make it 3 in a row in the M120 rivalry game when they welcome in Holton Friday. The Red Devils fell to Morley Stanwood 59-0 in their opener. 
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 Hannah Cruzan on the attack Photos by Brent Foondle The WC girls Varsity opened up their season with Hesperia taking the night 3 to 0. 25-11, 25-13, 25-23. Leading the charge was Hailee Brown with 20 service points, 4 aces, 9 digs and 21 assists. Jayla Perrin dominated the night with 11 kills, 7 points and 4 aces. Hannah Cruzan added nine kills, six points and five digs on the night. Gabriella Dakin contributed 8 points, 4 aces, 5 digs and 4 assists. Brooklyn Foondle owned the net with three blocks.
 Mystery Ref (despite his age) will be working the Shelby/White Cloud game Thursday. If you see him tell him hi from us and a photo would be outstanding. By Ken DeLaat First week in the quest for a game 10 (and maybe a conference crown) begins with all five of our coverage teams playing Thursday and neighbor Tri County stifling early vacation plans with a Friday road game at Comstock Park. Not much to go on yet, but most coaches and staff feel their team is ready to contend, as they should. After all, they aspire to guide the talent they have to that often elusive potential and build a team that believes in themselves. They, above all, know what they’re putting in the field. Here are the matchups. The Games White Cloud at Shelby The Cloud has bested the Tigers in the last three openers. Close one last year but being home helped the Indians. Footnote: The Mystery Ref who has been part of our preview posts for years is working the game in Shelby. Tell him Ken said hi and if you can get a photo we’d be eternally grateful. Kent City at Newaygo Year 2 for the Ralph Munger Lion squad. THere’s a lot of good feeling around town about this one. Kelloggsville at Grant Both teams struggled last season. The Rockets struggled more. Good shot at a winning beginning for new Tiger Coach Gabe Lowry. Fremont at Hopkins On the road facing a team with a lengthy winning tradition. The Vikings had a down year but it’s still a solid program. The Packer goals are lofty and this is where they begin to see who they are. Farwell at Hesperia Interesting game. Farwell competed in the 8 player league the last 3 years so this will be their first game back in the 11 player format. If the Panthers can pounce early…  By Ken DeLaat There’s a lot of confidence coming from this year’s version of the Panthers spurred by several key returnees on Coach Tyler Fehler’s squad. “The best players from last year's team are all returning and I expect these guys to set the tone for the team. Every other kid in our program looks up to these guys and I have no doubt they will step into their leadership roles and excel.” It’s been a rough couple of years since the Panthers joined the tough WMc Rivers conference. They’ve gone 2-10 with the only W’s coming over rival Holton, a program currently riding a 20 game losing streak. Last season they sandwiched 7 losses between winning the opener over a Heights team that has moved to the 8 player game and the Red Devils who were outscored 512-42 on the season. Key returnees include Skyler Stalbaum at RB and LB, Noah Walker at OL and DL, Ian Fox at WR and S, Thor Klaus at TE and LB, Blake Sayer at QB and DB, Tucker Billings at OL and DL, Anderson Boes at OL, TE, and LB, Ben Westendorf at WR and CB, Eli Edens at WR and DB, Zach Loughridge at WR and CB. “All these guys played big roles last year and they all have put in a lot of work this summer and with another year of experience we expect great things. “Ben Westendorf, Zach Loughridge, and Garrett Bolles are sophomores who we expect to step up and play big roles on both sides of the ball for us. “A couple of these guys played important minutes in our season last year. These guys have been putting in work all summer and I know they will be reliable guys for us. I see our team being right in the mix in our conference this season. “Obviously based off of the last few seasons North Muskegon, Hart, Mason County, and Ravenna have been atop our conference. But every conference game is a game we want to win. In our eyes, every game on the schedule are games we want to and should win.” The Panthers open at home Thursday against Farwell, a team that has competed at the 8 player game the past 3 years and they host the Devils in week 2. Then comes their 75th meeting with White Cloud on the road. Those three should give the Hespo fans an idea of what they have on the field as they enter the toughest part of their conference slate. Full schedule can be found here: https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/hesperia/boys/varsity/football/2024
By Ken DeLaat Photos by Alexis Mercer The Lions enter the season looking to improve on last season’s 3-6 mark and second year Coach Ralph Munger (also 6th in all time MHSAA wins) cites a number of reasons his team brings to the table for Newaygo fans to be optimistic “There is a great overall attitude, the players are very coachable, and we have numerous high achievers academically.” Coach M also praises the speed, and improved strength of his squad and adds this is is a solid core of players who enjoy competing. “Every day we work to win by improving on many aspects of our play individually and in our various position groups and lastly and, most importantly, as a team.” Challenges for the Lions are a lack of depth and some inexperience. With a team motto of "B1", Coach Munger’s expectations include that his players “Be the best student / athlete, son and sibling you can be in and away from home and school. Represent yourself, your family, your team, your school and Newaygo proudly. Make positive memories, enjoy the Grind and have fun competing with your teammates." Newaygo opens at home Thursday against Kent City, the team that edged the Lions 14-13 in Coach Munger’s first game at the helm of the Lion team. From there they go on the road to face Central Montcalm and then game #75 in the rivalry series with neighbor Grant at home. Though last season didn’t result in more than the three wins, there was definitely a different feel along the sidelines. The Lions played hard for 4 quarters every game and it was apparent that something new was in the air. Or maybe not so new, but more like revitalized. I think it’s called Lion Pride. Returning Starters on Defense Include: Senior LBer – Henry Wood Senior LBer - Xavier Stroud Senior LBer – Luis Ceja Alverez Senior DB – Hunter Yearsovich Senior DL – Jacob Eager Junior DL – Noah McLaughlin Returning Starters on Offense Include: Senior QB – Blake Kerr Senior TE – Henry Wood Junior RB – Damone Moore Senior WR – Hunter Yearsovich Senior OL – Xavier Stroud Senior OL – Jacob Eager Junior OL – Noah McLaughlin Senior OL – Tyler Borden Other team members in the mix early on include: Senior RB – Ethan Reyburn Junior LB / TE / QB – Trevor Garbrecht Junior LB / RB – Porter Slominski Junior WR / DB – Sebastian Belanger Junior LB / TE – Wesley Manning Senior DB / WR – Seth Nichols Junior DB / WR – Nathan Watson Senior DB – Ryan Pickerd Sophomore DB / WR – Cam Reyburn Sophomore OL / DL – Aiven Warmbein Senior OL / DL – Jonathan Parks Sophomore OL / DL / LB - Konner Bisel Senior WR – Zack Billings Senior DL – Kaleb Zaleski Senior DL - Alex Gentz Junior OL / LB / DL – Micah Sommer Senior DB – Sean Stone Junior DB / RB – Caleb Bays Junior RB / DB – Caden Gassman Junior OL / DL – Dylan Froese Senior DL – Cody Deur You can see the full schedule here: https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/newaygo/boys/varsity/football/2024  Photos by Russ Tindall of Pro Photo Image By Ken DeLaat Packer Coach Jared Hudson and his team enter into the season with lofty goals in mind. “We are looking to compete for a WMC Lakes Division title. “ The Packers notched just 2 wins last year, one over a tough, playoff bound Beaverton squad and the other against a spiraling Grant team. Then there's that brutal WMC Lakes lineup ahead. Perennial powerhouses Montague Oakridge and Whitehall have likely reloaded a bit. Manistee made the postseason last year and Ludington was a game away. But as former NY Jets Coach Herm Edwards once affirmed in a memorable post game rant, “You play the game to win.” And Coach Hudson says the time is tight for the Packers to get into the mix. “We cannot keep saying we are rebuilding; it is time to put a product out on Friday night that our community is proud of!” The line play will be a key to success and there is some experience and depth on both sides of the ball. Coach Hudson also cites a high football IQ among his players. “We have lots of kids who have been playing the game since the youth leagues.” One area of concern is the inexperience in some of the Packer starters. “We will have 5 underclassmen who moved up and will be starting throughout our offense and defense.” After opening on the road against Hopkins on Thursday the Pack face their northern rivals from Liudington and Manistee but they get them at home this year and believe me, not one of the Packers will miss those bus rides. This is a team that will be interesting to watch. Hopkins had a down year but their program has been in the playoffs more often than not and they are tough at home. The Orioles and Mariners will deliver a pair of tests for a team looking to punch their first (non covid) playoff card since their seniors were in first grade. Returning Starters: Austin Sparks OL Chance Crawford OL/DL Khai Noordyk RB Jacob Burns WR Nathan Burns DL Noah Hansen LB Asa Barnhard LB, Trentyn Corley DB Tritan Corrigan DB Others in the Mix: Michael Robinson OL/DL Talen Reichert-Slater QB/DB Brayden Crosley QB/DB Tavin Reichert-Slater WR/DB Karter Frens RB/LB See full,schedule at https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/fremont/boys/varsity/football/2024    Hannah Cruzan attacking Photos by Brent Foondle The White Cloud Volleyballers opened their season by nailing down second place at the First Dig tournament in Fremont. 8 teams competed in the event with host Fremont taking the title. Hannah Cruzan led all with 47 service points, 19 aces, 33 kills and 42 digs. Gabriella Dakin had 47 points, 12 aces and 37 digs. Jayla Perrin dominated with 41 kills on the day and 44 service points. Hailee Brown contributed 41 points, 11 aces, 28 digs and 89 assists. Brooklyn Foondle recorded 20 kills and Caedy Traynor and Kayla Burgess combined for 33 digs. White Cloud returns to action Tuesday when they host Holton.  Hailee Brown setting Jayla Perrin
"Grant Tough-Tiger Pride will return to the gridiron this coming fall."- Grant AD John Norton announcing the hiring of Head Coach Gabe Lowry last February It’s been a rough couple of years for the Tiger gridders with just 2 wins over the past 2 seasons. Last year Grant opened with a win over Kelloggsville (0-9 on the season) then never came closer than 20 points to anyone else. Coach Lowry is looking to move his team forward with a focus on competing week in and week out and hustling on every play. “We are embracing the ‘Hard Work Wins’ mentality. Our goal is to win the turnover battle and the line of scrimmage each week!” The Tigers return some solid players on both ends of the ball with the offense being directed by Junior Rory Fish who will be handing the ball off to Senior running back Aiden Booth with some frequency while Brayden Jordan also looks to get his share of carries. It’s a young offensive line with a pair of sophomores and 2 juniors but 4 of the 5 return to Varsity play. 7 starters are back on defense and the experience should help improve in the area of points allowed. Coach Lowry said the focus this season is on TEAM and cites the unselfishness of his squad as one of their strengths while depth and numbers, the 2 items plaguing many of our area teams, will be an issue. In a conference that looks to have a few solid contenders the Tigers will have some tough tests early on. After hosting Kville (currently on a 13 game losing streak) they face a trio of rivalry games with Tri County at home, the Big One in Newaygo (75th meeting between the two with Lions up 38-36) and a visit from the Packers of the WMC. Then comes a matchup with perennial powerhouse Big Rapids. On the road of course. Returning Starters OFFENSE Rory Fish - QB - Junior Easton Swanson - OL - Sophomore Gage Rasch - OL - Sophomore Fern Montenegro - OL - Junior Cameron Jordan - OL - Junior Aiden Booth - RB - Senior Sincere Hatch - TE - Senior DEFENSE Sincere Hatch - DB - Senior Brayden Jordan - DB - Senior Aiden Booth - LB - Senior Fern Montenegro - DL - Junior Ethan Dean - DL - Senior Paul Bonney - LB - Junior Rico Robinson - LB - Junior Others in the mix Cameron Espinoza - RB/DB - Junior Gavin Kiliszewski - TE/LB - Junior Jayden Newton - QB/DB - Junior Jayden Avink - TE/DB - Junior Gitch Genereaux - RB/LB - Junior Alan Traxler - OL/DL - Junior Hayden Kass - OL/DL - Sophomore Jack Swanson - RB/LB - Sophomore Eddie Beight - RB/LB - Sophomore Full schedule can be found here: https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/grant/boys/varsity/football/2024  Photo by Cassie Rickert Coach Isaiah Trice's team will be looking to return to the dance and battle for a conference title with a few different teams on their schedule from last season including a new addition to the CSAA White. Last year's 4-5 record halted a 3 season playoff run, the first time the Cloud had made the postseason 3 times in a row since…well...ever. Once again the Indians will open the season with Shelby on the Tigers home field then head north to take on the Harrison Hornets of the always tough Jack Pine Conference. The first home game in week 3 has Hesperia coming to town for the 75th matchup between these teams The Panthers currently lead the series 40-34, but WC has taken the last 3. Coach Trice is returning a strong group of linemen on both sides of the ball. “This could be one of the most dominant lines White Cloud has ever had, " he stated. “We want to wear the other team down, team tackle every play and stay mistake free.” However, as with many smaller schools, Coach Trice knows his team staying healthy will be a big concern. “We don’t have a lot of depth.” Conference play will be key to their goals and the addition of Central Montcalm brings in another program with some recent success. They won’t see the Hornets until late in the season and other White Conference foes Lakeview and Morley are both home games. Then of course there is Kent City. The last time the Cloud defeated the Eagles was in 1996. Of course there was a bit of a sabbatical in there but it has been an even dozen losses since the Indians bested the boys from KC. This year they play in the Eagles’ home nest and just to make things even tougher? Yeah. It’s their Homecoming. Returning starters: RT- Conner Stockwell RG- Blake Borgman LG- Mason Goebel LT/DT- Jose Saavedra-Mena CB- Jayden Robinson LB- Reece Johnson Others in the mix RB- Dalton Crawford RB- Reece Johnson QB- Jayden Robinson WR- Jayden Graves Full schedule can be found here https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/whitecloud/boys/varsity/football/2024
Season previews coming this week High School Football season arrives this week with a full schedule of games kicking off the season on Thursday and one on Friday. White Cloud visits Shelby while Hesperia will host Farwell. Grant will get a visit from Kelloggsville, Fremont travels to Hopkins and Newaygo will show off their new scoreboard to the incoming Kent City Eagles. On Friday Tri County opens their season on the road taking on the Panthers of Comstock Park. We contacted our coverage coaches to get the skinny on their thoughts about the upcoming season and will post them over the next few days. There is nothing quite like High School Football where students, parents, school staff, alumni, townspeople spend the evening cheering on their team while media types prowl the sidelines and photogs look to capture an epic shot or two. Come out and support the hard work and determination our scholar/athletes have put in as they strive for success on the gridiron. Best show in town. Don’t miss it.
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