By Ken DeLaat The Boys swing into action with a full slate of conference matchups. Early in the season to be sure so Friday may help show teams what they have. And also, perhaps, what they need. Big Rapids at Fremont. These two teams split their series last year as the Cards edged out the Packers for the title. And while Fremont got hit hard by graduation, the Cards have nearly everyone back from that championship squad. This will definitely be a tough one for the hosts and McDonald and DeLong are sure to see the best defense BR has to offer. It’s the first game for the visitors and the Pack has already had to contain a really good player in the matchup with Shelby. But the Cardinals have a bunch of really good players and the Packer defense is going to be challenged to keep them reined in. Newaygo at Central Montcalm The Lions nearly grabbed a road win from a determined Sparta squad. Decker, Long and Schillman all put up productive points in the opener. The Hornets got hammered by the Yellow Jackets (Greenville) in what should have been called the All Apiary Classic. Tough to win on the road but the Lions have the players to do so if they can keep from starting slow, always a road game nemesis. Grant at Reed City The Coyotes put a whipping on Evart but the Wildcats aren’t expected to be the cream of the Highland Conference. The Tigers won their opener over Kent City, a game that impressed writer Mike Gesler. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/sports1/tigers-open-with-moxie It’s a long bus ride to Reed City and few teams enjoy the Coyote court, but I have to assume the Tiger defense is better than Evart’s and they definitely have more offensive artillery. Look for a physical game and hopefully a pleasant ride home for Grant. White Cloud at Hesperia The Panthers halted a lengthy losing streak dating back a couple of seasons with the win over Walkerville. Watson, Reuther, Bode and Brunson all hit double figures for WC in their win over MCE while McKinnon absolutely lit it up for the Panthers. He’ll see a lot of WC shirts whenever he’s near the ball. Again, early season game, but one will emerge with a conference win and a share of first place. With only 9 games left in the conference season. Holton at Morley Stanwood The Red Devils hope to stop Moore and VerMaas from catching fire offensively and to break through the vaunted zone defense MS employs. Another big game from Monette, Fowler, and Brant would be a plus and hitting some outside shots would help loosen that zone a lot. After years of looking up the standings at MS, the Devs needed to beat them twice last year to nab the conference crown. The 'Hawks who remain from last year’s team haven’t likely forgotten it. Should be a really good game.
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