Category Archives: Sports

Lee community celebrates beginning of Winter Sports Season 

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, ,
Lee seniors stand proud during the Legends Madness winter sports kickoff on Friday, Nov. 22. (WKTV, Ty Marzean)



By Ty Marzean

WKTV Contributor

greer@wktv.org



The “FamiLee” motto of Lee High School is not just a catchy phrase without substance behind it, but a rallying cry of the Godfrey-Lee community.

Last Friday, that community came out to The Legends Madness event to celebrate the opening of the winter sports season at Lee. The Boys and Girls basketball, Cheer and Wrestling teams are set to start their seasons.



Lee Legends Madness Winter Sports Kickoff 2024. (WKTV, Ty Marzean)



Attendees enjoyed a live DJ, meet-and-greets with student-athletes, and games for students and parents, which included a mixed-team game between the girls and boys basketball teams. The Lee cheer team also performed for the crowd. 

Two new basketball coaches

This event also served as a new beginning for both basketball programs, as both boys and girls teams have new coaches coming into the season. 

First-year coach Kevin Hinton will lead the Lady Legends. Most recently, Hinton was the head of the youth basketball program at Wyoming High School. Hinton also coached at Rogers High School before merging with Wyoming Park. Hinton hopes to stir interest in the youth in the Godfrey-Lee district.

“We developed our youth program this summer,” Hinton said. “We had about 30 girls in our youth program, so we’re just going to start there and keep building.”

‘Win the day’

Hinton is excited for the future and what the current team can bring to set a foundation for that future. Coach Hinton has impressed on his team to focus on daily improvements and win the day.

“Just take it one day at a time, one step at a time,” Hinton said. “Right now we have eight girls in our varsity program. We had picture day yesterday so our goal was to win picture day, to be the most focused, to be the most organized for that day.”



The boys and girls joined together for a mixed game at the Lee Legends Madness event Friday, Nov. 22. (WKTV, Ty Marzean)



The back-to-back Alliance League champion boys team also has a new coach at the helm. Gerard Oray replaces Dom Shannon, who left for Ottawa Hills this past summer. Oray played basketball locally at East Kentwood and Grace Christian University, and coached JV at East Grand Rapids last season.

The new Legend coach aims to continue the streak of conference championships.

‘Continue the streak’

“I’m excited for this group of guys to continue the tradition and hopefully win three in a row,” said Oray, who has embraced the tight-knit community of Lee, comparing it to his time at Grace Christian University. “What I learned at GCU is you are who you are and your support is who you have in a small community.”

Marc Whitfield hard to replace; scored over 1,000 points

The Legends will try to replace Marc Whitfield, one of the most prolific players in school history. Whitfield won back-to-back Alliance League Player of the Year awards and scored over 1,000 points in his time at Lee.

Senior Troy Fox will operate as team captain and leader on the floor for the Legends.

Junior Jaden Potts and senior Anthony Blok move from the gridiron to the court for Coach Oray. Braylon Huff also will play a pivotal role on the team.

The Lady Legends will start their season on Monday, Dec. 3, at home against Allegan.

The boys team started the season on Monday night against long-time rival Kellogsville with a 69-59 loss. Fox led with 20 points and four steals. Martez Jackson contributed significantly, scoring 18 points along with three assists and three steals. Huff also had a strong performance, finishing with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Lee hosted Grand Rapids Union on Tuesday night in its home opener with a 72-66 overtime loss. Huff led the team with 17 points.

The Legends look to get in the win column when they host Forest Hills Eastern on Monday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.

East Kentwood quartet earns All-Region football honors 

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,
Quarterback Kayd Coffman is one of four East Kentwood football players named to the Division 1 All-Region team by the MHSFCA (Michigan High School Football Coaches Association). Elijah Jones, Andrew Durr and James Jones also were chosen. See photos below. (Photo Courtesy, Falcon News Network)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor

greer@wktv.org



The East Kentwood football team turned in a productive season this fall and a quartet of Falcons reaped some rewards of that success by being named to the All-Region team.

Junior quarterback Kayd Coffman, senior running back Elijah Jones, senior offensive lineman Andrew Durr and senior defensive lineman James Jones were all named Division 1 All-Region players by the MHSFCA (Michigan High School Football Coaches Association).

Quarterback Kayd Coffman

Coffman, who is being recruited by numerous Division 1 programs and was recently offered a scholarship by Michigan State University, turned in a big season in his first year as Kentwood’s starting quarterback. Coffman completed 56.5% of his passes this season for 1,594 yards and 11 touchdowns against just two interceptions.

“Kayd only threw two interceptions this season,” said East Kentwood Coach Tyrone Spencer. “I thought Kayd got better as he got more comfortable with the offense. He has a live arm and deceptive speed. I was more impressed with his decision making.”

For Coffman, the honor was the result of plenty of hard work put in to help the Falcons have a strong season as a team.

“It is a very good accomplishment, but that is not the thing you go into the year chasing,” Coffman said. “It is part of the process of doing the right things over and over and over. I thought that the season went really, really well for me as a first-year starter.”

Coffman has another year left at Kentwood and he and his teammates are already beginning to prepare for year two under coach Spencer.

“That (preparing for next year) started the day after the loss to Hudsonville,” Coffman said. “We are all looking forward to next year and we are ready to go get it.”

Having a year of experience in the new system also will pay off next season.

“There is so much growth ahead for us”

“Learning the new system definitely had its speed bumps,” Coffman said. “It was challenging at times, but it’s a great system for me and our guys. We became more polished running the system as the year progressed and there is so much growth ahead for us.”    



East Kentwood running back Elijah Jones. (Photo Courtesy, Falcon News Network)



Running back Elijah Jones

While Coffman provided the Falcons with a threat through the air, Elijah Jones gave the Falcons a powerful force in the ground game. Jones rushed for 1,208 yards this season averaging 7.2 yards per carry. 

“After starting the season slow with injury, Elijah became one of the biggest pieces of the offense,” Spencer said. “He doesn’t go down often on first contact and has the speed to outrun you. Elijah is a smart and tough football player.”

Jones was pleased with the honor and the season the team turned in.

“It feels great and I’m grateful for the honor,” Jones said. “I give thanks to God along with my family and coaches and teammates for all of their support. As a team, we had a great season and got better every game we played. Obviously, it was heartbreaking to lose to Hudsonville, but I still think we had a great season. Personally, I think I had a good season, but I feel there is always room to grow.    

Jones, who also is attracting the attention of college recruiters, added 12 touchdowns this season.

“Hopefully, I will get the opportunity to play college football,” Jones said. “I’m still going through the process. Right now, I’ve been talking to Brown University of the Ivy League, Wayne State and Lawrence Tech.” 

Offensive lineman Andrew Durr

Paving the way for the offense was a strong offensive line this season led by Durr. Durr helped anchor the line where his versatility was a major strength to the unit.



East Kentwood offensive lineman Andrew Durr. (Photo Courtesy, Falcon News Network)



“Andrew was key in the run game for us this year,” Spencer said, “which allowed us to rush for a little over 2,000 yards. He played every position on the offensive line and was our most consistent lineman.”

Thanks to his versatility, Durr lined up at right tackle, left guard and center during the season.

“My favorite position was center,” Durr said. “I thought I did a good job at center. I feel I helped solidify the middle of the line.”

Durr credited his coaches and teammates for helping him earn all-region honors.

“I’m incredibly thankful for everything my coaches and my teammates have done to get me this far,” Durr said. “This honor isn’t just about me. It’s about my team, my coaches and my family.

“Playing college football has always been a dream of mine for a long time and this recognition is another step towards making it a reality and it means a lot to know that the hard work I’ve put in is being recognized.”

Defensive lineman James Jones

On the other side of the ball, James Jones provided an anchor for the defensive line. Jones totaled 44 tackles for the Falcons including seven tackles for loss and a quarterback sack. 



East Kentwood defensive lineman James Jones, Jr. (Photo Courtesy, East Kentwood High School)



“James is a strong defender who is hard to move in the middle of the defense,” Spencer said. “He’s more than likely going to win his matchup one-on-one. Many teams we played had to double-team him.” 



South Christian claims third straight regional title; defense holds in 28-21 victory over Whitehall

Citizen Journalism, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , ,
Check out this great scramble and touchdown pass by South Christian’s Carson Vis. (Courtesy, David Kool)



By Ty Marzean

WKTV Contributor

greer@wktv.org



South Christian continued its hot streak through the playoffs on a quest to Ford Field with a 28-21 victory over Whitehall in a back-and-forth affair in a D-4 regional final. 

The Sailors’ senior quarterback and Western Michigan University basketball commit, Carson Vis, finished off the first scoring drive of the game with a 15-yard pass to Chuck DeHaan with 4:50 left in the opening frame. Whitehall closed out the first quarter with a 24-yard touchdown run to tie the game.



South Christian quarterback Carson Vis. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



The second quarter went scoreless until the last play of the half as Vis found receiver Tyler Brinks for a 20-yard TD pass to put the Sailors up 14-7 to close the first half. 

“We came in with the game plan of getting to the outside and hitting some short throws, but the field was slippery, so we had to adjust,” said South Christian Coach Danny Brown. “The beauty of having someone like Carson and the receivers we have is you have the option to take what works. They were tough against the run and loaded the box. You still have to mix in the run, but you don’t have to bang your head against the wall. You take what they give you.”



South Christian wins another Division 4 Regional title. (Courtesy, David Kool)


Rowan DeKam scores on a fumble, adds 10 tackles

Whitehall scored on a two-yard plunge to tie the game at 8:58 in the third quarter. The South Christian defense then got on the board as they forced a fumble that was picked up by Rowan DeKam and taken 31 yards for the score, putting the Sailors up 21-14. DeKam led the Sailors with 10 tackles.


21-all to end the third

The third quarter ended in a 21-all tie as Whitehall put another touchdown on the board. The Sailor defense, however, took over from that point holding the Vikings scoreless in the final quarter.

“We got them in a situation where they had to throw with the clock running out,” Brown said. “That helps with a team that doesn’t like to throw the ball.”
 

Vis had 224 passing yards and two touchdowns and 56 yards on the ground. 

Owen Burgess led the team with six catches and 77 yards, while running back Kasjen VanSolkema scored a rushing touchdown.

The Sailors will now play in their third consecutive Division 4 semifinal game.

“It’s a credit to the kids to have the belief that even when things weren’t looking good that if we could just find a way to right the ship anyone can get hot at the right time and we have done that,” Brown explained. “Winning three regionals is awesome. As a competitor it’s fun to win, but doing it consistently is a lot harder. The fact that these kids keep believing and buying in, keep doing the things during the season and in the off-season, being great teammates. It’s a credit to the team and the assistant coaches to keep this going.”

South Christian will meet a Niles team that is riding an 11-game winning streak into its first trip to the semifinals in school history.

“They have had some success in recent years, but I think the approach is about us,” Brown said. “What do we have to do to put the best product on the field. It starts in practice and in the details. You have to respect your opponent. Any team you see at this point is a really good football team.”

South Christian (8-4) and Niles (11-1) face off in a Division 4 semifinal at 1 p.m. Saturday at Three Rivers High School.

Don’t miss WKTV’s 24th Annual Turkey Bowl featuring our local football Games of the Week

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Holidays, Kent County, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, WKTV Featured sports, ,
(Image Courtesy, pxhere.com)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org


Please join us for WKTV’s 24th Annual Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving Day!


Our WKTV truck has been busy all season long covering exciting high school football Games of the Week in the Wyoming/Kentwood viewing area.

If you missed a WKTV Football GOTW, or would like to see one for a second time, be sure to watch on Thanksgiving Day. Our 15-Hour Special, starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, highlights the best of our High School Football Games this season.
  

Relive the excitement right here on WKTV 25 Thanksgiving Day!

9 a.m.    Grand Rapids Sacred Heart @ Lee

11:30 a.m.    Wyoming @ South Christian

  1:40 p.m.    Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

  3:45 p.m.    Zeeland East @ South Christian 

  6:15 p.m.    Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville 

  8:30 p.m.    Jenison @ East Kentwood

10:30 p.m.    Catholic Central @ South Christian


 

South Christian rallies to stun No. 1 Unity Christian 35-28 in district title game 

Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , ,
Carson Vis led the Sailors with a big game both passing and running. He connected on 12-of-16 passes for 171 yards and one touchdown and ran the ball 22 times for 127 yards and four TDs. (Courtesy, Murray Sports Photography)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor

greer@wktv.org



When playoff season arrives, South Christian seems to find a way to play its best football. That was the case again in the Division 4 district final at Grandville Friday as the Sailors turned in one of their best performances of the year by taking down top-ranked and unbeaten rival Unity Christian 35-28 to win the district title.

Trailing 16-7 at the end of the first quarter, the Sailors rallied to defeat Unity and earn a spot in this Friday’s regional title game at Whitehall. The Sailor comeback win also avenged a 50-21 loss to Unity Christian suffered in Week 7 of the regular season.

“We found a way to win it,” said South Christian Coach Danny Brown. “I’m just excited for the kids to get a big program win like that. Obviously, they (Unity Christian) are ranked Number 1 and they have a great team. We knew it was going to be a tough one, but we stayed the course and the guys executed.”

Unity jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead in the game as quarterback Jackson DeHoop connected with Sean VanderZwaag on a 26-yard scoring play. DeHoop then ran in the two-point conversion.

South, however, matched that score midway through the first quarter. Sailor quarterback Carson Vis ran in for a touchdown from six-yards out and Wyatt Sall added the point after cutting the margin to 8-7.

“Offensively, we executed so much more efficiently this time,” Brown said. “I told the guys that they would score early and we would have to answer and we did.”

Unity led 16-7 to end the first quarter

Unity stretched the lead to 16-7 at the end of the first quarter when Isaac Stienstra ran in for a touchdown from six-yards out and Nolan Vis ran in the two-point conversion.

South had the answer for that score with a pair of touchdowns of its own in the second quarter. At the 9:07 mark of the second quarter Vis hooked up with Chuck DeHaan for a 15-yard touchdown pass. Sall added the point after cutting the margin to 16-14. South then surged ahead with two minutes remaining in the first half as Vis ran in for a touchdown from three-yards out. Sall added the extra point putting the Sailors up 21-16.

Unity up 22-21 at halftime

Unity, however, quickly responded, and with 1:23 remaining before halftime Nolan Vis ran in for a touchdown from a yard out putting the Crusaders up 22-21 heading into halftime.

South leads 29-22 in the third

The defenses took over for much of the third quarter before South Christian broke through with a touchdown late in the period. The was when Vis ran in for a touchdown from two-yards out putting the Sailors up 27-22 with 2:20 remaining in the quarter. Vis then connected with DeHaan on the two-point conversion giving the Sailors a 29-22 lead.

Unity Christian closed the gap at the 8:21 mark of the fourth quarter. That was when Max VanKoevering rumbled 13 yards for a touchdown cutting the margin to 29-28. The Crusaders then went for the two-point conversion and the lead before getting denied by the Sailor defense.



South Christian’s Caleb Wieneke (No. 3) and Nathan Potter (58) wrap up a Crusader. (Courtesy, Murray Sports Photography)



The Sailor defense overall did a solid job on the Unity offense. Not only did the South defense limit Unity to 22 less points than the previous matchup, but the Sailor defenders held Unity to its second-lowest point total of the entire season.

“We had some different personnel on defense from the last time we played them,” Brown said. “We also did a few things differently on defense. Ultimately, you can make changes, but the kids have to execute and they did a great job of executing the game plan.”  

South sealed the victory in the final seconds of the game. Vis ran for a touchdown from two-yards out making the final score 35-28 and sending the Sailors on to the regional final where they will face an 8-3 Whitehall team.

“I’m really excited about this group of guys,” Brown said. “The way they prepare is just awesome to see. After our win against Catholic Central in Week 9 you could definitely see a pep in their step at practice the last couple of weeks. The kids are laser-focused.”

Carson Vis had four TDs on the ground and one via air

Offensively, Vis led the Sailors with a big game both passing and running. Vis connected on 12-of-16 passes for 171 yards and one touchdown and ran the ball 22 times for 127 yards and four TDs.

“Carson was just phenomenal,” Brown said. “He is a big-time player and he made big-time plays for us. He has shown that for us time and time again.”



Owen Burgess led South Christian in receiving with five catches for 73 yards. (Courtesy, Murray Sports Photography)



Owen Burgess led the team in receiving with five catches for 73 yards. DeHaan caught three passes for 38 yards and a score, while Tyler Brinks caught a pair of passes for 48 yards and Bryce Kenyon caught two passes.

Rowan DeKam led South with 12 tackles

On defense, Rowan DeKam led the way with 12 total tackles, followed by Chuck DeHaan, seven and Caleb Wieneke, five. Brinks added an interception.



Rowan DeKam (No. 11) led the Sailors with 12 tackles. (Courtesy, Murray Sports Photography)

“Our defensive line also did a great job,” Brown said. “They did not make a ton of tackles, but what they did up front kept the Unity offensive linemen off of our linebackers. That was huge. Nathan Potter, Carson Joldersma, Ben Buiter, Cameryn Veltman, Greyson Hunderman, we had a rotation of guys that played their tails off. It’s not easy to do that against a big and powerful offensive line like Unity and those guys deserve a lot of credit.”

With the win, the Sailors improved to 7-4 for the season as they head to Whitehall to face a team they played in the regional finals two years ago.

“They have a great team,” Brown said. “They have some great athletes; they’re physical and they play hard. It will be a huge test for us.”

Like South, Whitehall has faced a rugged schedule this season with two of its three losses coming against Unity Christian and Zeeland West and the third against unbeaten and state-ranked Portland.  

South Christian beats Holland Christian 35-7 in playoff opener; faces undefeated Unity in District Finals Friday

Citizen Journalism, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,



By Ty Marzean

greer@wktv.org



When November rolls around, it’s time for high school football playoffs in Michigan. This also means that a familiar program is gearing up for a shot at the state title. 

South Christian has qualified for the MHSAA playoffs for the ninth consecutive year. The Sailors have reached the Division 4 finals in back-to-back years leading into the 2024 tournament.

This Sailor team took a different route on the drive to Ford Field, taking a 5-4 record into the playoffs. South Christian has only four losses the past two seasons combined while making the finals in both seasons and winning the state championship in 2022.

“We are young, so the biggest thing for this team is to try to figure out who we are,” said South Christian Coach Danny Brown. “We started 4-0, we won a couple close games. Maybe we got a little bit ahead of ourselves, and who we were. The next four teams we played are all still in the playoffs, so they are good teams. We just had to take our lumps.


I’ll say the kids showed up at practice every week. Losing four games in a row in a season could go a different way, but they showed up every day still believing.”

Sailors forced five turnovers

South Christian advanced to the D-4 District Final with a 35-7 victory over Holland Christian Friday night. The Sailor defense turned in one of the best performances this season holding the Maroons to a season low in points and forcing five turnovers.

“We had to change up our scheme and personnel to see what makes this team click and it all came together,” Brown said. “Hopefully that’s a sign of good things to come.”

Sophomore Cody Jones recovered three fumbles on the night for South Christian.

“He’s a young guy with a high motor,” Brown said. “He’s getting comfortable with the speed of the game and what we want from him.”

Junior Ben Buiter intercepted two passes in the stellar defensive effort.

Senior quarterback Carson Vis once again led the Sailors offense, pacing the team with 123 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground and a passing touchdown.



South Christian quarterback Carson Vis. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



Sophomore running back Isaac Osterhaven also hit the century mark on the ground. 

“Issac had it going on; he seemed fast and was running physical,” Brown said.

South Christian (6-4) now meets a familiar foe in the District Final in undefeated OK Gold champion Unity Christian (10-0), who beat South Christian 50-21 in Week 7.

“Unity is big up front and has very physical running backs; they are very good at what they do,” Brown said. “We will have to be physical up front and not allow them to move us off the ball if we want to have success. They don’t turn the ball over, and they will gain some yards. We just have to have a bend and not break defense.”

South Christian kicks off with Unity Christian in a Division 4 District Final at 7 p.m. Friday at Grandville High School.

East Kentwood falls 25-23 in playoff thriller with Hudsonville on final play of game 

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , ,


By Greg Chrapek

greer@wktv.org



The East Kentwood football team made it a memorable playoff appearance for themselves and new coach Tyrone Spencer.


Taking on OK Red Conference champion Hudsonville (9-1 overall), the Division 1 District Semifinal contest came down to the final play of the game when the Eagles kicked a field goal as time expired to escape with a 25-23 win.

“They (Hudsonville) got it off just as time expired,” Spencer said. “Our guys played great; they played fantastic. They played through a lot of adversity and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

The game was close throughout, much different then the Week 5 game between the two OK Red heavyweights that Hudsonville won 35-6.

“The last time we played them we gave them some cheap stuff,” Spencer said. “They are 85 percent run and I told my defensive backs that they will probably throw about 10 passes. I told them they are going to have to defend those passes and not give up any big plays. We did a pretty good job of tackling and we didn’t give up any cheap plays down the field. Our guys were ready to play and in sync.”



East Kentwood football Coach Tyrone Spencer 2024. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



Hudsonville took the early lead in the game when quarterback Griffin Baker scored on a short run putting the Eagles up 6-0 in the first quarter.  

East Kentwood shaved the lead in half in the second quarter when Jayden Garcia connected on a 32-yard field goal making the score 6-3.

The two teams then traded scores later in the second quarter. Hudsonville scored when Brady VanLaecke broke through a hole in the Falcon line and raced 37-yards for a touchdown putting the Eagles up 13-3.  

13-10 Hudsonville in the second quarter

East Kentwood responded with a drive led by their standout running back Elijah Jones, who capped it with a touchdown run and extra point from Garcia closing the gap to 13-10.

Late in the half, Hudsonville extended the lead to 16-10 on a field goal.



East Kentwood running back Elijah Jones. (Courtesy, Falcon News Network)



Edmonds TD kickoff return called back before halftime

On the next play, the Falcons seemed to have turned the tide when Ahman Edmonds returned the kickoff for a touchdown. The score, however, was nullified from a penalty.

“At halftime we should’ve been leading as we returned the kickoff for a touchdown,” Spencer said. “There was a penalty called that didn’t even have an effect on the touchdown. That held us back a little.”

Eagles up 22-10 after Baker’s 51-yard run

Hudsonville added to its lead in the second half. Baker again provided the big play for the Eagles as he found an opening and took off for a 51-yard touchdown run. Hudsonville missed the two-point conversion leaving the Eagles with a 22-10 lead.

Jones gets Falcons within five on 80-yard TD run

Facing adversity again, East Kentwood showed it was not about to fold. Again, the Falcons turned to Jones, their explosive running back. This time Jones broke through a hole in the Hudsonville line and raced 80 yards for a touchdown. Garcia tacked on the extra point and the Falcons were within five at 22-17.



East Kentwood quarterback Kayd Coffman. (Courtesy, Falcon News Network)



Kayd Coffman strike to Murphy-Ware puts Falcons up in fourth

In the fourth quarter, Kentwood struck again. After a Hudsonville turnover, the Falcons went to the air. Kentwood quarterback Kayd Coffman dropped back and aired a pass out deep down the field to Christopher Murphy-Ware. Murphy-Ware caught the ball in stride and sped into the end zone completing the 51-yard scoring strike and putting the Falcons up 23-22.  

Ian Jenkin’s 34-yard field goal gives Hudsonville the win as time expired

With 1:31 remaining in the game, Hudsonville began a final drive at its own 39-yard line. The Eagles managed to move the ball into field-goal range and with the clock winding down, Ian Jenkins booted a 34-yard field goal as time expired giving Hudsonville the win.

With the loss, the Falcons ended the season with a 5-5 record.
   

“I’m really proud of the kids”

“I’m really proud of the kids,” Spencer said. “It would’ve been great to cap the season off with this win, but I think the life lessons the kids learned through football this year are more important. I’m really proud of them and how they competed all season. They came out and competed every day and battled through adversities. I’m really proud of our players, our coaches and everybody that is a part of this program.”

Spencer, in his first year as head coach of the Falcons, laid a solid foundation for the future.

“I feel the foundation has been laid,” Spencer said. “We had a lot of young sophomores and juniors who came into the year inexperienced and now they have a lot of experience. I think that will be beneficial for us. We also return seven starters on defense next year and four starters on offense. Any time you have 11 starters returning you should be a decent football team.”

Offensively, Jones led the Falcons this season with 1,208 yards rushing (7.2 per carry) and 12 touchdowns. Coffman led the team in passing with 56.5% completions for 1,594 yards and 11 touchdowns against just two interceptions.

A trio of Falcon receivers totaled over 400 yards receiving this season. Edmonds caught 29 passes for 479 yards and four touchdowns. Caiden Holt caught 22 passes for 476 yards and five touchdowns, while Murphy-Ware caught 32 passes for 451 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, Terence Kabanda led the way this season with 71 tackles, including four tackles for loss. Donavan Jones added 50 tackles, two tackles for loss and an interception. James Jones Jr. totaled 44 tackles including seven tackles for loss and a sack. Defensive linemen Syncere Hobson-Washington and Tyler Meeuwsen both totaled seven tackles for loss with Hobson-Washington adding two sacks and Meeuwsen one. Javani Overstreet and Major Barnes both finished with 31 tackles apiece. Lloyd Nelson finished with 25 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack.           

Kentwood to Host Fall Fling Disc Golf Tournament and Food Drive Nov. 9

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Kentwood Fall Fling Disc Golf Tournament. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood and Great Lakes Disc are inviting disc golfers of all skill levels to the annual Fall Fling tournament and food drive Saturday, Nov. 9.

The best-shot doubles tournament begins with on-site registration at 9 a.m. at Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Drive SE. The cost is $25 per person or $50 per team, plus a canned food donation for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.



Kentwood Little Free Pantry. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“We are looking forward to offering another Fall Fling for our growing community of disc golf enthusiasts,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “We’re proud to partner with Great Lakes Disc to continue this popular event in Kentwood and are grateful for their support in bringing our community together for a day of lively outdoor fun.”

Pre-registration for the Fall Fling is encouraged. Players will meet at 9:45 a.m., and the first round of the tournament will begin at 10 a.m. El Jalapeño food truck will be on-site offering a variety of authentic Mexican food for purchase, including tacos, huaraches, burritos and more.



Kentwood Fall Fling Disc Golf Tournament. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“We are pleased to again co-host this tournament with the City of Kentwood,” said Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc. “Our team really enjoys connecting with local disc golfers at this event and giving back to the community through Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.”

The Kentwood Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a community service project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The pantry is open to all community members year-round and addresses an immediate and local need. It offers non-perishable food and personal care items. Anyone can anonymously utilize or donate to the pantry, and no applications are required.

Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is in need of donations, and the City is encouraging local businesses, organizations and community members to get involved. The pantry has locations at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, along with several other donation bins located throughout Kentwood.

Learn more about the pantry and find a list of suggested donations at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

Check out our WKTV Friday Night Highlights show from Week 9

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Sports, Sports, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org


Check out the exciting clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season featuring many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.


Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.


Thanks for tuning in!


WKTV Game of the Week

Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.

You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org


Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.

East Kentwood, South Christian heading to MHSAA football playoffs 

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , , ,
(Logo Courtesy, MHSAA)



By Greg Chrapek

greer@wktv.org



Halloween is just around the corner and in high school football that means the state playoffs are also set to launch.

With the final week of the regular season in the books, a pair of local heavyweights, East Kentwood and South Christian, are both set to begin what they hope will be long playoff runs.


East Kentwood (5-4 overall) travels to Hudsonville (8-1) in the first round of the playoffs in Division 1 Region 1 at 7 p.m. Friday, while South Christian (5-4) hosts Holland Christian (6-3) at East Kentwood High School in Division 4 Region 1 at 7 p.m. Friday.

The Falcons finished the regular season with a 5-4 record after falling 45-27 to Rockford in the regular-season finale. The Falcons clinched a playoff berth with a 31-7 win against Jenison in Week 8.

The Falcons have made steady progress in their trek to the playoffs while playing a rugged schedule full of playoff teams.

“Our team has gained a lot of confidence the last couple of weeks,” said East Kentwood coach Tyrone Spencer. “I like where we are going right now and we are starting to hit our peak.”

The Falcons have a good mix of passing and running on offense and have been playing strong defense.

“I think we have done a good job of establishing the run and mixing in the pass,” Spencer said. “The last couple of weeks our defense has also been pretty stout, especially against Grand Haven and Jenison. Even the Grandville game our defense did a pretty good job at times containing that explosive offense.”


Offensively, the Falcons are led by quarterback Kayd Coffman and running back Elijah Jones. Jones rushed for 186 yards against Jenison after running for over 180 yards the week before against Grand Haven.



East Kentwood running back Elijah Jones. (Courtesy, Falcon News Network)
East Kentwood quarterback Kayd Coffman. (Courtesy, Falcon News Network)



On defense, the Falcons have been receiving solid play at all three levels.

“Our linebacker, Terence Kabanda, leads us in tackles,” Spencer said. “Our defensive line is a pretty stout group with Syncere Hobson-Washington, James Jones and Tyler Meeuwsen all doing a good job. Our sophomore safeties Donavan Jones and Major Barnes have done a good job of making plays.”

Kentwood is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2022 after missing out on the playoffs last year.

South Christian makes playoffs with win over Catholic Central

South Christian kept its string of playoff appearances going with a big 26-20 win against Catholic Central in the Week 9 finale to guarantee a spot in the playoffs. The Sailors have qualified for the playoffs the past eight years, including winning the Division 4 state championship two years ago and reaching the Division 4 state title game last year.

The Sailors improved to 5-4 for the season with the win against the Cougars.

The Sailors clinched their playoff berth in thrilling fashion as they trailed Catholic Central 20-10 at halftime before rallying in the second half with a pair of touchdowns to win the game.

In the third quarter, Carson Vis tossed a 26-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Kenyon and then connected with Tyler Brinks on a two-point conversion pass to cut the deficit to 20-18.



South Christian quarterback Carson Vis committed to play basketball at Western Michigan University. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



In the fourth quarter, the Sailors took the lead when Vis hit Brinks for a one-yard scoring strike for the winning touchdown. Vis then connected with Brinks for the two-point conversion.

Vis completed 24-of-31 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns and ran the ball 18 times for 59 yards.

Chuck DeHaan led the receiving corps with four catches for 93 yards.

Like East Kentwood, South Christian has faced a rugged schedule loaded with playoff teams. The Sailors opened the season with four consecutive wins before falling the past four weeks to bring their record to .500.

South Christian entered the Catholic Central game with a high-powered offense led by quarterback Vis, who passed for 219 yards and a touchdown in last week’s loss against Zeeland West. Vis also rushed for 62 yards and a touchdown. Vis has a variety of targets to pass to including Brinks, who had six catches for 99 yards against West and Owen Burgess, who caught 13 passes for 81 yards and DeHaan, who caught four balls for 35 yards and a score.


The MHSAA Football Playoffs conclude with the 8-Player Finals on Nov. 23 at Northern Michigan University’s Superior Dome and 11-Player Finals to be played Nov. 29-30 at Ford Field.



Thornapple Kellogg beat Wyoming 49-12 Friday in season finale

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



Thornapple Kellogg defeated Wyoming 49-12 in the last regular season game Friday. TK improves to 1-4 in the OK Black, 3-6 overall, while Wyoming finished the season at 1-8 overall, 0-5 in the OK Gold.

Rockford defeats host East Kentwood 45-27; both teams headed to Division 1 playoffs

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



Visiting Rockford knocked off East Kentwood 45-27 Friday. The Rams improved to 5-2 in the OK Red, 7-2 overall, while the Falcons fell to 4-3 in the Red, 5-4 overall.


Despite the loss to Rockford, the Falcons already had clinched a Division 1 playoff berth with their 31-7 win over Jenison last Friday. Rockford also is headed to the playoffs.


Stay tuned for the playoff brackets which drop Sunday night.

East Kentwood routs Jenison Friday, clinches playoff berth

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
East Kentwood quarterback Kayd Coffman was 14-for-20 passing for 201 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Jenison. (Courtesy, Falcon News Network)

By Ty Marzean

greer@wktv.org



East Kentwood Coach Tyrone Spencer is no stranger to the MHSAA playoffs. Having spent the last eight seasons at Detroit Martin Luther King, he made the playoffs each year. Now, in his first season leading the Falcons’ football program, he is set to return to the playoffs for a ninth consecutive year.

The Falcons (5-3) will return to the playoffs for the fifth time in the last eight seasons after cruising to a 31-7 victory over OK-Red rival Jenison (3-5) on WKTV’s Game of the Week Friday night. 



“We had a good showing,” Spencer said. “In the first half, we were rolling and doing some good things. I was really pleased with how we started the game and finished. I feel that we are peaking as a team.



“We were able to kind of have our way in the first half. Our offense was pretty good and the defense came up with some key stops. They (Jenison) are a gritty team. They have a real good running back that beat us on one long run, but overall I thought we did a really good job.”

EK senior running back Elijah Jones opened the scoring with an 8-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter and ended up with 185 rushing yards. Jones received an offer to play at Wayne State University earlier in the week.



East Kentwood senior running back Elijah Jones. (Photo Courtesy, Falcon News Network)



Jenison matched that score with a touchdown run of its own when junior Brody Schuiteman went through the middle of the Falcons’ defensive line for a 62-yard touchdown. 

The Falcons’ defensive front wouldn’t allow much more after that play. Senior Syncere Hobson-Washington and junior James Jones disrupted the Wildcats offense all game long. Senior middle linebacker Terence Kabanda led the team with four solo tackles.
 

Junior quarterback Kayd Coffman led the Falcons offensive pass attack, going 14-for-20 for 201 yards and two passing touchdowns. His favorite receiver on the night was junior Ahman Edmonds, who caught five passes for 106 yards and scored a touchdown run. Senior receiver Charles Murphy-Ware tallied 92 yards on five catches, including a beautiful 36-yard touchdown grab. Junior Bam Nettelman hauled in the first touchdown pass from Coffman.



East Kentwood wide receiver Ahman Edmonds. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



East Kentwood will end the regular season hosting the Rockford Rams (6-2) in OK Red action at Falcons Stadium for their “Black Out Game” on Friday.

Check out our WKTV Friday Night Highlights show from Week 8

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,
Every week, WKTV brings you Friday Night Highlights featuring most of the local high school football action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, including the latest conference standings and analysis from our football game announcers Ty Marzean and Ron Schultz.
Producers: Cris Greer and Davin Harsila, Director: Tom Conquest, Graphics and Videographer: Jake Westbrook



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org


Check out the exciting clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season featuring many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.


Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.


Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Tuesday! Thanks for tuning in.


WKTV Game of the Week

Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.

You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org


Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.

Stay tuned for playoff brackets!

Grand Rapids Sacred Heart beat Lee 42-14 Friday

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, WKTV Featured sports, , , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



Sacred Heart beat Lee 42-14 Friday to stay undefeated at 8-0 this season. Lee dropped to 3-5 overall.


Lee travels to Calvin Christian next Friday.

Zeeland West beat South Christian 34-21 Friday

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



Zeeland West held off South Christian 34-21 to improve to 4-1 in the OK Gold, 7-1 overall, while the Sailors fell to 1-4 in the Gold, 4-4 overall.


South Christian quarterback Carson Vis was 25-for-37 for 219 yards with one interception and one touchdown. He led on the ground with 62 yards on 17 carries with one touchdown. Tyler Brinks had six catches for 99 yards, followed by Owen Burgess, 13 for 81 yards and Chuck DeHaan, four catches for 35 yards and one touchdown.

South Christian faces Catholic Central at East Grand Rapids High School for the last regular season game on Friday.


South Christian quarterback Carson Vis at last year’s Division 4 state finals. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)

Check out our WKTV Friday Night Highlights show from Week 7

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , ,




By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org


Check out the exciting clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season featuring many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.


Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.


Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Tuesday! Thanks for tuning in.


WKTV Game of the Week

Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.

You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org


Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.

WKTV Truck Game of the Week Sked

Friday, Oct. 18: Jenison at East Kentwood

Friday, Oct 25: Catholic Central vs. South Christian (at East Grand Rapids)

Host Zeeland West beats Wyoming 38-7

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



Zeeland West improved to 3-1 in the OK Gold, 6-1 overall, Wyoming fell to 0-4, 1-6 overall.


The Wolves host Forest Hills Central next Friday.

Unity Christian knocks off South Christian 50-21 Friday; check out our WKTV Highlights inside

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



Hudsonville Unity Christian beat South Christian 50-21 Friday to remain atop the OK Gold at 4-0, 7-0 overall. The Sailors fell to 1-3 in the Gold, 4-3 overall.


South Christian hosts Zeeland West next Friday at Hudsonville High School.

Calder City Classic: Rivalry matchup showcases two of the country’s top NCAA DII collegiate football programs

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, Going Local, Sports, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , , , , , ,
The 2024 Calder City Classic will feature Ferris State University and Davenport University, two West Michigan institutions (Courtesy, GLIAC)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Ferris State University and Davenport University announced the creation of the Calder City Classic, a rivalry matchup showcasing two of the top NCAA DII collegiate football programs in the country.

The rivalry game, supported by the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame, spotlights the success of the two programs, while developing a marquee rivalry for two West Michigan institutions in the Grand Rapids area.

Representatives from the two universities gathered in Grand Rapids’ Calder Plaza Sept. 26 to announce the new annual tradition (Courtesy, DU Comms)

The series will begin this fall with the teams squaring off in the regular-season finale on Nov. 16 in Big Rapids at Ferris State’s Top Taggart Field as part of the GLIAC schedule. The two teams will play for the Calder City Classic trophy.

The rivalry will then return to Davenport’s home field in 2025. Plans call for the third matchup in 2026 to take place at a neutral site in the Grand Rapids area. Every third game in the series will potentially be played somewhere near Grand Rapids, with neither team having a home-field advantage.

Additional details about the Calder City Classic will be announced before the Nov. 16 game, including the rivalry logo and trophy design.

A new tradition

Representatives from the two universities gathered in Grand Rapids’ Calder Plaza Sept. 26 to announce the annual tradition against the backdrop of “La Grande Vitesse.” The bright red sculpture by Alexander Calder has been a symbol of the city since it was installed on Calder Plaza in 1969.

Two outstanding football programs will go head-to-head in this new athletic tradition (Courtesy, DU Comms)

Davenport University President Richard J. Pappas and Ferris State University President Bill Pink were on hand to support the creation of the Calder City Classic.

“Ferris State University has a rich athletic tradition,” Pink said. “This game will give us a chance to establish a new tradition. West Michigan sports fans will have the opportunity to see two outstanding football programs go head-to-head, and also learn more about the excellent educational programs each of our great universities have to offer.”

Pappas noted that both institutions have long histories featuring strong academic and athletic programs.

“We are looking forward to this named rivalry between our institutions,” Pappas said. “We expect the Calder City Classic to be an example of fierce competition for our student-athletes who will show teamwork, discipline, compete well and win graciously.”

Artistic spirit and civic pride

The athletic directors at Ferris and Davenport recognize the future possibilities of the partnership.

“This is an awesome way to showcase these two outstanding football programs and highlight the value of each institution right here in the Grand Rapids area,” Ferris State Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank said. “We appreciate the great partnership with Davenport University and the support of the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame to help develop this rivalry series and look forward to watching this grow.”

Davenport Athletic Director Paul Lowden agrees: “‘The Calder’ is a symbol of Grand Rapids artistic spirit and civic pride. It is only fitting that two historical West Michigan universities battle on the gridiron to win the Calder City Classic trophy.

“Davenport University is excited to be part of this new football tradition with Ferris State University while honoring an iconic piece of Grand Rapids history.”

More than just football

The Calder City Classic showcases sportsmanship alongside fierce competition (Courtesy, DU Comms)

The programs have close ties in addition to their West Michigan location. Davenport head coach Sparky McEwen played at Ferris State and served as its assistant coach under Bulldogs head coach Tony Annese.

McEwen said the Calder City Classic is an opportunity to show more than football.

“The Calder City Classic exemplifies sportsmanship, along with great competition,” McEwen said. “I appreciate the partnership with the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame.

“This recognition of the immense football talent and fierce competition here is a testament to the passion of our student-athletes, fans and communities. We look forward to competing for the Calder City Classic trophy each year.”

Journey to the top

Last fall’s regular-season matchup at Davenport’s home field in Caledonia marked the eighth meeting between the universities. It also represented the first time in which both schools were ranked in the top 10 teams in the country in the American Football Coaches Association national poll at kickoff time, with Ferris State seventh and Davenport ninth.

FSU and DU have both finished among the top three squads in the GLIAC for the past two seasons (Courtesy, DU Comms)

Both schools made the NCAA Division II Playoffs in 2022, with Ferris State defeating Davenport in Big Rapids en route to the Bulldogs’ second-consecutive NCAA Division II national championship. The Panthers’ appearance in the DII playoffs in 2022 was the school’s first in program history.

Both teams have also finished among the top three squads in the GLIAC each of the past two seasons.

Learn more!

For additional information on these universities, visit: Ferris.edu or FerrisStateBulldogs.com; and Davenport.edu or DUPanthers.com.

Check out our WKTV Friday Night Highlights show from Week 6

1-featured, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, WKTV Featured sports, , , , ,




By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org


Check out the exciting clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season featuring many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.


Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.


Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Tuesday! Thanks for tuning in.


WKTV Game of the Week

Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.

You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org


Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.

WKTV Truck Game of the Week Sked

Friday, Oct. 11: Godwin Heights at Kelloggsville

Friday, Oct. 18: Jenison at East Kentwood

Friday, Oct 25: Catholic Central vs. South Christian (at East Grand Rapids)

Kelloggsville gets first win with 24-8 defeat of Benton Harbor

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, WKTV Featured sports, , , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



The Rockets got their first win of the season with a 24-8 defeat of visiting Benton Harbor Friday.


Kelloggsville hosts Godwin Heights next Friday for a big rivalry game.

Godwin Heights gets past Fruitport 15-12

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



Godwin Heights defeated Fruitport 15-12 Friday to improve to 2-1 in the OK Silver, 2-3 overall, Fruitport fell to 1-2, 2-4.


The Wolverines visit Kelloggsville for a big rivalry game next Friday.

Grandville edges East Kentwood 33-25; check out our WKTV highlights

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



Grandville beat East Kentwood 33-25 Friday to improve to 3-1 in the OK Red, 3-3 overall. East Kentwood fell to 2-2 in the Red, 3-3 overall.


The Falcons travel to Grand Haven next Friday, while Grandville travels to Hudsonville.

Check out our WKTV Friday Night Highlights show from Week 5

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, WKTV Featured sports, , , , , , , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org


Check out the exciting clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season featuring many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.


Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.


Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Tuesday! Thanks for tuning in.


WKTV Game of the Week

Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.

You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org


Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.

WKTV Truck Game of the Week Sked

Friday, Oct. 4: Zeeland East vs. South Christian (at Byron Center)

Friday, Oct. 11: Godwin Heights at Kelloggsville

Friday, Oct. 18: Jenison at East Kentwood

Friday, Oct 25: Catholic Central vs. South Christian (at East Grand Rapids)

Host Forest Hills Central knocks off South Christian 34-13; check out our WKTV highlights

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,




By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



Forest Hills Central beat South Christian 34-13 Friday. Both teams are now 1-1 in the newly aligned OK Gold, 4-1 overall.


After beating Zeeland West 20-8 Friday, Hudsonville Unity Christian sits atop the Gold at 2-0, 5-0 overall.

The Sailors host Zeeland East next Friday at Byron Center High School.

Check out our WKTV Friday Night Highlights show from Week 4

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, WKTV Featured sports, , , , , , , ,




By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org


Check out the exciting clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season featuring many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.


Just like basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.

Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Tuesday! Thanks for tuning in.


WKTV Game of the Week

Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.

You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org

Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.

WKTV Truck Game of the Week Sked

Friday, Sept. 27: Hudsonville at East Kentwood

Friday, Oct. 4: Zeeland East vs. South Christian (at Byron Center)

Friday, Oct. 11: Godwin Heights at Kelloggsville

Friday, Oct. 18: Jenison at East Kentwood

Friday, Oct 25: Catholic Central vs. South Christian (at East Grand Rapids)

Defense leads the way as Falcons turn back West Ottawa, set up showdown with Hudsonville 

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,
East Kentwood quarterback Kayd Coffman completed 10-of-16 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. (Courtesy, Falcon News Network)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor

greer@wktv.org



Led by a big effort from its defense, the East Kentwood football team defeated host West Ottawa to remain undefeated in the OK Red and set up a showdown with Hudsonville Friday at Falcon Stadium.



With the defense coming up with several big stops and the offense stepping up with big plays when needed, the Falcons came away with a 21-7 win at West Ottawa. The win improved East Kentwood’s record to 3-1 overall, 2-0 in the OK Red. The win also sets up a showdown with Hudsonville, also 2-0 in the conference, this Friday at 7 p.m. at Falcon Stadium.

“This was already going to be a big game for us,” said East Kentwood Coach Tyrone Spencer. “We already had it circled on the schedule. Now it is even a bigger game for the fact that they beat Rockford.”

Sets up showdown of OK Red unbeatens Friday

Hudsonville remained unbeaten in the conference last Friday when they handed previously undefeated Rockford a 28-21 defeat at Hudsonville setting up the showdown between the conference unbeatens this week.

East Kentwood kept its conference record perfect with a strong all-around effort at West Ottawa.

“It was a really great team win for us,” Spencer said. “Our defense made the stops when we needed them too. We had a lot of big fourth-down stops when we had to make them. For us, the way we play, we do not want to give up the big play on defense. We will let a team dink and dunk, but we do not want to give up the big play.”

East Kentwood took the initial lead in the game in the first quarter. The Falcons struck through the air for their first score when quarterback Kayd Coffman connected with Ahman Edmunds on a 35-yard touchdown pass. Jayden Garcia kicked the first of three extra points during the game giving the Falcons a 7-0 lead.

East Kentwood doubled the lead in the second quarter. The Falcons again struck through the air for their score, with the second touchdown coming on a 35-yard passing play from Coffman to Caiden Holt. Garcia tacked on the extra point putting the Falcons up 14-0.



East Kentwood wide receiver Caiden Holt caught a pair of passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. (Courtesy, Falcon News Network)



West Ottawa scored its lone touchdown of the game later in the second quarter on a three-yard pass play cutting the Falcon lead to 14-7.

East Kentwood scored the final points of the game during the third quarter. The Falcons final touchdown came on a one-yard touchdown run by Jesse Phillips.

From there, the Falcons turned the game over to the defense.

“Our defense made some big plays down the stretch,” Spencer said. “The defense made a big stop on a fourth and goal that if they (West Ottawa) made it would’ve made it a one-score game. Donavan Jones also had a big interception and we had some more fourth-down stops.”

Terrence Kabanda and Donavan Jones 7 tackles apiece

The Falcon defense was led by Terrence Kabanda who totaled seven tackles and a tackle for loss. Along with his interception, Jones also racked up seven tackles and two assisted tackles. Silas Mitchell added five tackles and an assist, followed by Tyler Meeuwsen, five tackles and one for a loss, Major Barnes, four tackles and two assists, and James Jones had a pair of tackles for loss.


On offense, the Falcons received a big game from Coffman who completed 10-of-16 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Caiden Holt caught a pair of passes for 65 yards and a touchdown while Ahman Edmonds caught two passes for 58 yards and a score and Chris Ware hauled in six passes for 64 yards. Elijah Jones led the Falcons in rushing with 99 yards on 11 carries.



Elijah Jones led the Falcons with 99 yards rushing on 11 carries. (Courtesy, Falcon News Network)



“We had a balanced effort on offense,” Spencer said. “Kayd threw two touchdowns and Elijah Jones ran for 99 yards so we were able to have a good, balanced attack.”

The Falcons will count on another balanced effort in Friday’s contest with Hudsonville.

“We know they are well coached and play smash-mouth football,” Spencer said. “We have to be really locked in and be prepared to do a great job. We had a great effort against West Ottawa and got the win but we have to keep building.”      

Check out our WKTV Friday Night Highlights show from Week 3

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , , , , , , ,
Check out our latest edition of Friday Night Highlights with Ron Schultz (left) and Ty Marzean.



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org


Check out the exciting clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season featuring many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.


Just like during basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.

Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Tuesday! Thanks for tuning in.


WKTV Game of the Week

Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.

You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org

Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.

WKTV Truck Game of the Week Sked

Friday, Sept. 20: Wyoming vs. South Christian (at East Kentwood)

Friday, Sept. 27: Hudsonville at East Kentwood

Friday, Oct. 4: Zeeland East vs. South Christian (at Byron Center)

Friday, Oct. 11: Godwin Heights at Kelloggsville

Friday, Oct. 18: Jenison at East Kentwood

Friday, Oct 25: Catholic Central vs. South Christian (at East Grand Rapids)

East Kentwood football team learns lesson in winning in 41-35 victory over Caledonia

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,
WKTV Friday Night Highlights Video (Katie Bogema)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor

greer@wktv.org



Along with teaching the X’s and O’s of football, new East Kentwood football coach Tyrone Spencer is also teaching the mental part of the game to his squad. The Falcons took another step in that mental course last Friday when defeating Caledonia 41-35 in the OK Red season opener.



The visiting Falcons stormed out of the gate fast and then had to fend off a furious Caledonia rally to come away with the win and improve to 2-1 for the season.

The fast start for the Falcons was a reversal of the Week 2 game against Byron Center where Kentwood fell behind by a large margin in the first half.

“I thought the guys played well,” Spencer said. “I think a real big thing was that the guys fought through adversity. We jumped out to a 34-0 lead and then Caledonia scored on a pick six. They came back and cut it to 34-28, but then our guys ended up making the plays at the end of the game that they needed to make.”

East Kentwood made plenty of plays in the opening half as it raced out to a 34-0 lead. Falcon running back Elijah Jones started the scoring as he reeled off a 60-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The lead grew to 13-0 when Falcon quarterback Drew Burton connected with Caiden Holt on a 21-yard touchdown pass with Jayden Garcia tacking on the extra point kick. The lead expanded to 20-0 later in the first quarter when Kayd Coffman, who shares the quarterback duties with Burton, scored on a one-yard touchdown run with Garcia converting the extra point.



East Kentwood’s Elijah Jones led the way with 201 yards rushing on 22 carries and three touchdowns against Caledonia. (Courtesy, Falcon News Network)



“We use both Drew and Kayd,” Spencer said. “They have both been great leaders for us. Kayd did some really nice things out there and Drew also did a nice job and threw a touchdown pass.”

The Falcons added two more touchdowns in the second quarter to grow the lead to 34-0. Coffman tossed a two-yard touchdown pass to Holt, while Jones scored his second touchdown of the game on a three-yard run. Garcia added both extra points.

Caledonia’s comeback

Caledonia began to mount a comeback late in the second quarter when Leighton Fink intercepted a Falcon pass and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown.

The Fighting Scots continued the comeback in the second half with a pair of third-quarter touchdowns. Caledonia quarterback Brody Betser connected with Parker Little on a 29-yard scoring strike to make the score 34-14 after the extra point by Brody Siler. Betser then connected with Reed Vogeler on a touchdown pass cutting the Kentwood lead to 34-21.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Fighting Scots trimmed the deficit to six points as Betser ran for a touchdown from six-yards out and Siler tacked on the point after.

Kentwood, however, stemmed the tide later in the quarter when Jones ran in for his third touchdown of the game from a yard out. Garcia tacked on the point after putting the Falcons up 41-28.

Caledonia added one final touchdown on a nine-yard touchdown pass from Betser to Lincoln Senti with Siler tacking on the point after making the final score 41-35.



East Kentwood quarterback Kayd Coffman completed 8-of-13 passes for 142 yards with one TD pass and one rushing. Andrew Burton threw one TD with 21 yards passing. (Courtesy, Falcon News Network)



“I thought this game was a great lesson for the guys,” Spencer said. “They have to learn how to win and this was a great lesson. I also talked to them about how important it is to get an early lead. To have early success and build on that momentum and we were able to do that with Elijah’s early 60-yard touchdown run. I also thought our coaches did a great job with the game plan.”

The Falcons showed good balance on offense for the game. Coffman completed 8-of-13 passes for 142 yards, while Burton added 21 yards passing. Jones led the way in the ground game with 22 carries for 201 yards with three touchdowns.

Holt led the way in the receiving department with six catches for 143 yards.



East Kentwood receiver Caiden Holt. (Courtesy, Falcon News Network)



Kabanda led EK with seven tackles

Terrence Kabanda led the Falcons with seven tackles, while Tyler Meeuwsen added five tackles and one tackle for loss. Steph Jones had an interception for EK.

“This was a huge game for us,” Spencer said. “Caledonia is a good team; it was our first conference and it was a road game. It felt really good to get this win. We have West Ottawa and Hudsonville coming up and we want to keep improving and getting more confidence.”

The Falcons travel to West Ottawa this Friday and then return home on Sept. 27 to host Hudsonville.

East Kentwood holds off Caledonia 41-35 Friday; check out our WKTV highlights

City of Kentwood, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org


East Kentwood grabbed a large 34-6 halftime lead and held off Caledonia 41-35 Friday to improve to 2-1 overall, 1-0 in the OK Red.


Caledonia dropped to 2-1 overall, 0-1 in the OK Red.

East Kentwood travels to West Ottawa (0-3) Friday.

South Christian edges West Catholic 41-38 Friday; check out our WKTV video highlights

Citizen Journalism, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , , ,
First quarter highlights from the South Christian/West Catholic game Friday, Sept. 13. (WKTV Friday Night Highlights/Jake Westbrook)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor/Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



South Christian edged West Catholic 41-38 Friday to improve to 3-0 overall. West Catholic dropped to 1-2.


Forest Hills Central, Unity Christian and Zeeland West are also 3-0 overall and begin play in the realigned OK Gold next Friday.



The Sailors travel to Wyoming (1-2) next Friday in their first OK Gold contest.



Check out our WKTV Friday Night Highlights show from Week 2

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, ,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Check out the exciting clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season featuring many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.


Just like during basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.

As a bonus, we’ll occasionally have a reporter on the field at the Game of the Week to interview coaches and players for the show and have them join us in studio for a live interview.

Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Tuesday! Thanks for tuning in.



WKTV Game of the Week

Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.


You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org

Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.

WKTV Truck Game of the Week Sked

Friday, Sept. 20: Wyoming vs. South Christian (at East Kentwood)

Friday, Sept. 27: Hudsonville at East Kentwood

Friday, Oct. 4: Zeeland East vs. South Christian (at Byron Center)

Friday, Oct. 11: Godwin Heights at Kelloggsville

Friday, Oct. 18: Jenison at East Kentwood

Friday, Oct 25: Catholic Central vs. South Christian (at East Grand Rapids)

Young talent looks to lead Godwin into future, falls short in tight game

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Kent County, Local Faces, Local Sports, Sports, , , ,
(Courtesy, Godwin Heights)



By Ty Marzean

WKTV Contributor

greer@wktv.org

Last year’s Godwin Heights Wolverines began the season with several players sidelined due to off-field issues, resulting in an 0-5 start to the season.

Coach Brandon Kimble has brought a sense of stability to the head coaching position that he hopes will lead to on-field success. Kimble was the coach from 2018-2020 before taking over as the school’s athletic director, and again as head coach, one week before the 2022 season.


Godwin Heights Football. (Courtesy, WKTV)


“Last year left a sour taste in our mouths,” Kimble said. “Nobody was comfortable or happy with what took place last year on and off the field. I feel like this group has really bought in.”

The Wolverines lost a handful of senior leaders, including last year’s All-Conference running back Jeff Zelaya.



“We will miss the leadership of Miguel Ocampo, Jeff Zelaya, and Tellios Moore,” Kimble said.

However, the Wolverines also boast a roster full of young talent that logged crucial snaps last season.

Godwin will reload across the offense. Senior middle linebacker Patrick Knight also will play tight end on the offensive side of the ball, along with his brother junior Taisjon Allen. Juniors Kares Harris and Mikyius Witherspoon will rotate at the running back position.

Wyoming transfer junior quarterback Antwan Brown Jr. will lead the Wolverines’ offense.

“He’s fit in well,” Kimble said. “With the schools being so close, a lot of the players know each other and grow up with each other. There are players in our team he already knew and was comfortable with, so it has been an easy transition.”

It’s about more than just winning

Although winning on the field is always the goal, the top priority for Coach Kimble and his staff is to build outstanding men who can make a positive impact on their community.


Godwin Heights Football (Courtesy, WKTV)


“I have tried to put together a staff of good men who are doing the right things in their family lives and careers,” Kimble said.

“I want to win for sure, win a conference, eventually a state title, but I wouldn’t want to do that and sacrifice who they are going to become, and what they will become, in the community. It’s more important about who you are. You can win in football, but if you are losing in life, what success are you really having?”

Season opener delivers close score

Godwin Heights Football. (Courtesy, WKTV)

The Wolverines were stuffed on a 4th down conversion in the red zone during the game’s closing moments, suffering a 16-14 loss to Mason County Central in the Aug. 29 season opener.

“We are still excited despite the loss,” Kimble said. “When I took over, there were some discipline issues, so several players had to sit out. We wanted to clean that up and set that groundwork.

“I believe that has set us up to be successful this season and that we will have a different look and get back to the level of making the playoffs regularly as the program has in years past. We’ve had a great summer and off season to put us on a trajectory to accomplish those things.”

Looking ahead

Godwin (0-1) travels to former OK-Silver rival Kent City (0-1) on Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.

Check out our first WKTV Friday Night Highlights show of the season!

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan,



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Check out the exciting clips above from our first Friday Night Highlights show of the season featuring many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.


Just like during basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.

As a bonus, we’ll occasionally have a reporter on the field at the Game of the Week to interview coaches and players for the show and have them join us in studio for a live interview.

Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Tuesday! Thanks for tuning in.



WKTV Game of the Week

Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.

You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org

Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.

WKTV Truck Game of the Week Sked

Thursday, Sept. 5: Northview at Wyoming

Friday, Sept. 13: Belding at Kelloggsville

Friday, Sept. 20: Wyoming vs. South Christian (at East Kentwood)

Friday, Sept. 27: Hudsonville at East Kentwood

Friday, Oct. 4: Zeeland East vs. South Christian (at Byron Center)

Friday, Oct. 11: Godwin Heights at Kelloggsville

Friday, Oct. 18: Jenison at East Kentwood

Friday, Oct 25: Catholic Central vs. South Christian (at East Grand Rapids)