Tag Archives: football

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.

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.

Lee loses quarterback, game in season opener against Sacred Heart

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


By Ty Marzean

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org


Lee Legends’ 2024 football season got off to a rough start Thursday, Aug. 29. They lost their quarterback, Anthony Blok, to injury and suffered a 41-18 defeat to Sacred Heart in WKTV’s Game of the Week.

Blok left the game after a hard hit on the opening drive of the third quarter.


Lee QB Anthony Blok suffered an injury in the third quarter of Aug. 29 opening game. (Courtesy, WKTV)


“Anthony is doing much better,” said third-year coach Lamar Marshall. “Resting, [but] most likely won’t have him next week for Homecoming.”

Lee defeated Sacred Heart 42-30 during the 2023 season, with Blok throwing for 253 yards and four touchdown passes.

Starting strong, losing momentum

Legends’ senior quarterback Blok threw touchdown passes of 46 and 51 yards to Jaden Potts and Aidan Merriweather, respectively, in the first quarter.

“We started off well, then lost momentum and missed a ton of tackles,” Marshall said.

Will Hyland, sophomore quarterback for Sacred Heart, was a one-man wrecking crew in the team’s first-ever varsity football victory. He scored all 41 points, including five rushing touchdowns, an 82-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and five PATs.


Sacred Heart QB Will Hyland (#5) scores final touchdown of the first half. (Courtesy, WKTV)


Hyland finished the first drive of the season with an 18-yard touchdown run to open up the scoring in what would be a high-scoring first quarter.

Sacred Heart had a 20-12 lead at the end of the first quarter. Both teams scored an additional touchdown, and Lee senior defensive back Jayden Pena intercepted a pass in the end zone. Sacred Heart led 27-18 at the end of the second quarter.


(Courtesy, WKTV)


Finding their rhythm

Sophomore Jaden Sanchez replaced Blok after the third-quarter injury, but was unable to get the Legends’ offense in rhythm. Coach Marshall is confident they have found a strategy that will best fit Sanchez.

“I believe we’ve found a formula that will work, running the ball and getting it out quickly,” Marshall said of his squad. “Our game plan going forward is fundamentals; we have to preach doing the fundamentals correctly.

“We missed a few opportunities such as not capitalizing after half, leaving yards and touchdowns on the field.”

Lee (0-1) will look for their first win Homecoming night, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m., against Calvin Christian (1-0).

Lee eyes conference title, returns to 11-Player football in 2025

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, ,
WKTV Contributor Ty Marzean visited the Lee football field during opening week of practice to talk with players and Coach Marshall about the upcoming season. (WKTV, Ty Marzean)


By Ty Marzean

WKTV Contributor

greer@wktv.org


When Lamar Marshall came on as coach of the Lee football team, he had a goal to bring the Legends back to playing 11-Player football by his fourth season. Now in his third year at the helm, Marshall will accomplish just that as the Legends return to the traditional game in 2025.

“Our ultimate goal by year four for me was to get back to 11-man, and we have a great opportunity to do so,” Marshall said.


Lee football will be returning to the 11-Player game in 2025. (Courtesy, Ty Marzean)


A return to the traditional

Marshall has been working his team in 11-on-11 camps since last year in preparation for the return of the 11-man game.

“This summer has been strictly 11-man reps,” Marshall said. “We have actually been repping 11-man since last year to get ready.”

The varsity team will have close to 30 players this season, with a middle school team adding to the program numbers.

“We are starting to integrate the middle school guys on varsity football and how we do things around here.”

2024 will be the Legends’ fourth and final year playing 8-Player football.

Building from the ground up

(Image Courtesy, Wyoming Lee)

The Lee football program has been undergoing reconstruction since Marshall arrived before the 2022 season. In the first year, the Legends went winless with an 0-9 record. However, the tough lessons learned and game experience propelled Lee to their first winning record since 2006 with a 5-4 record in 2023.

This summer, Coach Marshall has emphasized the importance of building on the team’s improvements from a year ago.

“It’s like building a house,” Marshall said. “What are we going to add to the foundation we’ve built over the past two years? We have the cement foundation and exterior up, so what will we build now?”

Due to exceeding the enrollment limit, the Legends will again be ineligible for entry into the 8-Player tournament. The team’s goal for the season is to win the Southwest Michigan 8-Player Football League Blue Conference Championship.

“Our ultimate goal is a conference championship,” Marshall said.

Two Lee legends return to the field

Lee Senior QB Anthony Blok. (WKTV, Ty Marzean)

Two huge building blocks from the 2023 Legends will return to the field.

Senior quarterback Anthony Blok is set to build on last season, where he broke a school record with 29 touchdown passes while adding 2,500 yards passing.

“He’s been dedicated since the final game last year,” Marshall said of his senior signal caller. “He’s put on a lot of muscle this year with his work in the weight room.”
 

Junior wide receiver Aidan Merriweather led the Legends with 48 catches, over 900 yards and 14 touchdowns.

“Anthony and Aidan have a great relationship on and off the field,” Marshall said. “They are always on one another about practicing and getting better every day. They are two glue guys we will be counting on this year.”

The Legends: A force to be reckoned with

Blok and Merriweather will be joined on offense by a trio of juniors. Emmanuel Ramos and Jaden Potts will play wide receiver, and Issac Kibbe will slot in at tight end.

“Emmanuel was one of the most improved players this summer,” Marshall said. “He has soft hands and runs very crisp routes. He’s been a pleasant surprise.”



WKTV Contributor Ty Marzean visited the Lee football field during opening week of practice to talk with players and Coach Marshall about the upcoming season. (WKTV, Ty Marzean)



Potts will now play both ways after being a strong force playing the “Rebbie” position in defense last season.

Kibbe, a 4.2 GPA student, stands out at six feet playing tight end for the Legends.

Marshall also will have the opportunity to coach his son, freshman wide receiver Joseph Marshall.
 

Sophomore Jayden Sanchez will replace the departing Clarence Lewis as running back. Senior cornerback Jayden Pena will join Potts on the Lee defense, significantly reducing points allowed from 2022.

“Jayden was invited to Bowling Green’s prospect camp, so he’s out there making a name for himself,” Marshall said.

Legends featured in WKTV’s Game of the Week

The Legends will host Grand Rapids Sacred Heart in the first WKTV Game of the Week of the 2024 season at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29.

Photo of the Week

Citizen Journalism, , , , ,
WKTV News Station Manager Tom Norton checks and adjusts cameras and video equipment in preparation for the upcoming WKTV Friday Night Highlights show (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)


By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org

The WKTV Friday Night Highlights show is coming soon, along with our in-depth Journal website coverage of the Wyoming and Kentwood area football teams. Our FNH host will walk you through highlights from most of the local games every Friday night throughout the season and into the playoffs.

We plan to bring you another great season of local high school football, covering your favorite teams from Wyoming and Kentwood, including East Kentwood, Wyoming, Godwin Heights, Godfrey-Lee, Kelloggsville, South Christian and Tri-unity.

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. Watch at home on your Smart TV in brilliant HD. Broadcasts also are available on Video on Demand at a later date.

WKTV Friday Night Highlights will bring you some great high school football clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood area teams, highlight top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings.

As a bonus, we will have a reporter on the field at the Game of the Week to interview coaches and players for the show and occasionally have them come into our studio for a live interview as well.

Tune in to show support and cheer for your teams!

Strength training key in South Christian’s 42-7 win over Grand Rapids Christian

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
South Christian practices before opening the 2022 season. (WKTV)

By Cris Greer, WKTV Contributing Writer

greer@wktv.org


Thanks to strength class instructor Curt Copeland, South Christian beefed up in the offseason and started strong with a 42-7 win over Grand Rapids Christian Friday night in its opener.

“We’ve put a big emphasis in the weight room and the kids have bought in,” said South Christian coach Danny Brown, giving props to former Athletic Director Copeland, now a physical education teacher. “Football is pretty physical.

“I think our defensive front was very physical and made it hard for them to run the ball. We limited the big plays and we were able to cover well. Our pursuit was great.”

(Image courtesy of South Christian)

An interception by Junior Austin Tiesma on the first play of the game quickly set the tone for the Sailors.

South Christian led 14-0 at the end of the first quarter and 28-7 at the half to take control.

“I think we’re blessed to have a few kids in their third year of varsity,” said Brown, whose Sailors were 8-4 overall last year with a deep playoff run in Division 4. “We lean on their experience.”

Jake DeHaan throws four TDs and runs two

Senior quarterback Jake DeHaan threw four touchdown passes and ran for two to lead South Christian’s offense. He threw for 255 yards and ran for 40.

“He’s a really good quarterback and a heck of a football player,” Brown said.

Sophomore receiver Carson Vis scored three touchdowns on 95 yards, while senior Jake Cashen led with six tackles.

“It’s a fun group of kids that love to compete,” Brown said.

South Christian capitalized on Eagles’ mistakes

Grand Rapids Christian coach Rueben Riley said the Sailors capitalized on his team’s mistakes.

“We threw a pick the very first play of the game inside the 30 and it was a very short field to travel,” Riley said. “They jumped out 14-0 on us pretty fast and we just couldn’t get out of our own way. They’re a very well-coached, sound and disciplined team. Hats off to South for having one heck of a game plan.

“South definitely paid attention to the weight room. You’ll see that team make a deep run in the playoffs.”

Junior Isaiah Caviness got the lone score for the Eagles on a run.

South Christian travels to East Grand Rapids on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.

“You know what you’re getting with East; they’re physical” Brown said. “We haven’t beat them in a long time, they kind of have our number.”

For all the area scores, click here

Owosso runs back two kickoffs for TDs in 42-18 win over Kelloggsville in opener

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
A file photo of the Kelloggsville High School football team practicing last season. (WKTV)

By Zach Fanko, WKTV Contributing Writer

If there ever was a perfect way to start a season, Owosso found it.

Sophomore halfback Hoyt Patrick ran the opening kickoff to paydirt in a 42-18 victory over Kelloggsville on the Rockets home field.

Owosso had not one, but two kickoff returns for touchdowns as junior Daniel Wittum made the other house call.

Lots of “D”

Special teams wasn’t the only part of the game clicking for the Trojans, however, as their defense came up with two fumble recoveries and an interception on a 2-point try by the Rockets. Patrick led the way with 7 tackles, a sack (one of 5 sacks on the night for Owosso) and a forced fumble. 

Trojans Coach Ron Tyner, in his first year leading the program after 11 years coaching college football, outlined how important it was to win the turnover battle.

“Both sides of the ball we won the touchdown to turnover battle,” Tyner said. “That’s what we hang our hat on and how we evaluate our success.”

Tyner also gave credit to senior quarterback Hugh Doyle, in the first year running a new offensive scheme. Owosso installed a pro-style offense in the offseason after running a Wing-T option offense the past few seasons.

“He is one of those kids that’s a diamond in the rough,” Tyner said. “To be honest with you, I lucked out with a really good quarterback that checks all the boxes.” 

Kelloggsville’s Brendon Tuinstra scored 3 TDs for the Rockets. (Courtesy of Alex Chavez)

For Kelloggsville, it was a game of missed opportunities with some errant deep balls early, according to Coach Brandon Branch.”

“We didn’t hit on a couple big plays early,” Branch said. “If we hit on two of those we go into halftime tied at least.”

However, it would be the Trojans who seized control of the game from the start with a 16-0 lead. The Rockets had a chance later on before halftime to get within a score, but a fumble inside the redzone stalled a promising drive as Owosso carried a 22-6 advantage into the break. 

Little things the difference

“Just little things,” Branch said. “If two of those go our way it’s a different story going into half, but Owosso came out and executed and did a great job.”

The Trojans return home to face Charlotte on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, the Rockets host Ionia in WKTV’s Game of the Week on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.

Tremendous times ahead; high school football is back this week

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Sports, WKTV Featured sports, , , , ,
Get ready for high school football. The season opens this week on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 25 and 26 for your home teams in Wyoming and Kentwood. (pxhere.com)

By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor

WKTV is bringing you another great season of high school football, starting with our season-opening truck coverage of Ionia at Kelloggsville on Thursday, Sept. 1.

Our high-tech WKTV Game of the Week truck will film one game each week, which will include two play-by-play announcers, a field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for our broadcast.

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. (See schedule below) If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. Watch at home on your Smart TV in brilliant HD. Broadcasts also are available on Video on Demand at a later date.

Greater high school football presence on WKTV Journal website

The Wyoming Wolves travel to Forest Hills Northern on Thursday, Aug. 25. Game time is 7 p.m. For your team’s football schedule visit here

We are planning a much greater presence this year with high school football. Yes, even bigger than before if you can believe that. Every week, our sports staff will post football game stories and roundups covering each varsity high school team in our viewing area in Kentwood and Wyoming.

We plan to give you the stats and highlights of each game in our stories … explaining the details of how your team marched to victory.

Look for you school’s game story or roundup on our WKTV Journal website each week.

Support your team in every way by going to the games, cheering them on, watching the featured Game of the Week on WKTV and visiting the WKTV Journal for the exciting game stories.

WKTV Game of the Week Truck Schedule

  • Thursday, Sept. 1 Ionia at Kelloggsville 
  • Friday, Sept. 9 Ottawa Hills vs. South Christian (at EK) 
  • Friday, Sept. 16 Jenison at East Kentwood 
  • Friday, Sept. 23 Reeths-Puffer at Wyoming 
  • Friday, Sept. 30 TBD 
  • Friday, Oct. 7 TBD 
  • Friday, Oct. 14 Tri-unity at Godfrey-Lee 
  • Friday, Oct. 21 TBD

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.


Your football team’s season schedule

For your home team’s complete football schedule click here

For more information on WKTV and what we offer, visit here

WKTV football Week 3 wrap for Wyoming, Kentwood games Oct. 2

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Recreation, Sports, WKTV Journal Sports Connection,
Godwin Heights goes for a two-point extra point conversion after junior quarterback Jeremiah Drake (1) punched in an early Wolverine touchdown in their Oct. 2 home game against Belding. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

While Grand Rapids South Christian High School ran their record to 3-0, with a win over  Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills (0-3), 41-24, both East Kentwood and Wyoming high’s offense kicked into high gear with the playoffs looming and three games remaining on the shortened 2020 regular-season schedule.

East Kentwood (1-2) rolled up 42 points in an easy road win at Grand Haven (0-3) as the Falcons defense held the Buccaneers to just 12 first-half points and running back Jeffery Perry rushed for 143 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns.

 

Also standing out on offense for East Kentwood was senior quarterback Brandon Miller, who passed for 146 yards on a 13-of-24 night, with one touchdown, while also adding 55 yards on the ground. Senior running back Drapher Cribb scored a rushing touchdown and senior Evan Milliken caught Miller’s touchdown pass. Senior Jaylen Smith added a defensive touchdown on a fumble recovery.

“We overcame some early mistakes on both sides of the ball,” East Kentwood head football coach Tony Kimbrough said to WKTV. “We played well in all phases of the game, especially in the second half. Jeffrey Perry was a big part of our success.”

East Kentwood’s next game is Oct. 9 at home against Jenison (2-1). And in a change to the WKTV Featured Game schedule, we will be covering the Falcons game live on cable television and live-streamed at WKTV.org (click on the Live button).

Wyoming Wolves score 57 points in heartbreaking loss

Wyoming high’s offensive was in high gear for the second straight week with a dominating ground game totaling more than 500 yards and six touchdowns. But the Wolves (0-3) fell just short in a shoot-out on the road at Grand Rapids Union (1-2), 59-57.

Wyoming high coaches talk to their Wolves team from an early season game. (WKTV)

Wyoming had two players go over 200 yards rushing, with senior Cameron Simon totaling 264 yards on 18 carries, and senior Jeremy Barber totaling 209 on 27 carries with four touchdowns. Junior Mateo Ledesma added 42 yards and two touchdowns. But Wyoming head coach Irvin Sigler said the key to his explosive offense is his senior laden offensive line.

“We had two backs over 200 yards rushing, and that is an amazing feat,” Sigler said to WKTV. “Our offensive line had a tremendous game … lineman Anthony Alvarado, Seth DeYoung, Sam DeYoung, Ronald Divers, Sawyer VanDyke, as well as fullbacks Guizzippi Jobse and Collin St. John, were stellar.”

Senior quarterback Matthew Berg was 11-of-19 passing with one touchdown, and senior Mahki Matthews led the receivers with three catches.

The Wolves will be at home, this week, Oct. 9, against defending state Class A champions Muskegon Mona Shores (3-0). And Sigler said his defense will need to be better this week and continue to get better as the playoffs approach.

“Defensively we struggled all night and did not tackle well,” Sigler said. “Our kids will work to improve and get better at all types of tackling this week.”

The rest of the local action

Grand Rapids South Christian (3-0) at home (playing at East Kentwood) defeated Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills (0-3), 41-24. The Sailors’ next game is Oct. 9 at Cedar Springs (2-1).

At Godwin Heights, after an early touchdown by junior quarterback Jeremiah Drake and two-point extra point conversion, the Wolverines (1-2) lost at home to Belding (3-0), 26-8, in what was the Oct. 2 WKTV Featured Game. The game was broadcast on cable live and live-streamed, and will be available on-demand at WKTVlive.org later this week. The Wolverines next scheduled game, at Grandville Calvin Christian on Oct. 9, has been cancelled, so its next game is Oct. 16 at Hopkins (currently 3-0).

Kelloggsville (0-3) lost at home to Comstock Park (10-2), 56-14. The Rockets next game is Oct. 9 at Sparta (1-2).

Lee (1-2 with forfeit win) lost at home to Comstock (2-1), 58-8. In that game, Legends quarterback Imiliano Valdez connected with Takayon Smith for a 68-yard touchdown strike, as well as a 2-point conversion. The Legends next game, scheduled for Oct. 9 against Muskegon Orchard View (0-3), has been cancelled by Lee.

WKTV football Week 1 wrap for Wyoming, Kentwood games Sept. 18

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Sports, WKTV Journal Sports Connection,
The Wyoming high Wolves lineup in the Red Zone in a game against Zeeland West Sept. 18. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

With just a week of full, in-pads practice under their belts, most local Wyoming and Kentwood football teams struggled in various degrees in the season’s delayed Week 1 contests (Week 4 on the original schedules).

The only win was Grand Rapids South Christian gaining a home-field win over Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills, 25-15.

In the Sailors win, quarterback Ty Rynbrandt (20-of-27 for 213 yards) had two short touchdown passes to Elliott Grashuis, the second with under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to put away the game. The pair also connected on a 2-point conversion after a 9-yard TD run in the third quarter by Daniel Possett. Eli Smith was Rynbrandt’s favorite target, however, as he had 10 receptions for 138 yards. Jeff Herrema added a field goal and two extra points.

“We played tough on defense once we settled in,” South Christian head coach Danny Brown said two WKTV. “Very happy with our tenacity and pursuit to the football. Lots of positives on offense but had a few penalties and untimely missed assignments that ruined drives.”

Outside of that, the best games of the night for local teams were Godwin Height’s outstanding defensive effort at home against Sparta in a 6-0 loss, and East Kentwood’s 21-13 loss at home to Hudsonville, 21-13.

In other games, Wyoming high lost at home to Zeeland West, 60-20, in a WKTV Featured game which was broadcast on cable live and live-streamed. and which will be available on-demand at WKTVlive.org later this week. In that game, the Wolves gained touchdowns from seniors Mekhi Bobo and Cameron Simon, as well as on a pass from senior quarterback Matthew Berg to senior Mahki Matthews.

Also, Kelloggsville lost at GR Northpointe Christian, 37-14, and Wyoming Lee lost at home to Niles Brandywine, 61-7.

Godwin Heights defense strong in tight loss

Despite the loss, Godwin Heights head coach Brandon Kimble said he expects a good year out of his Wolverines, “an experienced team” with double digit starters returning on both offense and defense.

“The offense will be led by (junior) Jeremiah Drake at quarterback and an important piece offensively will be (senior) Jamontae Burrell, both players were all conference last year.” Kimble said in an email to WKTV about his team’s outlook. “On the O line and D line, Godwin has a highly recruited offensive tackle and defensive end in (senior) Ru’Quan Buckley. Players to watch defensively will be (senior) Craig Hughes and (junior) Jabari Crump(-Moore). Craig is a returning all conference honorable mention player at safety and Crump is returning from injury after starting at linebacker the previous year.”

At East Kentwood, senior Branden Miller scored a touchdown for the Falcons’ only offensive score. Miller also led the team in rushing with 29 yards and passing with 62 yards. (Programming note: WKTV’s Feature Game live game coverage crew is tentatively scheduled to be at East Kentwood on Sept. 25 for the team’s game against Grandville.)

In Kelloggsville’s opening night game, sophomore quarterback Zack Zerfas was 11-of-20 passing for 205 yards and touchdowns to junior Damario Montgomery and junior Jabari Campbell, who led the team in receiving with six receptions for 116 yards. Sophomore Camron Townsend led the team in rushing with 41 yards and added 59 yards receiving.

Turkey Bowl ’16: Prep football on your Thanksgiving plate

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Allendale and Kelloggsville high schools square off in a 2016 state playoff opening round game covered by WKTV community television. (WKTV)
Allendale and Kelloggsville high schools square off in a 2016 state playoff opening round game covered by WKTV community television. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

What is Thanksgiving Day without football? Just turkey and mashed potatoes.

 

Again this year, WKTV will offer a day full of high school football coverage focused on teams from the Wyoming and Kentwood communities.

 

WKTV’s Channel 25 will run its 16th Annual Turkey Bowl, a 15-hour special starting at 9 a.m. that highlights high school football games from this past season.

 

Our schedule includes two East Kentwood high games during the team’s 4-5 season and two Wyoming high games, exciting October contests against Rockford and South Christian during the team’s 5-4 season, and the always exciting clash between Wyoming’s Lee and Godwin high schools. The day is capped off with Kelloggsville high capping off an outstanding 8-2 season (5-0 and a conference title in the OK Silver Conference) with its opening round playoff game against Allendale.

 

Times and teams:

9 a.m. Hudsonville vs. East Kentwood

11:30 a.m. East Grand Rapids vs. Wyoming

1:55 p.m. Wyoming vs. South Christian

4:30 p.m. East Kentwood vs. Rockford

7 p.m. Lee vs. Godwin

9:15p.m. Allendale vs. Kelloggsville

 

Ya, we know the Lions will be playing on Thursday, but why not blend a little high school action into your football day?