Wide receiver Razah Townsend had 45 receiving yards and a touchdown in a 42-0 win over Grand Haven. (WKTV)
By: Zach Fanko, WKTV Contributing Writer
After losing a tight game with Muskegon in Week 1, East Kentwood bounced back with two consecutive wins after an impressive 42-0 victory over Grand Haven on Friday night.
Dominant defense puts clamps on Bucs offense
The Falcons put a stranglehold on Grand Haven’s offensive unit with just 55 total yards allowed. The Buccaneers had just two first downs. East Kentwood coach Tony Kimbrough explained the importance of preventing the big play opportunities.
“It starts with our defensive coordinator, coach [Houston] Glass does a great job of scheming teams,” Kimbrough said. “We watched the film and saw big play after big play. So we went into this game saying we need to eliminate some of those.”
“We were able to contain their quarterback who really is quick and electric, but you’re not going to outrun us side to side.
Bowman enjoying success at new position
Halfback Stellan Bowman saw plenty of green grass in front of him all night, running for 194 yards on just 9 carries and 4 touchdowns. Bowman, who also plays linebacker for the Falcons, made the switch to running back this off season after Kimbrough watched him play rugby last spring.
“I didn’t know he could run like that until I went to a rugby game,” Kimbrough said. “Nobody could tackle him and I went up to him after the game and said you’re playing running back next year.”
Other standouts for East Kentwood on offense included wide receiver Razah Townsend with 45 receiving yards and a touchdown, as well as quarterback Casey Joppie who had 133 yards and a touchdown on 9 of 17 passing.
Homecoming next week for East Kentwood
East Kentwood (2-1, 1-0 OK Red) welcomes Jenison (1-2, 0-1 OK Red) to Falcon Stadium for a homecoming game next Friday. Meanwhile Grand Haven (1-2, 0-1 OK Red) takes on undefeated Rockford (3-0).
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Godfrey-Lee coach Lamar Marshall said his team’s 66-6 loss to visiting New Buffalo on Friday was filled with mental mistakes and drive killers, but his athletes fought hard until the end.
(Image courtesy of Godfrey-Lee)
“We had some drive killers — stalled in the red zone four times, dropped four touchdown passes, fumbled in the red zone once,” said Marshall, whose Legends dropped to 0-3 this season in 8-player football. “We beat ourselves tonight. We need to clean up the mental errors.
“Making the short tackle kind of killed us tonight. New Buffalo had a really good night rushing.”
Elijah Beckwith, who went down with a hamstring injury in the game, led with nine carries for 76 yards and one touchdown for the Legends. He had the lone score in the second quarter on a 69-yard TD run just before halftime.
No penalties
“We didn’t have one penalty today so that was a plus,” Marshall said. “My boys fought until the end. There was no letdown.
“We encouraged each other and fought hard, but we were a little overmanned today.”
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Our 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.
With opponents from both schools pulling out of scheduled games, Grand Rapids Union and Godwin Heights decided to take the field against each other as the Red Hawks emerged with a 48-18 victory on Thursday.
Godwin pulls ahead early, Union’s depth leads to win
The Wolverines had an early lead, and even had an opportunity to lead by multiple scores after a blocked punt. However, Godwin Heights was unable to take advantage.
Lack of depth played a factor, according to Godwin Heights coach Brandon Kimble.
“We knew when we took the game on short notice they had more depth than us,” Kimble said. “We just needed to be more conditioned and execute, and in the beginning we did that.”
Senior quarterback Jamarion Collins added two more touchdowns, after a five touchdown performance a week ago.
Coach Kimble explained the decision to play Union on short notice after their previous opponent dropped the game due to a shortage of players.
“For us, it was more important to make sure we had a game to play,” Kimble said. “Last season we went 5-3, and had a team on our schedule drop down to 8-man and we were unable to reschedule.
“We just didn’t want to put ourselves in that same exact situation.”
Under the old playoff system, a team that won six of nine games or five of eight was guaranteed a playoff spot, but the MHSAA has opted for a points-based playoff model.
Grand Rapids Union (2-0) will face Wyoming next Friday at 7 p.m., while Godwin Heights (1-1) travels to Hopkins for a 7 p.m. contest on Sept. 9.
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The Godfrey-Lee Legends at practice in 2021. (WKTV)
By Zach Fanko, WKTV Conributing Writer
Featuring a strong rushing attack and an opportunistic defense, the Mendon Hornets jumped ahead early and never looked back in a 76-12 victory over Godfrey-Lee in 8-player action on Thursday.
Ground and pound for Mendon
Mendon ran it early and often against the Legends to the tune of 444 yards on 31 carries. Hornets running back Jack McCaw was the largest beneficiary with 210 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.
Mendon coach Robert Kretschman said it all starts up front.
“Being able to control the line of scrimmage was key for us,” Kretschman said. “That’s our M.O., ground and pound and playing solid defense.”
The Hornets completed just one pass on three attempts, an 81-yard touchdown from quarterback Luke Schinker to tight end Gabe Haigh.
Turnovers end promising drives for Lee
Godfrey-Lee had several promising drives early. One of which ended in a touchdown pass for quarterback Anthony Block, making his first start of the season after missing last week’s game due to injury. Three other drives ended in interceptions.
(Image courtesy of Godfrey-Lee)
“We sustained drives in the first half,” Lee coach Lamar Marshall said. “The drive killers got us, those interceptions ended some good looking drives.”
After a strong game last week, running back Elijah Beckwith added 88 yards on the ground including a 50-yard rushing touchdown.
Mendon (1-1) hosts Bridgman on September 9 at 7 p.m., while Godfrey-Lee (0-2) hosts New Buffalo September 9 at 7 p.m.
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WKTV Game of the Week
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Senior quarterback Jamarion Collins led the Wolverines with five touchdowns. (WKTV)
By Zach Fanko, WKTV Contributing Writer and Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
Godwin Heights kicked off the 2022 campaign in style as senior QB Jamarion Collins showcased his dual-threat ability in a 44-6 win over Muskegon Heights.
Collins showcases versatility with 5 TDs
While this wasn’t the first start of his career, after filling in for an injured starter last year, this year marked Collins first as the undisputed leader of the offense. With 3 TDs on the ground, as well as 2 through the air, Collins utilized his array of weapons on offense.
Godwin Heights won its opener over Muskegon Heights Friday. (WKTV)
Wolverines coach Brandon Kimble was impressed with his signal caller.
“He led our offense well and controlled the game,” Kimble said. “He had some experience from last season, but with this being his first season coming in as the starter he played very well.”
Godwin Heights receivers Tellios Moore and Rashaad Dorsey added one touchdown each, while running back Elijah True found pay dirt on the ground.
Kimble named head coach before season
Despite having to take over for previous head coach Sydeon Harvey right before the season, the transition for Kimble wasn’t as difficult as it could have been. The former head coach, defensive coordinator and current athletic director leaned on his past experience.
“Thankfully, I’ve known all of our players since middle school,” Kimble said. “So the transition was, I don’t want to say seamless, but a little less of a headache.”
Inexperience a factor for Muskegon Heights
Missed tackles on defense hurt the Tigers as coach Robert Brown attributed the struggles in that area to a lack of experience.
“Godwin looked crisp and sharp, and they executed well,” Brown said. “We’re a young team and it showed with multiple missed tackles.
“We did the best we could and we will be okay as the year goes on.”
With no game next week for Godwin Heights, the Wolverines prepare for a Week 3 matchup with Hopkins.
For all the Wyoming/Kentwood area football scores, click here
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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.”
Farwell defeats the Godfrey-Lee Legends 66-16 in 8-Player football. (Image courtesy of Godfrey-Lee)
By Zach Fanko, WKTV Contributing Writer
A high-powered rushing attack was the catalyst for Farwell with over 450 yards on the ground in a 66-16 win over Godfrey-Lee in 8-Player action.
Dominant ground performance
The Eagles jumped out to a 22-0 lead early in the first quarter and never looked back as Michael Nunn led the way on the ground with 235 yards and 3 TDs. Farwell established its physical brand of football, according to coach Travis Waddell.
“Our kids were excited to play out of the gate,” Waddell said. “We like to play a physical style of play and we were able to do that on the ground early.
“That really opened things up for us.”
The Eagles nearly shut out the Legends heading into halftime, giving up just a kickoff return TD to make it a 50-8 advantage at the break. Dominic Crabill was all over the field for Farwell with 14 total tackles on the night.
Freshman thrust into starting role due to injury
J.T. Kennedy, a slot receiver, started at quarterback after an injury to starter Anthony Block during the week. Kennedy threw for 58 yards on 4-8 passing and 40 yards on the ground. The young quarterback showed poise making his first start, according to Godfrey-Lee coach Lamar Marshall.
“Not an ideal situation for our team,” Marshall said. “But I thought J.T. played very well given the circumstances.”
Beckwith shines despite loss
One of the bright spots for the Legends was the rushing performance for running back Elijah Beckwith, who gained 167 yards on 22 carries with a rushing score. Beckwith also had an 83-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
“We were really able to exploit the outside zone play,” Marshall said. “We were able to get to the outside of their defense a few times and got some big plays.”
Godfrey-Lee hopes to bounce back traveling to Mendon on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.
Forest Hills Northern beats Wyoming 48-7 in a season opener Thursday night. (pxhere.com)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
Entering halftime with a tight 14-7 lead, Forest Hills Northern scored 34 points in the second half in a 48-7 win over visiting Wyoming in Thursday’s season opener.
Huskies coach Eddie Ostipow said his team had to hit the reset button at halftime to break the game wide open.
“Wyoming did some nice things against us in the first half and we made some adjustments,” said Ostipow, whose team was deadlocked with the Wolves 7-7 to end the first quarter. “I think in the first half we were really close to breaking it open, but turned the ball over and that hurt us. They have some nice athletes, and made some big runs, but I think our kids responded well.
“We’re a pretty young team with a lot of inexperience, and went through a lot of injuries last year. This is a group that’s kind of finding its identity.”
Ostipow spoke highly of his offensive line, particularly senior captains Trey Price, right guard, and Arman Singh, left guard.
“They led the way for us tonight.”
Drew Dabaja, Forest Hills Northern, led the game with three rushing touchdowns, while teammate Chris Arrington led with eight tackles.
The Huskies had 321 yards in total offense and the Wolves tallied 233.
Wyoming hosts Northview on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.
WKTV’s sports coverage crew was back at work big-time this fall, following a shortened season in 2020 due to the pandemic, as our high school football Featured Game coverage was all over Wyoming and Kentwood — and even make a road trip to Hastings for a playoff game.
And as they can every year, high school sports fans can get their Turkey Day football fix this year as we broadcast 15 hours of football on our cable Channel 25.
The special day of games start at 9 a.m., and highlights the best of our high school football games from the season. The schedule of games (with link to the games on WKTV’s On-Demand video internet channel, at WKTVLive.org ) is as follows:
9 a.m. — Forest Hills Northern at Wyoming High. On-demand
11:15 a.m. — Middleville at South Christian. On-demand
1:25 p.m. — West Ottawa at East Kentwood. On-demand
4:10 p.m. — Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights. On-demand
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government cChannel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are give the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26).
It was a good night for local high school prep football teams Friday, Oct. 15, as Wyoming High School gained its first win of the season on an emotional night at home, playoff-bound South Christian gained its sixth win, Wyoming Godwin Heights kept its playoff hopes alive, and East Kentwood has now won two of it last four.
WKTV’s Featured Game coverage crew was at Wyoming, and will be at South Christian this week to close out the regular season. WKTV’s Featured Game of the week provides Wyoming and Kentwood cable television and on-demand replays.
Wyoming’s game against Grand Rapids Union was senior night as well as a special celebration for the school’s new stadium being named in honor of Jack VerDuin, who rolled up a 243-118-6 record with the Wyoming Park Vikings before the school merged with Wyoming Rogers to become Wyoming high in 2012.
And the Wolves (1-7) were able to block out a rough 2021 campaign and come out with “plenty of fight” — the result was a 33-17 win over Union (3-7).
“Friday night was in a special night for our community … Our kids had a ton of positive energy that night, and it showed on the field,” Wolves head coach Carlton Brewster II said to WKTV. “I was glad that I could witness the fight in our kids to win our first ball game.”
Brewster specifically pointed out the outstanding performance of senior Mateo Ledesma on both sides of the ball — he had 10 tackles, two sacks, and 65 yards rushing.
WKTV’s South Christian game a playoff preview
South Christian (6-2, 5-1 in OK Conference Gold) scored a 49-7 road win at Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills (2-6, 1-5) on Oct. 15. This week, in the final week of the regular season, on Friday, Oct. 22, WKTV will be at East Kentwood for the Sailors’ season-ending clash with Cedar Springs (also 6-2, 5-1).
While both teams are playoff bound — as is OK Gold champion Grand Rapids Catholic Central (8-0, 6-0), which defeated both the Sailors and the Red Hawks earlier — both South Christian and Cedar Springs will be looking for better playoff seating when the playoffs are announced this weekend.
Past WKTV Featured Games from this season available on-demand include the Aug. 26 Forest HIlls Northern at Wyoming High game, the Sept. 1 NorthPointe at Lee 8-man game, the Sept. 10 Middleville T-K at South Christian game (played at East Kentwood), and East Kentwood’s home win over West Otttawa on Sept. 24, South Christian’s win over Kenowa Hills on Oct. 1, the annual Godwin vs. Kelloggsville rivalry game on Oct. 8, and the Wyoming vs. Union game on Oct. 15.
WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of football and other fall prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
Team-by-team update
East Kentwood
The East Kentwood Falcons (2-6, 2-4 in OK Conference Red) continued their late season resurgence with at 27-7 home win against Grand Haven (3-5, 2-4) on Oct. 15, and will close out the regular season at Jension (currently 2-6, 1-5) on Oct. 22.
After last week’s action, Rockford (8-0) sits alone in OK Red standings at 6-0 with Caledonia second (7-1, 5-1).
Wyoming high
The Wyoming Wolves (1-5 in OK Conference Green) will close out the season on the road at Mona Shores (currently 6-2, 5-1 in conference) on Oct. 22. After last week’s action, Muskegon (7-1) is 6-0 and alone atop the OK Green, with Muskegon Mona Shores second.
Godwin Heights
Wyoming Godwin Heights (4-3, 2-3 in OK Conference Silver action) is still alive in the playoff hunt after last week’s 42-34 road win at Belding (5-3, 2-3) on Oct. 15. The Wolverines can get to their fifth win of the season (giving them a chance at the playoffs) with a win at home to close out the season against Grandville Calvin Christian (1-7, 0-5) on Oct. 22.
After last week’s action, OK Silver standings have Comstock Park (9-0) undefeated in OK Silver action at 6-0, with Sparta (6-2) at 4-1 in conference.
Kelloggsville
The Kelloggsville Rockets (2-6, 1-4 in OK Conference Silver action) scored 34 points in a their game at OK Silver leader Comstock Park (9-0, 6-0) on Oct. 15, but ended up losing 69-34. The Rockets will be at home to face Sparta (6-2, 4-1) on Oct. 22.
Lee (8-man football)
The Lee Legends are playing a non-conference 8-man schedule which includes both 8-man varsity and junior varsity games.
Despite COVID-19 restrictions on fans in the stands, WKTV’s sports coverage crew was busy this fall, as our high school football Featured Game crew was all over Wyoming and Kentwood to cover local football teams.
And as every year, high school sports fans can get their Turkey Day high school football fix this year as we broadcast 15 hours of games on our cable Channel 25.
The special starts at 9 a.m., highlights the best of our high school football games from the season. The schedule of games (with link to the games on WKTV’s On-Demand video internet channel, at WKTVLive.org ) is as follows:
6:30 p.m. — Catholic Central at South Christian. On-Demand
8:40 p.m. — MHSAA Playoff Hamilton at Godwin. On-Demand
10:35 p.m. — MHSAA Playoff Hamilton at South Christian. On-Demand
With our Thanksgiving Day football fest, WKTV’s fall sports season comes to an end, but we are already planning on winter coverage of basketball and more.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are give the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26).
Friday night lights could be returning to local fields. (Shown is Lee High School’s football team celebrating a win over Galesburg-Augusta in 2019.) (Supplied)
In 2020, this year of pandemic, Wyoming and Kentwood high school athletic teams — especially football teams — have, in the opinion of Wyoming high head football coach Irv Sigler, “learned to adjust and adapt to whatever happens.”
So on Thursday, Sept. 2, when Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office announced competitive sports would be allowed and the Michigan High School Athletic Association give its approval, with restrictions and with pages of state health department and MHSAA guidance, local teams hit the ground running.
The result of state and MHSAA action is some fall sports that had been in limbo, including boys soccer and volleyball, can begin competitive action against other schools as early as the week of Sept. 7. And high school football can begin be under the Friday-night lights beginning Sept. 18.
The final approval for beginning of competitive action will be left to the discretion of individual school districts and athletic departments, according to a MHSAA statement.
But with the news, local football teams are chomping at the bit and ready to get into pads for the first time next week, and will be ready to begin action in two weeks.
East Kentwood football coach Anthony Kimbrough working with a previous year team at practice. (WKTV)
“Our players, especially our seniors, are extremely excited about playing on Friday nights thIs fall,” East Kentwood head football coach Tony Kimbrough said to WKTV. “Most teams have never stopped practicing, therefore adding pads and actually hitting one another won’t be an issue. We will hit the ground running on Tuesday, and we cannot wait.”
Coach Sigler echoed his fellow coach when it comes to his Wolves team being ready to play in two weeks.
“Our kids have worked hard and are ready for the opportunity,” Sigler said to WKTV. “All high school football players deserve to have their season — and everyone is very excited. As for the time it takes to prepare — we are all essentially in the same boat, so there’s a sense of equal footing there.”
And there is a sense that school communities and football fans alike need the opportunity to have a degree of normality with a however-shortened football season.
“I truly believe that the return of high school football is what our state needs,” Kimbrough said. “COVID-19 has had a traumatic impact on many lives. I believe football will give everyone a much needed dose of hope and joy, and assurance that normal times are soon to return. This will certainly have a positive effect on the mental health of our student athletes. … (And) hopefully this will generate a lot excitement for our student body and the community.”
And while all high school athletic teams are expected to resume their approved fall 2020 schedules once competition starts, with football beginning with Week 4 games, there will be changes to the regular schedule of the football playoff system, the MHSAA also said.
“All football teams in 11 and 8-player football will qualify for the playoffs during this fall’s shortened season, and then advance through their usual postseason progression with 8-Player Finals the weekend of Nov. 27-28 and 11-Player Finals the weekend of Dec. 4-5,” according to the MHSAA statement.
All other fall 2020 tournaments will be conducted as previously scheduled.
Approvals, restrictions and health warnings
The fall 2020 football season was reinstated by the Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association after Gov. Whitmer’s Executive Order 176 this week lifted restrictions that previously did not allow football — as well as soccer, volleyball and competitive swimming — to be played.
But according to the MHSAA, “schools are not required to play any of those sports this fall, and may postpone until the spring. However, the MHSAA will conduct its postseason events in those four sports only for the Fall 2020 season.”
But the current order also sets spectator limits for outdoor and indoor events in Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan, which Wyoming and Kentwood schools fall under. The details of this implementation of those limits are to be finalized by the individual school districts and high schools.
But general state restrictions on spectators of high school events were detailed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHSS).
“Spectators for indoor organized sports are limited to the guests of the athletes with each athlete designating up to two guests. For outdoor sports competitions, the organizer of the competitions must either limit the audience to the guests of the participants with each athlete designating up to two guests, or limit total attendance to 100 people or fewer, including all participants like athletes, coaches, and staff.”
The MHSAA, too, has health guidance for the on-field athletes and teams.
“We share the Governor’s priorities of putting health and safety first, and the COVID-19 guidance and protocols designed by the MHSAA at her request have led to the safe starts in all sports across the state,” MHSAA executive director Mark Uyl said in the MHSAA statement. “Thirty three other states are currently participating in all fall sports, and the MHSAA and its member schools are committed to doing this as safely as possible.”
While the Governor’s new order allowed the MHSAA to go ahead with fall competitive sports, the state health department at the same time issued a warning to schools which decide to participate.
“Individuals can now choose whether or not to play organized sports, and if they do choose to play, this order requires strict safety measures to reduce risk,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHSS chief medical executive, said in the Governor’s statement. “However, we know of 30 reported outbreaks involving athletic teams and facilities in August. Based on current data, contact sports create a high risk of COVID-19 transmission and MDHHS strongly recommends against participating in them at this time. We are not out of the woods yet. COVID-19 is still a very real threat to our families.”
With the high school football season now planned to begin Friday, Sept. 18, WKTV expects to resume its coverage of high school football action on that day.
Wyoming High School’s new head football coach will be Irvin Sigler III,a Michigan Man who comes to the school after most recently serving as the offensive coordinator at Division III Hope College, Wyoming Public Schools announced today at a mid-day press conference.
Sigler was a graduate assistant at University of Michigan in the early 1990s while earning his master’s degree.
Sigler will succeed as Sam Becker, who left Wyoming after two years to take the head coaching position at Kenowa Hills High School. Becker took over a Wolves program that had a combined 1-17 record in the two years prior and led them to records of 3-6 in 2015 and 5-4 in 2016.
From left to right, Nate Robrahn, Wyoming high principal; Ted Hollern, Wyoming Public Schools athletic director; Irvin Sigler, new Wolves head football coach; and Dr. Thomas Reeder, WPS superintendent. (Supplied.)
“Coach Sigler provides us the opportunity to build upon work already started rather than to start over,” Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Reeder said in supplied material. “He will take the program to an even higher level.”
Sigler will be the high school’s dean of students as well as leading the Wolves football program.
“As I told the kids this morning,” Sigler said at the press conference. “There are three things I strive to do, when I work with young people: Number 1 to be a great roll model, two to be a great teacher, and three to be the kind of coach that gets the best out of every player. That’s my goal, here, and I intend to do it for a long time. I intend to make a home here at Wyoming.”
Sigler has coached at both the high school and collegiate levels.
Prior to Hope College, he was an assistant head football coach and assistant track coach at Grand Rapids Christian schools, from 2013-15. He served as head football coach at Jenison High School from 2008-12. His prior coaching experiences include Kell High School in Marietta, Ga., Grandville High School from 1998-2004, and Cadillac High School from 1993-97.
In addition to his head coaching duties, Sigler has experience teaching both physical education and Social Studies.
“Outside of getting an excellent football coach, one of the things that is most exciting is the additional things that Coach Sigler brings to the table,” Wyoming Public Schools Athletic Director Ted Hollern said in supplied material.
“It is a tremendous opportunity for our community and all our kids,” Hollern said at the press conference. “Some of the initiatives that he has done in the past that he will bring to Wyoming, will be absolutely terrific, especially in regards to his leadership programs … academic programs he plans on bringing, that he has brought to other schools, that he plans on bringing to Wyoming high school. … And one of his biggest goals is for the opportunity to teach young people to become great citizens.”
Sigler’s coaching accomplishments, in addition to his time at U-M, include MHSAA Regional Coach of the Year in 2001 and 2003 while at Grandville, the MHSFCA Community Service Award in 2009. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Adrian College in 1990 and his Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan in 1992.
Sigler’s wife Erin is a sixth-grade teacher at Bauerwood Elementary in Jenison. They have four children: Tyler, Caden, Sydney and Riley.
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?
After raining all morning – and most of the afternoon – the sun finally broke a few hours before game time and made for a beautiful night to usher in Comstock Park’s home opener against Wyoming.
The Panthers notched a win in week one after beating Cedar Springs in an offensive shootout 48-38 at the Gridiron Classic hosted at Grand Valley State University. Quarterback Pat Naughton finished that game with 330 yards and 3 touchdowns.
First year Wyoming Head Coach Sam Becker had his home opener spoiled by Byron Center in week one 44-26, but the Wolves showed flashes in their first game, especially from Michael Williams. Williams ran for over 100 yards and a touchdown and also scored on a 90-yard kickoff return.
When these two met on Thursday night at Comstock Park High School, Williams showed his spark while Naughton – and the Panther passing game – stayed relatively quiet.
On Comstock Park’s opening possession, Naughton orchestrated a brilliant drive into the red zone. Led by a handful of jet sweeps from Kiemon Cater, the Panther’s caught the Wyoming defense off-guard. Deep in Wyoming territory, Naughton was popped on a designated quarterback plunge and fumbled the ball. The fumble was recovered by the Wolves.
After a quick Wyoming 3-and-out, Comstock Park quickly took the ball down the field and scored on a 1-yard jet sweep from Keiman Carter to go up 7-0 with 3:49 left in the first quarter.
Michael Williams returns a kickoff in Week 1 against Byron Center
Not even a minute and a half later, Michael Williams took a hand-off off the left tackle 69-yards to the house. A play action pass to Edwin Martinez Diaz on the 2-point conversion gave Wyoming the 8-7 lead.
Early in the second quarter, after a Panther three-and-out and with Wyoming moving the ball consistently, Comstock Park linebacker Brett Taylor made momentum swinging play. He stood up the ball carrier during a routine 5-yard dive behind the right guard and ripped the ball away. 55 yards later, Taylor was in the end zone and gave the Panthers a 14-8 lead.
Comstock Park would tack on a 24-yard Nik Nava field goal with 20 seconds left in the half to extend the lead to nine.
With only 20 second left before half, the Wyoming offense went to work from their own 38-yard line. After a 12-yard Justin Seitz run, quarterback Brendan Berg eyed Michael Williams screaming down the right sideline. The ball was pushed a little far, but Williams extended his full body and pulled it in at the Panther 12-yard line. With 5 second left, and no timeouts, the Wolves handed it to Williams off the left tackle once again, Williams made two defenders miss and dove towards the pylon for a touchdown with no time remaining. The ensuing 2-point conversation brought the score to 17-16 going into halftime.
The third quarter finally saw Monterio Smith – 265 total yards and 4 TDs in week one – get some touches for the Panthers. On a third-and-goal from the 4-yard line, Coach Chapman called a timeout and drew up a drag route to get Smith open in the left corner of the end zone. The play worked to perfection as Naughton hit Smith on the 4-yard pass to give Comstock Park a 23-16 lead with 3:41 remaining in the third quarter.
Comstock Park would fail to convert the PAT as the Wolves attacked relentlessly and were able to block the attempt.
Quarterback Brenden Berg and Coach Sam Becker
Wyoming would answer right back with a touchdown of their own behind the running of Justin Seitz. The senior running back picked up chunks of 7-yards at a time and finished off the drive with a 9-yard touchdown run with 11:53 left in the game.
The Wolves decided to try for two to take the lead, but would come up short to find themselves down 23-22 early in the fourth quarter.
Senior quarterback Pat Naughton took over in the fourth quarter with consistent yardage on designated runs. Late in the fourth quarter, Naughton punched in a touchdown run from 4-yards out to give the Panthers a 30-22 lead
With one final opportunity to tie things up, the Wolves sputtered on fourth down and gave the ball back to the Panthers. Comstock Park would finish off the game in the victory formation and win their home opener by a final of 30-22.
