By K.D. Norris
There are a lot of unusual aspects to Godwin Heights High School’s MHSAA football playoff opening game against Hamilton on Friday, not the least of which is that thanks to the luck of the draw the Wolverines will be hosting their first ever home playoff game.
But one thing which is no different from previous years is that Godwin and Hamilton will renew what Wolverine head coach Brandon Kimble says is not a “rivalry” game but certainly a tough game against a familiar foe.
“We are pretty familiar with Hamilton. We’ve been playing them the first game of the year for the last three years, this is our first year not playing them Week 1,” Kimble said to WKTV. “Very well coached program. Very tough. Kids come to play. We are excited. They are familiar with us, we are familiar with them. It is not a rivalry but it will be a good game.”
WKTV caught up with Coach Kimble, and senior defensive/offensive lineman Ru’Quan Buckley to talk about why the game is special to them and to their fans.
WKTV’s Featured Game crew will be at the 7 p.m. game and will rebroadcast the game later that night, and at other times, as well as making it available on-demand at WKTVlive.org.
Last week, Godwin Heights (2-4) at home defeated Comstock Park (1-5), 19-13, in 2 OT, on Oct. 23. Hamilton (also 2-4) lost Oct. 23 at home to Grand Rapids West Catholic, 35-7.
The Godwin vs. Hamilton game is a MHSAA Division 4, Region 14, District 27 matchup. According to the MHSAA, Godwin Heights won a host-field tie-breaker with Hamilton based on opponents’ winning percentage.
WKTV featured games will be on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel 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.
WKTV intern Rachel Weber contributed to this story and video.
