By Ron Rop
LocalSportsJournal.com

MUSKEGON–I have been asked to take my turn picking the winners for this weekend’s high school football games involving area teams.

It’s been a while since I have been asked to make my picks public for everyone to see.

I can tell you right now, I play to win. My wife claims I would cheat in a board game in order to beat my kids and grandkids. That’s a bit far-fetched, but I readily admit I hate to lose, which means I hate to make bad picks.

Speaking of bad picks, there were a few last week by a fellow football prognosticator, but the first week is always the toughest so we’ll give him a break.

That being said, I’m not going to pick all the area teams in hopes that I don’t get accosted when I go out to an area game because I didn’t pick the home team. There are plenty of “homers” picking games out there … I will try not to be one of them.

And that leads me into the marquee game of the week – Rockford at Mona Shores. Both teams were impressive a week ago. Two busloads of Rams descended upon historic Hackley Stadium last week and when it was over, the visitors had routed the highly touted Muskegon Big Reds, 27-7. Mona Shores, on the other hand, traveled to Wisconsin for a game with Lincoln Manitowoc and destroyed the home team.

Now the foes meet at Sailor Stadium in what should be one of the better games in the state of Michigan this weekend. You’re going to have to read to the bottom of this column to see who I’m picking because I still have not decided which way to go just yet.

Spring Lake head coach Cody Mallory (Photo/Leo Valdez)

Thursday’s games

Ravenna at Montague: Both teams took it on the chin in Week 1 with Ravenna losing decisively to Beal City and Montague losing by one score to Spring Lake. This game should be a toss-up, which in most cases means one thing – I’m going with the home team. Montague 27, Ravenna 20.

Kent City at Central Montcalm: Kent City spoiled the first game for Newaygo coach Ralph Munger with a one-point victory over the Lions. Central Montcalm is in the second game of four at home to start the season. Last week, Central Montcalm destroyed Morley-Stanwood, but how good is Morley-Stanwood? Kent City won last year’s season opener 28-27.  This year, I’m picking Central Montcalm to return the favor. Central Montcalm 28, Kent City 27.

Grand Rapids Christian at Fruitport: There were some struggles in Week 1 for Fruitport, which lost 18-10 to Kenowa Hills. In the meantime, Grand Rapids Christian was involved in a slugfest with Grand Rapids South Christian in a game in which more than 100 points were scored. GR Christian put up 42 points, but gave up 66. Going to flip a coin on this one. Grand Rapids Christian 34, Fruitport 24.

Reeths-Puffer at Farmington: Reeths-Puffer coach Cody Kater said there are no cupcakes on this year’s schedule and in saying that, pointed out that a trip to the east side of the state to face Farmington would be one tough matchup that he wasn’t looking forward to. That being said, the Rockets showed a lot of promise in their season opener. This trip is going to be well worth it. Reeths-Puffer 33, Farmington 26.

Hudsonville Unity Christian at Oakridge: Oakridge’s running game was solid a week ago in a 12-point victory over Sparta. Hudsonville Unity Christian went up to Whitehall and gave the talented Vikings everything they wanted in an opener before falling by six points. Oakridge doesn’t lose often at home, but, I’m afraid, this is one of those times. Unity Christian 34, Oakridge 26.

Photo/David Reid

North Muskegon at Muskegon Catholic: I saw North Muskegon defeat Pewamo-Westphalia last week on a last-second field goal by Owen Booth. Those were two solid Division 7 schools. Muskegon Catholic lost at home against New Lothrop in Week 1. Kehren Stadium is a tough place to play, but I think the Norsemen get the job done. North Muskegon 28, Muskegon Catholic 20.

Belding at Spring Lake: Can Spring Lake make it two victories in a row after beating Montague a week ago? The Lakers are at home, so that should count for something. Belding was a playoff team last season that ran into Oakridge in the first district game. In its home opener, I have to side with second-year coach Cody Mallory’s team. Sring Lake 24, Belding 17.

Newaygo at Big Rapids: The Newaygo Lions are still adjusting to the new system installed by Coach Ralph Munger. On the other side, Big Rapids has proven to be one of the better teams up north. Last season, Big Rapids won by 37 points. It won’t be that bad this season, but it’s still going to sting. Big Rapids 45, Newaygo 17.

Mason County Central at Manistee: The Manistee Mariners have a good thing going and there’s no reason to think that’s going to stop. Last season, Manistee traveled to Scottville and won quite handily. The same should hold true this time around.  Manistee 27, Mason County Central 13.

Photo/Joe Washington

Orchard View at Godwin Heights: Yes, Orchard View destroyed Holton a week ago, but what does that mean heading into this week? I’m not really sure. Hopefully, it means the woes of the last couple of seasons can be forgotten. Godwin Heights lost a week ago to Mason County Central. Another game where I haven’t a clue, but … Orchard View 27, Godwin Heights 22.

Shelby at Ludington: Ludington’s home opener on its brand new turf field did not go well last weekend. Believe me when I say this, it won’t happen this week. Ludington will be celebrating a big victory come about 9:30 p.m. on Thursday night. Ludington 38, Shelby 13.

Fremont at Beaverton: Fremont has a Division 1 commit in hulking lineman Andrew Steger and that has to count for something. The dude is 6-8 which means he’s a dominant force on both sides of the ball. The Packers won quite handily a year ago. This time around will be no different. Fremont 27, Beaverton 13.

Hesperia at St. Louis: Hesperia remembers very well their game against St. Louis a year ago. It was one of two Panther victories of the season. St. Louis lost big to Saranac a week ago. Despite being on the road, the Panthers will prevail in this one. Hesperia 23, St. Louis 13.

Grand Haven at Traverse City West: Both teams suffered setbacks a week ago. Grand Haven lost quite handily to Reeths-Puffer and TC West lost 13-7 to Gaylord. The fact that this game is being played at Thirlby Field is going to give TC West an advantage. Traverse City West 23, Grand Haven 12.

Hart head coach Joe Tanis (Photo/Brendan Samuels)

White Cloud at Hart: The Pirates stuck it to the Indians pretty good last year in White Cloud. This year’s game is at the friendly confines of Hart High School. Hart won a tight one last week. It won’t be so tight this week. Hart 38, White Cloud 12.

Whitehall at Tecumseh: Whitehall opted up to Division 4 in order to play tough competition in the division. Tecumseh is one of those foes. Whitehall shook off some injuries, cramps and Unity Christian to win a tight one at home. This one is on the road, which is going to make it even tougher. Until someone proves they can take down the Vikings, I have to stick with them. Whitehall 31, Tecumseh 28.

Grant at Chippewa Hills: Grant put up some big numbers last week in a 40-8 victory over Kelloggsville. On the other hand, Chippewa Hills and Olivet battled to a baseball-like score of 6-2 (Chippewa Hills won). Grant’s only victory last season was against Chippewa Hills and there’s no reason to believe it will be any different this season. Grant 24, Chippewa Hills 12.

Friday’s games

Warren deLaSalle at Muskegon: The Big Reds have proven once again that they shy away from no one. Last week, they faced Rockford, one of the state’s premier programs on this side of the state. This week, it’s eastside power Warren deLaSalle. Can the Big Reds regroup after last week’s nightmarish first half? Muskegon certainly will be better this week, but not enough to take down DeLaSalle. Warren DeLaSalle 31, Muskegon 26.

Rockford at Mona Shores: I still haven’t decided, but time is running short, so I guess I’d better pick a winner. Rockford 34, Mona Shores 31.

Photo/Tim Reilly