October 30, 2009
The stakes are higher, and the will to win runs deeper. Every single player, on each of 256-teams remaining standing, kills themselves in an effort to squeeze the life out of every single moment. To hold on to the dream for one more week. For those 256 teams, records cease to exist. You’re either thinking about the one game immediately in front of you, or you’re thinking about next year. This is where legends are born, and pretenders die. Nine long weeks and hundreds of broken records, broken bones, and broken hearts in the making, they’re finally here.
The 2009 Playoffs.
No matter what your level of fanaticism, with 128-games slated to be played, each between two teams fighting for their playoff lives, there’s only so much you can physically watch on this one single Friday. We published a macrophenomenal overview of what to look for from the West side earlier, but this is a much more micro, analytical look at the games you simply must pay attention to in week-1.
Grand Ledge @ Grand Haven
Grand Ledge is a team consistently on the uptrend. The Comets lost mediocre Grandville at home in week-1, but by week-9 they had improved enough to beat 7-2 Howell on the road. Sandwiched in between was a one-point victory over Jackson in week-7 (Jackson lost to West Ottawa 31 – 8). In their first playoff appearance in a decade, Grand Haven is also a veteran of many single-digit contests, and has emerged victorious from them all (single loss was a 14-0 affair to Rockford). This game promises to be a hard fought contest to the end, but Grand Haven’s home-field advantage will tip the balance. Once the Butterflies settle down a bit, that is.
Prediction: Dominant Bucs defense (12-ppg allowed in O-K Red) controls the game.
Score: Grand Haven-21, Grand Ledge-14
Muskegon @ Kenowa Hills
Contrary to what has become popular opinion, Muskegon is not down this year. What often fails inspection is the fact that the Big Reds’ three losses were against three Division-1 playoff schools (Grand Haven, East Kentwood, Rockford), and by a total of 7-points. They may not be quite as explosive on offense as they have been in recent years, but their defense is still as effective as ever, giving up just under 13-ppg. Kenowa Hills looked good during the season with eight wins, their lone loss coming at the hands of world-beater East Grand Rapids way back in week-2. But, it just so happens that EGR is the only team with more than 5-wins that the Knights played this season. This will be interesting, but maybe not in the way people think.
Prediction: Muskegon miscues might keep Kenowa in it. For a while, anyway.
Score: Muskegon-27, Kenowa-13
Spring Lake @ Holland Christian
Although they lost plenty of crucial components from their 2008 championship team, Holland Christian’s “rebuilding year” has turned out to be more of the same stellar play. After losing one stellar quarterback to graduation, and another to transfer, the Maroons have yet another gunslinger behind center, and seemingly haven’t lost a beat in their high-powered aerial attack. On the other side, Spring Lake is capable of playing some outstanding defense (10-ppg allowed in victories). But they can also underwhelm at times (33-ppg allowed in losses). But it’s the playoffs, so you’ve got to expect the Lakers’ best effort.
Prediction: Spring Lake proves that defense wins round-1 matchups too
Score: Spring Lake-24, Holland Christian-21
East Kentwood @ Rockford
Special guest blogger — Rocko, Allstars Among Us
I think the outcome of this game depends heavily on which Rockford offense shows up. In the first three weeks, Rockford scored 110 points, and in the following five games, only managed 90 before finally opening it up again in last week’s 42-17 win over Grandville. In the first game against East Kentwood, Rockford didn’t put a point on the board until three seconds into the final quarter. I don’t think they can get away with that again.
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