Week 2 Top 10 Teams in the OK Conferences

Not much changed from our Preseason Top 10, but a few teams shuffled around. We’ve got another week of out-of-conference games then it’s mano-a-mano in-conference play.

1. Rockford (1-0): The Rams remain at number one after a stellar performance against the always-talented Davison Cardinals. Junior kicker Steven Mette gives them another scoring threat even at 46 yards. It’s Rams vs. Rams this week, but Rockford should prevail after Holt’s sputtering loss in week one. Quarterback Mark LaPraire played mistake-free football so there’s no reason for the Rams to move out of this spot.

2. East Grand Rapids (1-0): Boy would they have fallen if Sam Nystrom didn’t wake them up. East came out slow, but Nystrom’s 70-yard fumble return for a touchdown lit a fire under the Pioneers. Running back David Drummond’s 152 yards rushing and two touchdowns along with quarterback Ryan Elble’s 127 yards passing and two touchdowns are proof that East is still a powerhouse.

3. Lowell (1-0): The Red Arrows also started out slow in their season opener, but quarterback Gabe Dean brought out his bow and launched a few at wide receiver Matt Houston to bring Lowell back. Dean went 14-of-20 passing for 191 yards and ran for another 117 yards. Slow starts happen, so week two at Forest Hills Central should help us better evaluate.

4. Muskegon (0-1): They played one of the best and came out on the losing side. A three-point loss to Macomb Dakota doesn’t knock the Big Reds out of the top-five based on their strong pedigree. Muskegon will get rid of the turnovers and we’ll see the Big Reds of old. But they’re facing a tough Ottawa Hills team. I doubt Muskegon goes 0-2, but if you’re in the area, check out that game.

5. Grand Haven (1-0): Dalton Stenberg is a load to take down. The senior running back scored five touchdowns to lead the ‘Bucs past Traverse City West in week one. Stenberg broke two long touchdown runs of 78 yards and 62 yards to give Grand Haven a 474-285 advantage in total offense.

6. East Kentwood (1-0): The Falcons flew high in their battle against the Scots for arguably the best game of week one. We all knew it would be close, but a late game interception by Chris James to give East Kentwood the victory was sweet. Had the Falcons lost, Caledonia would be sitting here, but they drop to our outside bubble.

7. Kenowa Hills (1-0): Second half comebacks were a theme in week one, but wins are wins. Kitwana Clark and Tito Wingfield combined for 328 rushing yards, and that should set the tone for the Knights. The OK-Black is theirs to lose.

8. Byron Center (1-0): The Bulldogs were one of only two team to shutout an opponent to open the 2010 season. Derek Sievers was their go to guy as expected, but their defense clamped down hard. The ‘Dogs don’t have a rough schedule so this could easily be another nine win season.

9. Ottawa Hills (1-0): Week two against Muskegon will be a fun game to watch. Devon Ivy, Javon Phillips, and quarterback Jalen Couch are an exciting trio to watch. Their defense needs to play up this week if they want a victory over Muskegon.

10. Grand Rapids Christian (1-0): Two words: Andre Davis. The 265-pound running back just knocked the Eagles into our top ten. The Eagle’s 583 total yards of offense is incredible. Coach Don Fellows has us hungry for a Christian vs. Lowell or East battle. Just four more weeks until we see the trio meet. First it’s East on September 24^th and Lowell October 1^st

Bubble teams: Coopersville, Caledonia, Holland Christian, Zeeland East