August 26, 2010
1. Rockford: The Rams take the top spot with the experience they bring back on the offensive line and at running back. They have a defense led by senior linebacker Brett Egnatuk.
2. East Grand Rapids: Chasing football history are the East Grand Rapids Pioneers. All the pieces are set for their fifth consecutive state championship. Returning quarterback Ryan Elble has plenty of weapons and a strong offensive line.
3. Muskegon: The Big Reds have several explosive weapons around quarterback Ka’Vonte Keyes either by air or on the ground. Lowell knocked them out of the playoffs last year, but every indication points to the two meeting again.
4. Lowell: We should see junior quarterback Gabe Dean running through opponents deep in the playoffs again this year. The Red Arrows made it look too easy against Inkster last year. They lost some pieces, but like several teams on our top ten list, they retool every year.
5. Grand Haven: With their speed and physicality, the Buccaneers sit at number five. Running back Dalton Stenberg is a load to take down, and wide receiver Alec Smith gels well with quarterback Adam Poel. Grand Haven also has its former defensive coordinator now as head coach so their defense is not a concern.
6. East Kentwood: The only team to give Rockford trouble (besides Holt) were the Falcons. They lost a lot from last year’s squad, but they have plenty of athletes to fill the gaps.
7. Caledonia: Caledonia and East Kentwood face off in week one, and it’ll definitely be a nail bitter. Cal has two many weapons in their backfield to not be a solid program this year. An experienced offensive line should help the Fighting Scots rack up the rushing yards.
8. Kenowa Hills: The Knights aren’t a sleeper team but newcomers at several positions keep me reserved. Junior running back Kitwana Clark and senior Tito Wingfield are explosive, game changing players who could set some records this year. The talent is there at all positions so a slide up the rankings is possible.
9. Byron Center: A nice run in 2009 has the Bulldogs on the radar. With Derek Sievers, Zac Cross, and Austin Haight all returning this year, The ‘Dogs could have another break out season.
10. Ottawa Hills: Rounding out our top ten are the Bengals led by speedy Devon Ivy. Ivy is an outstanding athlete who can carry an offense. Big Danzell Maze also returns on the offensive and defensive line.
Surprise teams: Grand Rapids Christian, Forest Hills Eastern, Zeeland East, and Zeeland West.
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