Read the full story with The Grand Rapids Press: “Shutout of Comstock Park in volleyball…”

Read the full story with The Grand Rapids Press: “Forest Hills Northern girls golf team…”

• Hastings 45, Hillsdale 14
• Muskegon Catholic Central 19, Hopkins 18
• Unity Christian 24, Belding 7
• Jenison 28, Caledonia 20
• Lowell 42, Forest Hills Central 0
• Grand Haven 41, Traverse City Central 14
• Zeeland West 51, Wayland 12
• Comstock Park 58, Rogers 14
• Zeeland East 69, Godwin Heights
• East Grand Rapids 44, Mona Shores 23
• Inkster 35, East Kentwood 3
• Detroit Catholic Central 42, Hudsonville 13
• Fruitport 25, Newaygo 16
• Grand Rapids Christian 52, Reeths-Puffer 13
• Kenowa Hills 56, Creston 0
• Forest Hills Eastern 35, Cedar Springs 7
• Northview 40, Holland 7
• Greenville 42, Union 2
• West Catholic 24, Allendale 8
• Grandville 42, Traverse City West 14
• Grant 40, Tri County 27

Read the full story with The Grand Rapids Press: “High school football roundup, Week 2…”

WEST CATHOLIC PREVIEW (10-1): One team many people thought may feel a little blue this season may not be feeling blue at all. West Catholic under fourth-year head coach Dan Rohn is confident it can plug the holes left by RB Loren Suggs and QB Nick Ford. Among theirs options are junior RB Kyle Corey who ran for 300 yards in 2009, Union transfer RB Jalin Faison, senior Lance Buitendyk (an All-State shortstop on the Falcons baseball team), and senior WR Dan Pittman. The Falcons graduated four offensive and four defensive linemen but coach Rohn isn’t too worried.

“[Junior] Tony Brechting is a big kid at 6’4” 275 lbs,” said Rohn. “On the defensive line we have [senior] Patrick McCarthy (6’1” 225 lbs.), [junior] Andy Zimmerman (6’5” 230lbs.) and [senior] Peter Dykstra (6’3” 250 lbs.) returning on the offensive line. We have good size up front.”

Something missing this year will be the annual West Catholic vs. Central Catholic. The teams wont play each other for the first time since Sept. 24, 1965. Emotions are mixed on the break in the rivalry game, but it should return in 2011.

COOPERSVILLE PREVIEW (5-4): Is that Barry Sanders I see over at Coopersville?!?! That’s not fair! Ok, #20 isn’t suiting up for the Broncos but an experienced defense is. Speedy senior defensive ends Chris Stuyfzand (6’ 225 lbs.) and Casey Nottingham (6’ 235 lbs.) bookend the defensive line with senior Mike Kibben (6’2” 240 lbs.) adds even more size to the Bronco’s front.

“Were going to be big and strong. We have a lot of linemen back, it’s the skill positions [where] we’re going to be hurting a little bit,” first-year head coach Todd Vanhouten told WZZM 13. “Our linemen will definitely be the leaders of this football team this year.”

At linebacker, the Bronco’s have senior Jake LeMieux (6’ 220 lbs.) and junior outside linebacker Chris Becerra, who saw playing time last year, but an injury cut his varsity-stint short. Junior tight-end Jordan Salinas will also see time on defense.

“We have a lot of guys going both way,” said defensive end Chris Stuyfzand. “We have been lifting for four years, and this year we realized we were going to have to be in good shape.”

On offense, Coopersville will rely heavily on a trio of running backs. LeMieux returns at fullback as a big, power blocker for seniors Chadd Pfahler (5’10” 180 lbs.) and Spencer Stanitzek (5’10” 185 lbs.).

“[Chadd] put on about 15 lbs. in the offseason. He’s very quick. He used to try to make hundreds of cuts, but this year he quit that and is just running the ball hard to get five yards every carry.” “The backs, they all lifted a lot more this year, and they are all also in really good.”

BELDING PREVIEW (5-4): Speaking of the running game, the Belding Redskins look considerably quicker this year all across the board. Juniors make up most of the much more agile offensive line who will try to protect senior running back Ray Bordeaux, their leading rusher.

“A lot of guys have been working hard,” said senior tight-end and linebacker Gil Corder (6’3” 210 lbs.). “We’re not the biggest but we make up for it in speed. [Speed] was definitely big this offseason.”

Corder will be a cornerstone offensively and defensively for the Redskins.

The Redskins still have some size and strength on the offensive line with senior tackle Zach Kunkle and senior center Nathan Mason. Head coach Joel Wilkers told the Ionia Sentinel he thinks his team’s key strengths will be it’s offensive line and all-around speed on defense.

“We’re all fast. On defense, everybody gets to the ball,” said Corder.

CEDAR SPRINGS PREVIEW (4-5): Trying to un-perch the West Catholic Falcons (who haven’t lost a conference game since joining the OK-Blue in 2008) are the Cedar Springs Red Hawks led by senior running back James Putnam (5’11” 190 lbs.). Putnam along with the rest of the Cedar Spring backfield showed signs of brilliance in 2009 against Grand Rapids Central with 472 rushing yards. Senior Shane Bratt recorded his longest career run in that game, a 87 yard touchdown.

The Red Hawks will need to develop some kind of passing game behind junior QB Tyler Covell to keep linebackers honest and away from Putnam. [James Putnam's recruiting video] Putnam displays great breakaway speed and is a true north-to-south RB, but needs defenses to back up. Junior wide receiver Hank Porter (6’ 170 lbs.) and senior tight-end Tyler Baker (6’ 180 lbs.) could fill that role.

“The team has shown a lot of improvement as we work[ed] together in 7-on-7’s and 2-a-days,” said Putnam.

To protect Putnam and gang, Cedar Springs returns three seniors on the offensive line: left tackle Andrew Klompstra (6’5” 230 lbs.), center Brandon Flanagan (5’8” 230 lbs.), and guard Trevor Hemry (5’10” 190 lbs.).

Defensively, the Red Hawks return nearly everyone, but won’t rely as heavily on two-way players.

“Our defense has a lot of speed and a lot of energy. We have fun playing together, and we know the key to success is a strong defense.”

FOREST HILLS NORTHERN PREVIEW (4-5):  The Huskie’s backfield went through a few changes in the offseason. Junior Cam Wysocki lines up at quarterback with senior Dan Michaud now primarily a running back. Senior Bryce Spraggins tries to fill the void at running back left by Leighton Watson, now a student at Lowell.

Wysocki will have two familiar receiving targets in senior tight-ends James Burgoon and Zach Hamilton. The pair was a favorite target of the young quarterback.

Defensively, the Huskie’s are well stocked at linebacker even though they’ll miss senior Dalton Deters who tore his ACL and MCL. Senior Rudy Coston leads a pack of junior linebackers including Branden Miklosovic, Alex Johnson, and Mitchell Larsen.

COMSTOCK PARK PREVIEW (4-5): Much of the success of the Panthers rides on senior running back Kevin McCarthy (5’11” 175 lbs.) The speedy McCarthy will need to attract enough attention away from defenses for sophomore quarterback Jake Brown to get acclimated. Brown needs to find a way to get comfortable behind an entirely new offensive line. Seniors Andrew Ejsmont (6’2” 170 lbs.), Zach Crittendon (6’2” 180 lbs.), and DeJuan Edwards (6’ 180 lbs.) give Brown plenty of targets to choose from if the line can protect him.

“Our line, they block pretty well,” said McCarthy. “We lack in size compared to West Catholic, but we have strong kids. Junior right guard Tyler Gruska (6’ 230 lbs.) is strong and quick…. He throws some good blocks.”

Comstock Park returns a lot on defense, including lead tackler senior linebacker Bryan Barnes and Ejsmont.

“Andrew’s at strong safety and he can lay some licks. Bryan reads the ball very well.”

SPARTA PREVIEW (2-7): The Panthers will have to pounce quickly if they want to contain the explosive senior QB Cameron Cooper (5’9” 175 lbs.). A four-year starter for the Sparta Spartans, Cooper is a versatile threat either by air or on the ground.

“He’s really quick and has a cannon for an arm,” said senior running back Dan Konkle (5’9” 180 lbs.). “He throws harder and farther than you can run. When he swings outside, it’s all over.”

Cooper, who runs a 6.88 in the 60-yard dash, is expected to continue his baseball career into college. But for now, he and Konkle are focused on the upcoming football season.

“We’ve got a lot more depth this year. We only had 25 guys last year, now we have 35 to 40. The junior class is big. Their whole line is going to help out.” “They’re all about 200-210. Last year, [the linemen] were around 180.”

On defense, the Spartans return a lot of experience at linebacker. Junior Tony Hill, who led the team in tackles last year (96), returns at linebacker alongside Jake Westers, Kyle Fitzpatrick, Brandon Schmitt, and Dillon Kraemer. Cooper and Konkle take over coverage duties in the secondary.

DeBoe was a pitcher for Hamilton as well as a key asset to their offense this season. Next year he will be playing at the College of Southern Nevada. DeBoe lead his team in triples this season and he has now tied the school record with 6 in a season. He also holds the school record in RBIs for both career and in a single season. In 2009 he broke the record with 42 and this season he broke his own record with 44 RBIs.

Andrew Degood (Hamilton) — Trine University

Degood was a strong offensive asset to Hamilton this year and will go onto play at Trine University next year. He finished the season with 12 doubles, making him only one shy of the school record of 13.

Jerry Ferris (Jenison) –Spring Arbor University

Ferris was a pitcher for Jenison this year and will be attending Spring Arbor University next school year to continue his career in baseball. For the week of May 13^th, Ferris was the feature athlete of the week for The Grand Rapids Press. On May 19^th Ferris pitched an incredible game against East Kentwood. He allowed only one hit, four base runners and struck out 10 batters. With no runs scored, it gave Ferris his sixth shutout of the season.

Zac French (Forest Hills Central) — Eastern Kentucky University

French was a starting pitcher for FHC this year and in April he signed his National Letter of Intent to play for Eastern Kentucky University. He is a left handed pitcher that throws in the mid eighties. French has a 5-3 record with 2 saves so far this season.

KJ Hartger (Comstock Park) – Aquinas College

Hartger was a starting pitcher for Comstock Park and will be attending Aquinas College next year to pursue his baseball career. He is known for giving his team solid pitching performance when they need him. He pitched 8 2/3 innings against Forest Hills Eastern. In the road to helping his team become District Champions Hartger threw a two-hitter in the open game of district play.

Jason Henrickson (Hamilton) – Davenport University

Henrickson played catcher for Hamilton this year and will continue his career at Davenport University next year. He is a key contributor behind the plate as well as offensively. On May 14^th Henrickson came through for his team on the offensive side by hitting a grand slam against Hudsonville Unity Christian.

Spencer Houvener (Allendale) – Aquinas College

Houvener pitched for the Allendale Falcon’s this year and is going onto play at Aquinas next season. He was a strong pitcher for the Falcon’s and on May 27^th he showed just how strong he could be. He pitched only 3 innings again the Muskegon Heights Tigers and allowed 3 hits and no runners to score.

Alex Lakatos (Forest Hills Central) — University of Michigan

Lakatos will be a starting pitcher for U of M next year and hopes to in the outfield as well. He threw a no hitter against Grand Haven towards the beginning of the season, throwing 19 strikes out during that game. Lakatos went onto throw 16 strikeouts against Mona Shores early this May. Lakatos was recently selected to play in the East-West All-Star baseball game.  

Taylor Pawlanta (Forest Hills Eastern) – Aquinas College

Pawlanta signed his letter of intent to play for Aquinas early May this year. He played shortstop this year for the Hawks. Pawlanta was also a strong offensive player by hitting close to .450 this season.

Josh Reid (Forest Hills Central) — Jackson Community College

Reid was a newcomer to the Rangers this year after transferring from Comstock Park. He played both third base and pitched for Forest Hills Central and will go on to play at Jackson Community College next year. Josh has a 4-0 record with a 1.29 ERA and has a .385 batting average so far this season.

Gavin Trevino (East Kentwood) — Chicago State University

Trevino has been a huge factor in the Falcon’s offensive success this season. Back in December he signed his National Latter of Intent to play for Chicago State University. Trevino will be playing in the outfield in college.

Taylor Valler (Portage Northern) — Davenport University

Valler currently plays for Portage Northern and will be continuing his baseball career at Davenport University next year. He is known for helping his team out tremendously on the offensive side of things. He led his team by hitting over .500 for the season.

Zac Wilkerson (Forest Hills Eastern) – Michigan State University

Wilkerson is 6-2 weighing 190 pounds and has been known to throw a 90 mph fastball. He is going onto play baseball at Michigan State University and will be the first male athlete from Forest Hills Eastern to play a Division I sport in college. In Wilkerson’s first 42 innings pitched Wilkerson struck out 57 batters. He was recently selected to play in the East-West All-Star baseball game.

Ty Wilson (Kenowa Hills) — Lincoln Trails Community College

Wilson is a pitcher for Kenowa Hills this year and plans to continue his career at Lincoln Trail Community College. One of Wilson’s highlighted games this year came again Union, where he threw only a two hitter in 5 innings! He is known for throwing a lot of strikes and more specifically, first pitch strikes.

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1. East Grand Rapids wrestling program one vote from being saved from chopping block -The Grand Rapids Press
2. Unity Christian heads into baseball regional semifinals with impressive resume -The Grand Rapids Press
3. Northview’s Bob Dailey among area athletic directors stepping down -The Grand Rapids Press
4. West Michigan Umpires Association honors baseball, softball coach and athletic director -The Grand Rapids Press
5. Portage Central girls soccer standout Paige Wester makes All-America team -Kalamazoo Gazette
6. Michigan Xtreme to host high school wrestling camp next weekend- The Grand Rapids Press
7. Trent Marnell, Seth Rice spur Schoolcraft baseball team’s surge -Kalamazoo Gazette
8. Mattawan softball team’s aggression in the field keeps Wildcats rolling in playoff run -Kalamazoo Gazette
9. Forest Hills Northern captures girls soccer regional title with 1-0 win -The Grand Rapids Press
10. Rockford advances to Division 1 girls lacrosse state title game -The Grand Rapids Press
11. Forest Hills Central swimmer Marissa Murphy headed to Buffalo -The Grand Rapids Press

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VanderWerff, or “Grandpa Johnson,” as he is known to the student-body of Comstock Park High School, attended the Panthers’ game against Coopersville two days after being released from Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital after an eight-day stay.

“I try to make as many (athletic events) as I can,” said VanderWerff.  “From track meets, to softball, to basketball.  It’s my life.”

After more than an entire year of Comstock Park pride since that day, VanderWerff passed away on Saturday afternoon.  He was 76.  But as in life, VanderWerff’s death was also seemingly taken from a storybook.

From the Grand Rapids Press:

After cheering on the varsity softball team in its district playoff loss Saturday morning, Vander Werff attended his grandson’s high school graduation party.

Granddaughter Kristie Johnson, an assistant Panthers softball coach and former player, was talking on the phone with Vander Werff about Saturday’s game and said she suspects he passed away as their conversation ended.

But Johnson said she believes he went the way he wanted — at home in his favorite chair.

Dominic VanderWerff redefined the word “superfan,” and in the process impacted the lives of hundreds of young people.  It’s people like VanderWerff who remind us of how much we can give, no matter what is being taken from us.  His death didn’t come as a surprise, but after hearing how it happened I’m sure I wasn’t the only one solemnly smiling.

I only had the pleasure of meeting him once, and it’s been over a year since.  But I have recounted the story of his attending that basketball game no less than ten times in that span.  Maybe it’s sappy to think that his legacy lives on in those stories, but it provides a sense of comfort to those who have lost.  And I have a hunch “Grandpa Johnson” would approve.

He couldn’t be with us forever.  But the ending to Dominic VanderWerff’s story was perfect.

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District 5 @ Reeths-Puffer: Mona Shores, Muskegon, Reeths-Puffer, Grand Haven

Reeths-Puffer is going to be the team to beat for District 5, with a record of 18-9. They have already beaten Mona Shores three times this year, and they are the county tournament champions. Key contributors to the Rockets success will be shortstop Drew Johnson, pitcher Tyler Meyers and the bat of Nick Somerville.

The Rockets will have to look out for Mona Shores pitcher Andrew Ulfsax. He has proved to be a strong pitcher this year and recently threw a no hitter against Holland.

District 6 @ Jenison: Grandville, Holland, Holland-West Ottawa, Hudsonville, Jenison

Hudsonville is the team to watch in District 6, bringing in a record of 19-5. The Eagles, lead by a strong pitching lineup including Shane Trevino, Sky Hoke and Brandon Cable, have proved they can win big in winning their own tournament earlier this month.  Plus, they also have strong bats to supplement the pitching.  Several players have hit homeruns this year including Hank VanOoyen and Hunter Prince.

Jenison has a record of 15-10 and is definitely going to be a contender in the District 6 tournament. Strong pitchers this season have been Jerry Ferris and Logan Healey, while Adam Lamaire, Jordan Bigler and Nick O’Dowd have been strong hitters for the team.

District 7 @ Lowell: Caledonia, East Kentwood, Forest Hills Central, Ottawa Hills, Lowell

Even with the recent drop off in the rankings, Forest Hills Central is still the favorite contender in the tournament. Two of their starting pitchers, Alex Lakatos and Mick VanVossen have thrown no hitters this season, and the Rangers have hit over 35 extra-base hits. Josh Reid proved early on he knows how to swing the bat against Kenowa Hills. Along with Reid, key offensive players include Alex Campbell, Kyle VanderArk, Lakatos and VanVossen.

East Kentwood’s catcher Steve Hazel has come through as a clutch player all season and will look to help his team continue their winning season throughout the tournament. 11 of the Falcon’s players have hit at least 3 RBI’s this season.

District 9 @ Mattawan: Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo Central, Mattawan, Portage Northern, Portage Central

District 9 is shaping up to be a tremendous district tournament this year, with the No.1 and No. 3 teams in the state: Portage Northern and Portage Central. You probably have to give the edge to Portage Central, because they’ve beaten Northern before.

Northern’s starting pitching has been phenomenal all season. The four main pitchers that have contributed to their success include Jack Livingston, Jaden Nozicka, Jake Engels, and Joe Allor. A few of the key offensive players for Portage Northern throughout the season have been Brett Thomas, Casey Coates, Jesse Franks, Kyle Darling, Kyle Downey, Taylor Valler and Livingston.

Central has had close to the same success on the mound and on the batters box. Their main pitchers this season have been Derek Schneider, Kyle Jusick, Logan Templeton, Monty Porter and Nate Stegman. In addition to the solid pitching this season, almost all of the players have consistantly been assets to the offensive side as well. To name a few: Caleb Meulman, Evan Meier, Jordan Tillman, Lee Dreksler, Nick McIntyre, Ryan Krill, and Tyler Jones.

District 46 @ Hudsonville-Unity Christian: Allendale, Hamilton, Holland Christian, Hudsonville-Unity Christian, Zeeland East, Zeeland West

Hamilton is currently ranked 6^th in the state for Division 2. With a record of 21-3 and a stalwart coach that has been there for 10 years, the Hawkeyes are the favorite to win this district tournament. They also have already won the OK Green Conference title. The Hawkeyes have several players who have hit for extra bases this season including Adam Koning, Carter DeBoe, Jason Henrickson, and R.J. Flowers. Hamilton has also produced several solid pitching performance this year by Alex Tenckinck, Nathaniel White, and DeBoe.

Another OK Green team that will be a contender in this district is Hudsonville-Unity Christian. Two week ago Unity Christian tied with Hamilton in their second game of a double header. They know what it takes to beat Hamilton with the experience they have playing each other.

District 47 @ Belding Area: Forest Hills Eastern, Belding Area, Cedar Springs, Comstock Park, Forest Hills Northern, Sparta

Forest Hills Eastern is currently ranked 7^th in state for Division 2. Taylor Pawlanta is one of the strongest batters in the area and as of mid-May was boasting a .450 batting average. In addition to Pawlanta’s bat, Forest Hills Eastern’s incredible offense includes Zak Wilkerson, Max Rennaker, Matt McCready and Jessi Greenert. Throughout the tournament you can expect to see some great pitching from the Hawks’ starters Corey Sessions, Wilkerson and McCready.

With a 14-3 record Forest Hills Northern will also be a strong team in the District 47 tournament. With defensive leadership coming from Phillip Haywood at pitcher and offensive help from Tyler Powers, they should be a tough team throughout the tournament.

District 48 @ East Grand Rapids: East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Grand Rapids Creston, Grand Rapids Union, Grand Rapids West Catholic

At 22-2 with over 250 runs to their credit this season, Grand Rapids West Catholic is a team with a lot of talent and depth on offense. They are the team to beat in District 48. Matt Coulson, Henry Tracy, Cory Murphy and David Miklosi are West’s four main pitchers to look out for. The Falcons have so much depth in their batting lineup almost everyone has had at least one extra base hit. Some strong presences in the batting lineup include Lance Buitendyk, Mike Davey, Kyle Corey and Miklosi.

East Grand Rapids has a current record of 16-7 and will give West Catholic a run for their money. Tyler Lewis and Zach Schwenneker are strong pitchers for EGR. They also have strong hitters all around and will be a tough competitor in the District 48 tournament.

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1. Four area baseball teams in top 10 of state coaches poll -The Grand Rapids Press
2. Hudsonville leads OK Conference girls water polo teams in latest state rankings  -The Grand Rapids Press
3. Northview’s Aaron Hendrick, Forest Hills Eastern Taylor Pawlanta commit to Aquinas -The Grand Rapids Press
4. Jordan DeHaan shines in Kalamazoo Christian baseball team’s sweep of Parchment -Kalamazoo Gazette
5. Coopersville Scores 4-1 Win Against Comstock Park -The Grand Rapids Press
6. Calvin Christian softball team scores another upset against defending OK Silver champ Allendale -The Grand Rapids Press
7. Andi Raymond bounces back from surgery and leads Rockford girls lacrosse team past East Grand Rapids -The Grand Rapids Press
8. Muskegon area girls soccer roundup: May 12 -The Muskegon Chronicle
9. Mollie Reidenbach, Claire Paxton scored two goals each in Ludington’s soccer win over Fremont -The Muskegon Chronicle

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1. MHSAA makes final payment of $2.71 million in legal fees for gender equity lawsuit -Th Grand Rapids Press
2. Spring Lake wins 10-inning thriller on Kyle Wasserberger’s base hit, splits baseball doubleheader with Tri-County -The Muskegon Chronicle
3. Gull Lake’s Zach Fish commits to play baseball for University of Michigan -Kalamazoo Gazette
4. Cedar Springs boys track team runs past Sparta, Comstock Park -The Grand Rapids Press
5. Lowell’s Bob Rodenhouse picks up 500th softball win -The Grand Rapids Press
6. Hudsonville’s balance key in girls water polo win over Rockford -The Grand Rapids Press
7. Kalamazoo Christian softball squad steadily revealing its talent; takes two games from Schoolcraft -Kalamazoo Gazette
8. Shawn Keller’s walkoff homer helps Muskegon Orchard View sweep Newaygo in baseball -The Muskegon Chronicle
9. Forest Hills Central pitcher Alex Lakatos shuts down Mona Shores in baseball -The Muskegon Chronicle
10. Haleigh Vickers pitches Mona Shores softball team past GR Forest Hills Central -The Muskegon Chronicle

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