Hackley Stadium, home of the Big Reds since 1927, has a feel unlike almost any other high school football stadium in Michigan.  The feelings as one drew near for today’s clash between cross-town rivals, was even more unique.  The air had a buzz, and the noise coming from the packed, sun-bathed stands could be heard all across the surrounding neighborhood.  Inside, a party atmosphere engulfed the seven thousand fans that came to see the Tigers and Big Reds take the field against one another for the first time since the late ’70s.

Muskegon took control of the contest early and they never looked back, when quarterback Princton Duncan ran the ball in from eight yards out, with 7:58 remaining in the first quarter.  On the ensuing Muskegon Heights possession, the Big Reds‘ defense forced a three-and-out.  Attempting to punt the ball away on fourth down, the Tigers‘ long-snapper accidentally sent the snap sailing over the punter’s head and out the back of the end zone for a safety.  Muskegon, momentum clearly in hand at this point, sent a message to their guests that victory wouldn’t come easy, when Juwan Lewis broke out a 60 yard touchdown run on the first play of Muskegon’s next possession.  The extra point kick missed, giving the Big Reds a 16-0 lead, with the first quarter only half complete.  Ryan Williams-Follins added yet another Muskegon first quarter touchdown, when he scored on a 39 yard run with just under two minutes left in the first.

The second quarter unfolded much like the first, with Muskegon’s offense keeping the proverbial foot on the gas pedal, and their defense keeping Muskegon Heights off the scoreboard.  Following a Ryan Williams-Follins interception, Juwan Lewis found the end zone again, his second touchdown of the day.  Following a successful two point conversion, the Big Reds were ahead of the Tigers 30-0.  Less than a minute later, the Big Reds struck again, as Laquinton Miller intercepted a DeShawn Thrower pass, taking it all the way to the house for a touchdown.  After a missed extra point kick, the score was now 36-0 and the rout was on.  The Tigers turned the ball over again on their next possession, losing a fumble in their backfield.  Pouncing on yet another Muskegon Heights mistake, the Big Reds worked their way down the field once again, with Juwan Lewis scoring his third touchdown of the afternoon, bringing the score to 43-0.  Muskegon would reach an even 50 before the half was over, when backup quarterback Jalen Smith hit Ryan Williams-Follins for a 19 yard touchdown pass with just over a minute left in the second quarter.  Muskegon Heights finally managed to get on the scoreboard with 13 seconds left in the half, when DeShawn Thrower connected with Kevin Day for a 42 yard touchdown pass.  The extra point was no-good, however, and the score at the break was 50-6.

Per MHSAA rules, the second half saw a running clock throughout its entirety.  Muskegon, with victory firmly in hand, shut down the passing game, pounding the ball up the middle with rushes.  Muskegon Heights kept the Big Reds off the scoreboard in both the third and fourth quarter, but it was clear the Big Reds weren’t necessarily looking to score.  The Tigers had one more score left in them, when the speedy Kevin Day scorched an 88 yard touchdown run down the sideline, with 1:46 left in the game.  The Muskegon Heights extra point missed, giving us our final, 50-12.

Muskegon Heights falls to 0-2 on the season.  They will look to rebound next week Friday when they host an undefeated Bay City John Glen.  Muskegon ups its record to 2-0.  They will open up their OK Red conference season when they travel to undefeated Hudsonville next week.

Jai'lyn Thompson flattens the Muskegon Heights defender.

The Tigers offense struggled to establish itself all day.

Angelo Corona puts a lick on the ball-carrier.

The Muskegon Heights defense forces the ball loose.

Ryan Williams-Follins looks the pass in.

DeShawn Thrower ran for 31 yards in the game.

Ryan Williams-Follins leveled the defender with a block on this punt return.

The Tigers swarm the loose ball, causing a turnover.

Juwan Lewis rushed for 113 yards and 3 touchdowns.

DeShawn Thrower passed for 61 yards and a touchdown.

Ryan Williams-Follins runs back an interception.

Kevin Day (#17) scored both Muskegon Heights touchdowns.

Matt Philpott Photography was happy to bring you coverage of this afternoon’s game.  Please be sure to visit his website  to view additional photos!

West Michigan has a school in each of today’s State Final match-ups and it all tips off with Tri Unity Christian at 10am! Enter the live blog below to stay up to date on all the action and commentary from this game as we will have live blog action all day. We also have games tipping of at Noon for Class C, 4pm for Class A and 8pm for Class B.

Muskegon Heights walked into the Breslin Center tonight and acted like they were right at home. Facing off with Dowagiac in the Semi Final, the Tigers were out manned in the stands as the Dowagiac faithful came in droves. Unfortunately for Dowagiac they did not have Deontae Hudson. Hudson was Mr. Everything tonight as he poured in 31 points, exactly half of the Tiger total.

Hudson had little problem getting inside all night.

One of the few shots Darius Wilson didn't send into the stands.

Heights' guards played great all night.

Brandon Smith and his fellow big men came up large in the second half.

Rowmell Crawford with a tough drive.

So many close battles went the Tigers way.

A late throw down by Hudson was the icing on the cake here as Heights ran away with a 62-43 victory.

All photos provided by ADC Graphics and to see even more from this game head over to their site for loads of action shots.

With only 4 teams left in each class, WMA decided to take a look at the 4 West Michigan teams that are left.

Class A- Kalamazoo Central, the Maroon Giants are the reigning state champs and always seem to find a way to make it to The Breslin Center. Kalamazoo Central survived a scare against a young Hudsonville team in quarterfinals. K-Central will play Southfield on Friday March 25th @ 1 p.m. Southfield is 20-3 on the year, so they should provide us with a solid game. Should K-Central advance they will play the winner of the Bay City Western/Detroit Southeastern game which will take place @ 2:50 p.m. Friday. If K-Central advances to the state finals, their game will be on Saturday March 26th at 4 p.m.

Class B- Muskegon Heights, Heights will play a solid team in Dowagiac who defeated EGR on Tuesday. Dowagiac is 20-6 on the year. The game will be played @ 7:50 p.m. at The Breslin Center on Friday March 25th. Should they win, they will play the winner of the Detroit Country Day/Lansing Sexton game which takes place prior to the Heights game. If Heights can advance past Dowagiac, they will play in the state finals game on Saturday March 26th at the Breslin Center @ 8 p.m.

Class C- Schoolcraft, they will look to remain unbeaten as they play Detroit Consortium on Thursday March 24th @ 1 p.m. should Schoolcraft advance they will play the winner of the Flint Beecher/McBain game. Flint Beacher knocked out one of our local teams- Western Michigan Christian on Tuesday night. If Schoolcraft can advance they will play in the state finals game on Saturday March 26th at The Breslin Center @ Noon.

Class D- Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian, Tri-Unity is always a solid team in class D but without conference foe Western Michigan Christian in Class D anymore (they moved up to Class C this year after having won 3 State Titles in a row), so this will be the first year in 3 years that there is a Class D Boys Basketball State Champ that is not Western Michigan Christian. Tri-Unity last won it in 2006 and will look to restore their basketball dominance. Should Tri-Unity advance they will face the winner of the Fulton/Detroit Westside Christian game. If The Defenders can advance onto the state finals game, they will play on Saturday March 26th at The Breslin Center @ 10 a.m.

WMA will have coverage for you of Friday’s games and should any of our teams advance we will have state finals coverage for you. Be sure to “like” us on facebook. If you wish to discuss the matchups, comment below. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you all out at a game or two.

This district at Muskegon Heights should provide us with some intriguing matchups.

As you can tell Spring Lake, Muskegon Heights, and Whitehall have all have solid years, but there’s at least one possible sleeper team in this bracket.

Fruitport- while Frutiport went a dismal 1-13 in conference play their out of conference play has been respectable as they are 2-4. Fruitport is however 1-3 head-to-head and this is what limits them as a spoiler team. Fruitport is led by Steve Devries who is averaging 16.6 points per game. If Fruitport wishes to advance past their first round matchup with the host team, Devries will have to have a great game and Tyler Fehler or Mike Reyes will have to step up as the #2 scorer.

Muskegon Oakridge- Oakridge has had a solid season going 9-10 but unfortunately they are only 1-3 in head-to-head matchups with the other 5 teams. Oakridge is led but Jamie Potts who is averaging 17.3 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game. If Oakridge wishes to advance out of the second round (they have received a bye for the first round) then Potts and either Patrick Giddings or Jake Ferguson will have to have big games.

Muskegon Orchard View- Orchard View has had a poor season as they went 4-15 overall but they have been solid when playing head-to-head against the five other teams in the district as they are 2-3 against them. Fortunately Orchard View has drawn a first round bye, but if they wish to advance to the district finals, Greg Alexander who is averaging 14.5 points per game will have to play lights out. Kody Harrell will have to step up as well and knock down a couple of key threes.

Whitehall- despite going 13-7 overall Whitehall is only 2-2 in head-to-head matchups against the other 5 teams in this district. Whitehall faces a tough matchup with Spring Lake in the first round, look for Travis Love, Ryan Butzer, and Jacob Uithoven to all have big games if they wish to advance.

Muskegon Heights- the fact that Heights is hosting districts makes their odds at running away with this district much better and fortunately for them they have drawn Fruitport in the first round. Heights is led by their star player Deontae Hudson who is averaging 21.3 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game and has rattled in 28 threes this year. Look for Heights to use their athleticism and literally run away with this district.

Spring Lake- they have had an excellent year going 15-5 overall and 11-3 in conference play as well as 4-0 against the other five teams in this district. Spring Lake has a tough first round matchup with Whitehall. If they wish to advance look for Austin Johnson to come up big as he is averaging 13.7 points per game and 7 rebounds per game. Michael Hankinson and Trevor Tidwell will also have to come up big for them.

Prediction: the round one matchup of Whitehall and Spring Lake should be an exciting one, but Spring Lake should be able to find a way to win. Muskegon Heights will run away with the game against Fruitport. Muskegon Heights will able to pull away from Orchard View in the second round and advance to the district championship game. Spring Lake will be able to move on past Oakridge in the second round which will set up a Spring Lake v Muskegon Heights championship game. Spring Lake just won’t be able to match up well with Heights‘ athleticism and Deontae Hudson. Heights should be able to cruise through this district at home.

Don’t overlook the Oakridge v Spring Lake game or the Whitehall v Spring Lake game as they should both provide us with some excellent action. Feel free to discuss below in the comments section and tell us all the reasons why we’re right, as well as why we’re wrong.

Were working hard to bring you some amazing coverage and giving you some input is vital to us. Check out our polls where you can vote for the coverage you want to see, help your vote by passing the poll along to friends as you can only vote once. Try to keep up and help us with any comments to get your team where they belong. We encourage the fans of WMA to tune into ESPN 96.1 as we will have nice spots running to keep you the fans updated on all that is West Michigan High School Sports.

1.) Grand Rapids Union (13-3)

Union takes over the top spot in our rankings as well as an OK Black title, not a bad week for Terrence Williams’ crew.

2.) Montague (16-0)

Montague stands alone as the final unbeaten in West Michigan, how long can they keep it up?

3.) Grand Rapids Christian (16-1)

The Eagles were dealt their first loss of the year by Union but by no means does that diminish what these kids have done this year. A playoff run will validate that.

4.) Comstock Park (15-1)

With the conference tied down, its post season prep time for Park.

5.) Grand Rapids Catholic Central (14-2)

Catholic fell to Ottawa Hills on Tuesday but picked up revenge on Caledonia Friday night. The Cougars have a couple league games left, including a Friday night tilt at South Christian.

6.) Rockford (12-6)

Rockford began the year at #2 in our rankings, and then dropped to an honorable mention, and are now back on the rise in what can only be described as a wild season for Majerle and the Rams. At Muskegon on Tuesday and Home with EK on Friday could set us up for an OK Red title game. (Wow! Were keeping our fingers crossed).

7.) East Kentwood (13-4)

The Falcons took care of business last week and have a date with Rockford on Friday to potentially decide the OK Red.

8.) Godwin Heights (15-2)

The OK Silver title goes to the Wolverines and now Godwin plans for the next few weeks.

9.) Tri Unity Christian (15-1)

Godwin Heights and Western Michigan Christian are coming to town this week so the Defenders will have their hands full.

10.) Wayland (14-3)

The Wildcats got one of the league losses it needed from Catholic Central to steal the OK Gold, unfortunately Wayland has no control and will be rooting for Forest Hills Eastern and South Christian this week while also trying to handle their own business.

Honorable Mentions (in no order)

Muskegon (11-5)

The Big Reds dropped a big game at East Kentwood on Tuesday and all but sealed their fate in the OK Red.

Holland (12-5)

A big win over FHC has the Dutch ready for a District run.

Muskegon Heights (11-6)

A close win over Grand Haven was followed by a narrow loss to Kalamazoo Central on Saturday.

Grand Rapids South Christian (13-4)

A big game with Catholic on Friday will help decide the OK Gold.

We hope to see you out at a game and will keep you posted on where we will be. Don’t forget that we will update you every Monday on the new WMA rankings. Again feel free to discuss below!

Some schools have spoken up and here is your chance, get your friends together and vote for the game you want WMA to cover for you. You can only vote once so make it count and get your friends to help out. For Tuesday games the poll will end on the Sunday before and for Friday games the polls will close on the Wednesday before the games.

Feel free to suggest up-coming games to be included in the poll at westmiallstar@gmail.com.

Some schools have spoken up and here is your chance, get your friends together and vote for the game you want WMA to cover for you. You can only vote once so make it count and get your friends to help out. For Tuesday games the poll will end on the Sunday before and for Friday games the polls will close on the Wednesday before the games.

Feel free to suggest up-coming games to be included in the poll at westmiallstar@gmail.com.

Were working hard to bring you some amazing coverage and giving you some input is vital to us. Check out our polls where you can vote for the coverage you want to see, help your vote by passing the poll along to friends as you can only vote once. Try to keep up and help us with any comments to get your team where they belong. We encourage the fans of WMA to tune into ESPN 96.1 as we will have nice spots running to keep you the fans updated on all that is West Michigan High School Sports.

1.) Grand Rapids Christian (15-0)

The Eagles collected two decisive victories this week including a 20 point win over Northview that locked up the OK White for Christian. The Eagles look ahead to Union on Tuesday as they prepare for Districts.

2.) Grand Rapids Catholic Central (13-1)

Catholic picked up a massive win Friday at Wayland but still have 4 league games remaining including a visit from Caledonia who handed the Cougars their lone loss this year.

3.) Grand Rapids Union (11-3)

Two more W’s for the Red Hawks last week and a great game next against Christian. The OK Black can be theirs with one more conference win, FHC, Holland and Reeths-Puffer remain in league.

4.) Comstock Park (13-1)

Two more wins for Park has Scott Berry’s crew rolling as the Panthers take home the OK Blue crown.

5.) Montague (14-0)

The Wildcats locked up the West Michigan Conference this week as they scored a trio of wins including its closest game of late as they won in Overtime at Western Michigan Christian 61-53.

6.) Muskegon (10-4)

The Big Reds had a week to forget after dropping back to back league games now setting themselves behind the 8 ball with 2 weeks to go. Muskegon now sits behind Rockford and East Kentwood in the Red. EK will host the Big Reds tomorrow night.

7.) Rockford (10-6)

Hudsonville played spoiler all week as Tuesday the Eagles took down Rockford and then Muskegon on Friday. The Rams are still alive at the top of the Red and this would be an amazing season if they can find a way to take this crown.

8.) East Kentwood (11-4)

The Falcons control their destiny in league play but are stumbling to the finish line, Muskegon on Tuesday and Friday a trip to dangerous Hudsonville.

9.) Godwin Heights (10-2)

The OK Silver championship could head to Godwin Heights with a win over Hopkins on Friday.

10.) Tri Unity Christian (13-1)

The Defenders have West Catholic on Tue. and Covenant Christian on Fri. as they prepare for a tough week with Godwin and WMC coming to town.

Honorable Mentions (in no order)

Wayland (12-3)

A heart wrenching loss to Catholic Central means that Wayland is going to need a lot of help from fellow OK Gold teams as it will take two league losses by Catholic to hand the Wildcats the Conference.

Holland (10-5)

The Dutch suffered a 1 point loss to Greenville on Tuesday yet picked up a convincing win Friday against Reeths-Puffer

Muskegon Heights (10-5)

Deontae Hudson’s 24 led the Tigers past Saginaw Arthur Hill on Saturday.

Forest Hills Central (9-5)

The Rangers suffered an overtime loss to Creston on Tuesday, the good thing? It wasn’t a league game.

We hope to see you out at a game and will keep you posted on where we will be. Don’t forget that we will update you every Monday on the new WMA rankings. Again feel free to discuss below!

Were working hard to bring you some amazing coverage and giving you some input is vital to us. Check out our polls where you can vote for the coverage you want to see, help your vote by passing the poll along to friends as you can only vote once. Try to keep up and help us with any comments to get your team where they belong. We encourage the fans of WMA to tune into ESPN 96.1 as we will have nice spots running to keep you the fans updated on all that is West Michigan High School Sports.

1.) Grand Rapids Christian (13-0)

The Eagles soar on with back to back wins on Friday and Saturday over Lowell and Creston respectively. Second place Northview comes to town on Friday.

2.) Grand Rapids Union (9-3)

The Red Hawks slipped by Mona Shores on Friday and had their game against Forest Hills Central on Tuesday canceled because of weather.

3.) Grand Rapids Catholic Central (11-1)

Catholic rolled by Middleville Thornapple Kellogg on Friday and has what looks to be an OK Gold championship game at Wayland coming up this Friday.

4.) Muskegon (10-2)

The Big Reds snuck out of West Ottawa on Friday night and hold a share of the OK Red lead. Grand Haven and Hudsonville are on the docket this week.

5.) Comstock Park (11-1)

Snow canceled the mega match-up with Sparta until the 23^rd so the lone win over Forest Hills Northern was the extent of the Panthers week.

6.) Rockford (9-5)

Another late Majerle three lead the Rams to a road league win at Grandville on Friday. Like Muskegon, Hudsonville and Grand Haven are on tap this week.

7.) East Kentwood (10-3)

Back to back home league losses have brought the Falcons back to the pack in the OK Red. With Tuesday’s game against Muskegon canceled, East Kentwood still controls its own destiny in the Red.

8.) Montague (11-0)

It’s probably safe to say that the Wildcats locked up the West Michigan Conference on Friday against Shelby. Western Michigan Christian comes to town on Tuesday.

9.) Wayland (11-2)

A crushing win over Forest Hills Eastern on Friday has the Wildcats set up for Catholic Central on Friday. Wayland better not overlook Caledonia on Tuesday however.

10.) Tri Unity Christian (12-1)

The Defenders have a couple match-ups circled on the horizon, Godwin Heights on the 22^nd and Western Michigan Christian on the 25^th.

Honorable Mentions (in no order)

Godwin Heights (10-2)

Grandville Calvin Christian outlasted the Wolverines dispite a 23-12 4^th quarter by Godwin Heights. A Friday match-up with Wyoming Kelloggsville will help decide the OK Silver.

Holland (9-4)

The Dutch rolled with back to back wins Friday and Saturday, 52-29 over Kenowa Hills on Friday and 65-39 over Shores on Saturday.

Muskegon Heights (9-5)

A 15 point win over Western Michigan Christian was followed by a 6 point loss to Romulus on Saturday.

Forest Hills Central (8-4)

The Rangers continue to impress and a win here or there could lead to a sneaky league contender.

We hope to see you out at a game and will keep you posted on where we will be. Don’t forget that we will update you every Monday on the new WMA rankings. Again feel free to discuss below!