GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — With the 2013 high school football season fast approaching, we thought we would take a look at some of the top storylines for the season. What will Drake Harris do in his final year of high school? Can Jon Wassink and South Christian defend their state championship? Will East Grand Rapids rebound? What does Muskegon Catholic Central do without Mike Holmes?
One-time Michigan State commit turned University of Michigan commit, Drake Harris enters his final season of high school football. Harris, who is ranked as one of the top wide receivers in the entire country, broke state records in 2012 while helping lead Grand Rapids Christian to their first ever football state title with a thrilling overtime win over Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. So what will Harris have in store for 2013? A lot depends on who is throwing him the ball. Last season Alex VandeVusse handled that responsibilty very well, but Alex is off to Ferris State. Enter Tyler Sigler, Tyler has spent his career playing for his father, Irv Sigler III at Jenison, but the Siglers and Jension parted ways after 2012 and now Irv will be an assistant at Christian High and Tyler will be the teams signal caller. What this means is that Harris and the Eagles should have another long postseason run in 2013.
Christian’s biggest rival, South Christian is also coming off a state championship. The Sailors routed Detroit Country Day 40-7 and did so without then sophomore quarterback Jon Wassink who was injured in the state semifinal. South has their share of seniors to replace, but led by Wassink and a great group juniors, the Sailors are in prime position to defend their title. South Christian opens the season against Grand Rapids Christian, not a bad way to kick off the season.
East Grand Rapids is coming off of their first losing season since 2000, head coach Peter Stuursma’s 1st year as coach. The Pioneers got better each week last season and in week 9 beat division 2 state semifinalist Caledonia 37-14. Mikey Roth saw some playing time at quarterback during his sophomore season and figures to be ready to take over full time in the fall.
How will Muskegon Catholic Central adjust to life after Mike Holmes? Holmes retired after 25 seasons and 9-year assistant Steve Czerwon takes over the program.
These questions are just a few that will be fun to follow during the 2013 season.
