Opponent Watch - Grand Rapids Christian

GRC QB Lukas Thompson

Team: Grand Rapids Christian
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Head Coach: Don Fellows (48-9, 4th year)
Current Record: 1-0
Colors: Columbia Blue/Black
Conference: Ottawa Kent - White


Grand Rapids Christian has become a West Michigan powerhouse under the leadership of head coach Don Fellows, and won the 2012 Division 3 state championship. Had their star player Drake Harris been able to play his senior season, there's a good chance the Eagles would have repeated as champs in 2013, instead of losing in the District Finals to Zeeland West. The 2014 Eagles share the same mentality that the Big Reds do: Championship or Bust.

The Skinny:

Over the past three seasons, the Eagles have won two OK White titles and have made the playoffs in each of the past four seasons, including a Division 3 state title in 2012. The Eagles are 39-9 over that four-year span.

Coach Don Fellows:

“We have a very athletic team, with great chemistry and a great work ethic. Our defense is our strength. We are very fast on defense. Our young offensive line needs to continue to improve and play well. We also need to continue to work hard in the weight room, and we need to stay injury-free because our lack of depth is an issue.”

Key Players:

Lukas Thompson (QB, JR):  A starter at cornerback the past two seasons, Thompson is taking over the quarterbacking duties for the Eagles. Thompson rushed for 119 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown in the opening half of their 28-14 win over Grand Rapids South Christian. Thompson was injured on the first play of the second half while attempting a pass and did not return to the game. Fellows reported that Thompson suffered a hit to the chest and was to undergo X-rays. His status for Friday's game is uncertain. If he is not able to go, senior Patrick Hall, who finished last week's game as QB after Thompson's injury, will likely get the start. Hall was 7-13 for 87 yards and a touchdown in Thompson's absence.

GR Christian's Jack Bates.

Malick McLaughlin (RB/LB): A leader on both sides of the ball, McLaughlin leads strong Grand Rapids Christian rushing attack. McLaughlin had 38 yards on ten carries in Christian's win over South Christian. Forms a nice 1-2 punch with fellow running back Davaunte' Dickens.

Deleon Brown (WR): Christian's most explosive pass catcher, Brown will have to be a main focus more Muskegon's defensive backs, or else he will make them pay. Brown caught four passes for 73 yards last week against South Christian.

Jack Bates (LB, SR): Bates is a ring-leader of the Eagles defense, along with fellow senior Qi'ante Ewing. Bates will do his best to stop Muskegon's vaunted rushing attack. Bates had six tackles in week one action, and is being looked at by Division 1 programs.

Qi'ante Ewing (LB, SR): A senior leader like Bates, Ewing will have to be accounted for at all times. Ewing had four tackles to go along with a sack last week. Ewing also has Division 1 potential.

Noah Nedd (DB, SR): Had 3.5 sacks against a very good South Christian offense. Muskegon's O needs to spread him out and keep him away from Shawn Pfenning.

Prediction Based On Flimsy Evidence:

Just like last week, this game should be a good one. Muskegon won last year's matchup in lopsided fashion, and Christian will be trying to return the favor. Both teams are known for explosive offenses and tough defenses, but I think that the combination of Muskegon's Veer offense and home-field advantage gives them the definitive edge.

Muskegon 28, Grand Rapids Christian 19

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