Opponent Watch - Grand Rapids Union

Grand Rapids Union Red Hawks
(michiganhelmetproject.org)

Team: Grand Rapids Union
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Enrollment: 1,688
Head Coach: Tommie Elliot (4th year)
School Colors: Red/Black
Conference: Ottawa Kent - Black


Muskegon begins the 2014 OK Black conference season against Grand Rapids Union, a program that has been struggling for several years.

Due to the changes being made in the Grand Rapids Public Schools system (GRPS), many of the schools with athletic departments have been downsized, or even eliminated. Union and Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills are the only two schools in GRPS who have functioning athletic programs, and hopefully both will be able to retain their programs going forward.

The Skinny: 

 

• Union has not won a game since August 31, 2012. The Red Hawks are on a 20-game winless streak. Over the past ten seasons, the Red Hawks have a total of eight wins. Muskegon had twelve wins last season.
  
  
• Head coach Tommie Elliott is in his fourth year as head coach of the Red Hawks. For those who remember, Elliott was also an assistant at Muskegon for 16 years, before leaving to become head coach of Muskegon Heights in the mid-2000's. He put the Tigers back in the state playoffs and compiled an 18-19 record in four years (2005-08). Before becoming Union's head coach, Elliott spent the 2009-10 seasons as an assistant at OK Black member Mona Shores.

Union coach Tommie Elliott on season outlook:

“We had several kids who hadn’t played football before on the team last year, and because our numbers were down, we were forced to put these kids into positions that made things difficult for them. This year those same kids now have nine games under their belts, so we’re very excited about our potential.”

I really like where we are as a team this year. Our seniors have already begun to lead the team by example, incorporating our motto ‘Teamwork Makes the Dream Work’ into everything they do, both on and off the field. Our numbers are up, especially on the line, and our conditioning has improved, so I see us as a team that will play four quarters of football this season, competing with every team we play.”

Key Players:

Union quarterback Derrick Peoples.
(Zach Gibson | MLive.com)

Derrick Peoples (SR, QB/DB): Peoples is the catalyst for the Red Hawks on offense this season. Peoples had 184 yards passing with one touchdown and four interceptions last week against Jenison, as well as ten carries for 43 yards on the ground. Has big-play ability. If he gets pressured into making poor decisions, the defensive line and the secondary could have a big day.


Asante Allen and Trent Allen (WR/DB): The duo combined for six catches for 126 yards receiving and a touchdown (Trent) against Jenison last week. If given the chance, both can make plays in space.

Daron Rice (SR, CB): A returning player with experience, Rice is one of the leaders on defense for the Red Hawks.

Prediction Based On Flimsy Evidence:

Barring a cataclysmic breakdown, Muskegon should win this game, and win big. Last week Union faced off against Jenison, a team riding a 11-game losing streak, and lost 36-6. Muskegon is just too fast and too physical. Hopefully Union and its sports programs begin to have success again - alas, not on this Friday night.

Muskegon 62, Grand Rapids Union 0