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| Kenowa Hills running back Andrew Wawrzyniak. (Zach Gibson | MLive.com) |
Team: Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills
Location: Alpine Township, MI
Enrollment: 1,125
Head Coach: Scott VanEssen (12th year)
School Colors: Black/Gold
Conference: Ottawa Kent - Black
Standings:
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| Kenowa Hills needs a win in order to stay in conference title contention, while Muskegon needs to win in order to stay in first place. |
The Skinny
Before current head coach Scott VanEssen was named the head coach of Kenowa Hills, things were not so good. Kenowa Hills had only qualified for postseason play seven times in the previous 52 years of the program, with an 11-2 state runner--up season in 1992 being the pinnacle of the program's success.
VanEssen transformed the culture of the program. After going 13-32 during his first five seasons at Kenowa Hills, VanEssen has a 38-27 record over the last seven seasons, including three straight OK Black conference championships from 2008-10. Recently the Knights have been in a bit of a slump, going 3-6 a season ago and currently sporting a 2-3 record.
Offense:
The offensive production has been an issue for Kenowa Hills since last season. Through five games, the Knights are averaging 15 points per game, about what they averaged last season. In the world of high school football, scoring 15 points a contest usually doesn't cut it. Against a Muskegon defense that ranks amongst the best in the state, Kenowa Hills will likely have to produce much more than that.
Andrew Wawrzyniak leads the Kenowa Hills rushing attack, averaging 71 yards rushing per game. Trea Mayhue has 195 yards on the ground, and functions as a change-of-pace back.
Quarterback Jordan Marentette isn't asked to throw the ball much or make plays with his feet. When he does throw, Eric Orsinger (75 yards) and Connor Carruthers (33 yards) are his favorite targets.
If Muskegon's defensive line can get to him before he gets the ball to his playmakers, this game won't be close.
Andrew Wawrzyniak leads the Kenowa Hills rushing attack, averaging 71 yards rushing per game. Trea Mayhue has 195 yards on the ground, and functions as a change-of-pace back.
Quarterback Jordan Marentette isn't asked to throw the ball much or make plays with his feet. When he does throw, Eric Orsinger (75 yards) and Connor Carruthers (33 yards) are his favorite targets.
If Muskegon's defensive line can get to him before he gets the ball to his playmakers, this game won't be close.
Defense:
Even though Kenowa Hills' offense has been inept this year, the defense has played very well considering the circumstances. Despite being 2-3, the Knights have only been outscored by four in terms of total points, 75-79.
The offense may be scoring 15 points per game, but the defense is only giving up sixteen points per game. The 30 points scored by Mona Shores last week was the most the Knights had given up all season; the previous high was 20 points by Forest Hills Northern in week 1.
The Knights have a formidable defensive line led by Malik Swain, a 320-pounder, Steven Lyons (6-1, 225) and Brenden Bott (6-4, 245). Linebackers Warzyniak (5-11, 190) and Jarrod Sczesny (5-10, 195) will try to keep Muskegon's running backs from making big plays. Carruthers and Orsinger will again be asked match up against Alezay Coleman and Muskegon's speedy receiving corps.
Even though Kenowa Hills' offense has been inept this year, the defense has played very well considering the circumstances. Despite being 2-3, the Knights have only been outscored by four in terms of total points, 75-79.
The offense may be scoring 15 points per game, but the defense is only giving up sixteen points per game. The 30 points scored by Mona Shores last week was the most the Knights had given up all season; the previous high was 20 points by Forest Hills Northern in week 1.
The Knights have a formidable defensive line led by Malik Swain, a 320-pounder, Steven Lyons (6-1, 225) and Brenden Bott (6-4, 245). Linebackers Warzyniak (5-11, 190) and Jarrod Sczesny (5-10, 195) will try to keep Muskegon's running backs from making big plays. Carruthers and Orsinger will again be asked match up against Alezay Coleman and Muskegon's speedy receiving corps.
Prediction Based on Flimsy Evidence:
Muskegon cruised to victory against Grand Rapids Union last week, but Kenowa Hills is a superior opponent. This will be Muskegon's second road game of the season against a team that is well-coached. The only chance Kenowa Hills has of winning is if the defense can keep things close enough for the offense to string together some plays. Kenowa keeps it close, but Muskegon prevails.
Muskegon 21, Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills 10
