Football season is back! Just over two weeks until Muskegon heads over to Novi to take on Detroit Catholic Central. After a deep postseason run for the third straight year, the Big Reds are looking to do one thing this year. FINISH THE JOB. With the past 3 years ending in heartbreak for the Big Red community as a whole, this year's squad is primed and ready for the Friday night lights of Hackley Stadium, and another postseason run ending with first State Championship for the program since 2008. The schedule for the upcoming year is set, and can be found on Facebook on the Muskegon Big Red Football page:
Muskegon High School 2015 Football Schedule
Key Games:
8/29 - Muskegon @ DCC. Last year's game saw the Big Reds come out on top 21-14 with a late 4th quarter touchdown by Alezay Coleman. Catholic and Muskegon both return some starters from last year's phenomenal season opener. Expect this to be another classic East vs West showdown as these two fan bases know that winning the first game is just the beginning of the real goal.
9/4 - Muskegon @ GRCHS. After trailing 21-10 at halftime, the Big Reds were able to erase the 11 point deficit and go on to win last year's game 29-21. Now, without the ambiance of Hackley Stadium behind them the Big Reds could be in for a tough game with Christian returning a majority of their starters. Nevertheless, Muskegon is used to overcoming the odds and will be up for the challenge. What makes this game even more crucial is it could be for the 800th win in program history for the Big Reds. Making us only the 9th team in the COUNTRY to eclipse 800 W's.
9/16 - Muskegon @ EGR. The Big Reds routed the Pioneers at Hackley Stadium last year 37-7 in the first ever meeting on the gridiron between the two state powerhouses. However, don't go into this one already putting another blowout in the books. East Grand Rapids has a long standing history of football excellence, and a game in the "Little Big House" can not be overlooked.
10/16 - Muskegon @ Mona Shores. Mona Shores, under the leadership of former Muskegon Head Coach Matt Koziak, advanced to the Division II State Finals last season for the first time in school history. After coming to Hackley Field, and trouncing the Big Reds 48-27, the Sailors of Mona Shores can no longer be overlooked. With their record setting quarterback Tyree Jackson off to the University of Buffalo, the Sailors are still loaded with weapons to beat the Big Reds for a second straight year. However, the juniors from last year are poised to redeem the team from last year, and the upcoming sophomores are hungry for a W.
10/23 - Muskegon @ Union. While the Big Reds have rolled over Union in the past years, that's what makes the season finale so intriguing. Depending on how the Shores game goes the Big Reds could roll into the playoffs with some real momentum with yet another W over the Red Hawks.
Prediction: Muskegon's schedule is a tough one based on its road games. I definitely see them going undefeated at home this year, but those road games will be the true test. Out of the five road games, seeing the Big Reds go 4-1 is reasonable to expect with big games against DCC, GRCHS, EGR, and Mona Shores. A lot of talent was lost on both sides of the ball, and new leaders will have to step in and play big roles. Then again, has that ever been a problem for Muskegon? Head Coach, Shane Fairfield, and the rest of the Big Red coaching staff are at the top of the list when it comes to reloading talent year in and year out. I strongly believe the Big Reds will play with a chip on their shoulder all year long while eclipsing the 800 win milestone en route to another OK Black Conference Title, and a fourth consecutive trip to Ford Field. FTJ.
Final Regular Season Record: 8-1. OK Black Champions.
