Above on this week’s Behind the Frenzy, Football Frenzy correspondents Dean Holzwarth and Andrew McDonald talk about West Catholic’s comeback last week, how Unity Christian’s season has marched forward, and what to expect from this week’s spotlight matchups, including the high-stakes matchup between Muskegon and Byron Center.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The home stretch is upon us. Two weeks remain in the regular season and conference titles remain at stake.
Here’s a quick look at our Football Frenzy Spotlight games for Week 8.
MUSKEGON BIG REDS (3-3) AT BYRON CENTER BULLDOGS (6-1)
Friday, 7 p.m.
The Byron Center Bulldogs won a share of a conference crown last year while competing in the O-K White conference. They are currently chasing another conference title, but need a win and some help in the final O-K Green conference game.
Byron Center trails first-place Mona Shores by one game. A win over Muskegon, the defending Division 2 state champions , and a Mona Shores loss to Reeths-Puffer will give the Bulldogs a share of the conference championship.
Oct. 11, 2024, Football Frenzy highlights Mona Shores handed Byron Center its lone loss of the season, 14-12, but the Bulldogs have reeled off three straight wins since that defeat.
Muskegon desperately needs a victory. The Big Reds haven’t missed the postseason since 1999 but are in serious jeopardy of that streak ending. Muskegon started 1-3, but has won two straight over Union and Reeths-Puffer.
Byron Center is winless against Muskegon in three tries.
HOLLAND CHRISTIAN MAROONS (5-2) AT NORTHVIEW WILDCATS (7-0)
Friday, 7 p.m.
Northview clinched a share of the O-K Black title last week with a strong defensive effort against Grand Rapids Catholic Central. The Wildcats held the Division 5 state champions to a field goal in a 12-3 win to stay unbeaten on the season.
Northview can win the conference championship outright with a win Friday against Holland Christian. Both teams finished with a losing record a year ago.
The Maroons are having their best season since 2018 and can earn a share of the conference with a victory. Their lone loss came against Catholic Central in Week 6. They rallied to beat Thornapple Kellogg last week in a shootout, 43-42.
The Wildcats are unbeaten through the first seven games of the season for the first time since 1977.
KALAMAZOO UNITED FIGHTING IRISH (6-1) AT PARCHMENT PANTHERS (6-1)
Friday, 7 p.m.
The championship in the Southwestern Athletic Conference-Lakeshore has come down to two teams. Kalamazoo United and Parchment failed to produce winning seasons last year, but both are experiencing major turnarounds and are one win away from a conference title.
Parchment hasn’t had more than six wins in a season since 2013, but has found success this year on both sides of the ball. The Panthers have amassed nearly 300 points while holding opponents to less than 100, including three shutouts. Parchment’s only loss occurred against Dowagiac in Week 3.
Vote for the Football Frenzy Play of the Week Kalamazoo United has won four in a row since losing to Lawton. The Fighting Irish have leaned on their defense. They have recorded four shutouts on the season and surrendered only 64 points.
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