Game Preview and Prospects The D Zone will be seeing at Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Lapeer (Story)

The 2021 football season is slated to kickoff on August 26th at noon and the action will not stop until Saturday evening. Most of the top 25 teams face tough competition this week and some winning streaks may be snapped early this season.

GRCC enters as the heavy favorite riding a 23 game winning streak and back-to-back State Championships. Lapeer on the other hand is looking to get past a losing streak that saw them lose 4 of their last 5 games last year. Both teams will rely heavily on their senior class to carry them this year.

Below are the prospects we're aware of entering the game. We look forward to discovering more talent.

Grand Rapids Catholic Central

2022 QB Joey Silveri returns for a 3rd and final season after helping the Cougars win State Titles the past two years. Silveri is as talented as they come at the position and can make all of the throws.

2022 S/LB/WR Nolan Ziegler (Notre Dame commit) is a major impact player on both sides of the ball. He always steps up in big games and he'll definitely be making a lot of plays on Thursday.

2022 WR John Passinault is a solid possession receiver who will have a bigger role with the departing class of 2021 receivers gone.

2022 DT Will Smith is a monsterous interior lineman at 6'4 255 who will have his hands full vs a strong interior line of Lapeer so definitely will be following this matchup.

2022 WR/RB/DB Ronin Russell-Dixon is an incoming transfer from Grand Rapids Christian and should immediately provide a spark on offense at RB with his blazing speed and athleticism.

Lapeer

2022 RB/S Brayden McKenna is on the verge of a breakout senior season and is going to be a vital part of Lapeer's success this year. Expect to see him used in a variety of ways and if he can have success vs. GRCC expect to see his recruiting surge.

2022 OL/DL Dustyn Morell (Kent State commit) is mobile and towering lineman who is going to go 100% every play and is a ferocious player. Morell could eventually see Power 5 offers come in this season as well.

2022 OT Garrett Masterson (Kent State commit) is another towering lineman at 6'6 and plays with a chip on his shoulder each play and will be a major force for the Lightning this year.

2022 OG/DT Kaleb Vanaman is another strong interior lineman at 6'3 280 with some strong D-III and NAIA interest now. Some D-II's will be keeping tabs on him this year.

2022 OLB Brady Masterson at 6'1 205 is a nice versatile linebacker who reads the play well and gets to ball. Is a sure tackler as well and holds strong D-III interest now.