Game Preview: Hudsonville @ Grandville

Game Info:

Hudsonville (4-3) @ Grandville (4-3)

Friday, October 15th @ 7 pm

Bulldog Stadium

Series History: Hudsonville leads the all-time series 16-14-1. Grandville won last year’s game 21-17.

Grandville and Hudsonville come into Friday’s matchup both needing a win to feel good about their chances at making the playoffs, however, a loss doesn’t necessarily mean their season ends after week nine. Both teams should have enough playoff points based on their strength of schedule to get in with five wins. Nonetheless, each team will be fighting as if their season is on the line in this matchup between two long-time rivals.

The Bulldogs enter having won three games in a row by a combined score of 143-21. Hudsonville has won two games in a row by a combined score of 91-20. Each team narrowly lost to undefeated Rockford, further showing that not much separates the talent level of these programs.

Grandville

4-3, Last Week: Defeated East Kentwood 44-6.

Players To Watch

Cade Pilczuk, RB, 2022”

Cade has been the main contributor to Grandville’s Wing-T attack this season. He’s a physical runner that typically takes more than one guy to bring down. Because of his physicality, Cade puts up a ton of yards after contact. Cade has shown good vision throughout his senior season and does a good job of finding holes/running lanes if the initial hole isn’t there.

Jackson Buckler, OL/DL, Grandville 2022”

Every good back needs a good line to run behind and Jackson Buckler leads way in that department. The 6’6 289 pound lineman paves the way for Bulldog runners. He’s also shown he can help quarterback Ian Sanders stay upright by providing a clean pocket.

Ian Sanders, QB, 2022”

Ian is asked to carry the ball more than almost any quarterback not named Zak Ahern in West Michigan. Because of this, Cade’s been needed to show his resiliency to operate the Bulldog offense effectively. On rare passing downs, Ian has shown he can deliver an accurate pass in tight windows.

Tyson Mann, RB, Grandville 2023”

Tyson is another weapon in the Bulldog offense who provides a bit of a change of pace to Grandville’s run game. He has quick feet and can evade would-be tacklers by getting out of the tackle box and into the second level of the defense.

Alex Pepin, DB, Grandville 2022”

Alex is one of Grandville’s key players on defense due to his athletic ability and aggressive nature he plays with. He’s not afraid to step up and stop the run and he has the speed to stick with the opposing offense’s number one targets. I’d expect Alex to line up against Hudsonville’s Dylan Ham.

Hudsonville

4-3, Last Week: Defeated Grand Haven 49-14

Players To Watch

Trey Carr, QB, 2023”

Trey Carr has been one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the OK Conference this season, leading the Eagles to 31 points per game this season. Trey has shown good accuracy on intermediate to deep throws. He also gets the ball out in a hurry on short throws. Grandville’s defense will need to respect his running ability as Trey has shown he can burn a defense if he breaks into the second level.

Dylan Hamm, WR/KR/PR/DB, 2022”

Dylan has been one of the most electric all around players this year. He’s one of the biggest threats in the area when returning punts and kickoffs. His vision and ability to breakdown defenders is second to none in the red. He also serves as Trey Carr’s number one target in Hudsonville’s passing game. Expect Trey to be at the top of Grandville’s defensive scouting report.

Matt Hoekstra, LB, 2022”

Matt is Hudsonville’s leader in the middle of the Eagle defense. Matt plays with a mean streak, attacking the line of scrimmage with consistent aggression. He does a great job of reading the quarterback and takes away the ball carrier at the point of attack. Matt will be a player to watch this week going up against a run-heavy offense.

Griffin Reese, DB, 2022”

Griffin is another player to watch on the Hudsonville defense, mainly due to his ability to stop the run. He’s displayed the ability to close in on ball carriers in a hurry, often shedding blockers along the way. He’s one of the quicker defensive backs I’ve seen on tape, and will need to use that skillset to slow down Grandville’s rushing attack.

Keys To The Game

Grandville has largely dictated the style of play during the games they have won. Grinding out long drives, imposing their will until eventually the opposing team breaks. In their losses, they’ve been forced to leave their comfort zone and play keep up with the opposing offense. I largely expect some variation of this to come into play on Friday night. If Grandville can capitalize on its drives and play together as a unit on defense, they should feel comfortable with their chances.

In two of three of Hudsonville’s losses this year, the Eagles’ offense stalled at times and didn’t make enough plays to push them over the top. If that happens again, expect an uphill battle for the Eagles. However, given the playmakers the Eagles have on each side of the ball, I’m expecting Hudsonville to be in the position to win the game late.

Prediction

Hudsonville 24, Grandville 20