In the past, CatchMark SportsNet has shied away from opinion pieces — especially ones that stir the pot a little. But you know what? Times have changed, and I think it’s time we lean into it.
So, here’s another edition of what I like to call “Criminally Early Looks” — where we break down how we think the season will shake out, who finishes where, and who ultimately takes home the conference crown… all before the first whistle even blows.
This time, we’re talking WMC Rivers. I think things are going to shuffle a bit this year, but just how much? Let’s get into it.
Also, Holton won’t be competing in the WMC for football as they dropped down to the 8-man league. Thus the reason you don’t see them here.
6) Hesperia
Someone has to be last, and unfortunately, it’s likely going to be the Panthers. They went 2-7 last year — both wins coming right out of the gate before the wheels fell off. From there, it was a rough ride, capped by a -112 point differential. They’ve got a couple returning pieces, but I’m not convinced it’s enough to climb the standings. Then again, these are criminally early rankings — anything can happen once the season starts.
5) Shelby
The Tigers have been stuck in a rut for a while now, and last year was more of the same. They picked up three wins — Hesperia, White Cloud, and Holton (by forfeit) — all against teams that struggled just as much. They went 2-3 in league play, with one of those wins being the forfeit. This year is all about rebuilding and finding an identity, but I just don’t see them making a big leap yet.
4) Mason County Central
If I had to pick a dark horse, I’d go with MCC. But they’ve got an uphill climb. Graduation took their do-it-all star — Peyton Merz — a guy who racked up 2,207 yards, 26 touchdowns, 49 tackles, and 14 TFLs last year. That’s a massive hole to fill. Still, football is 11-on-11, and this team has shown it can rise up — just ask Ludington, who they upset last year. If someone’s going to surprise me, it’s the Spartans. But without that offensive workhorse, I’ve got them here for now.
3) Ravenna
The Bulldogs’ big problem last year? Scoring points. In their last three games, they found the end zone once. This year, they bring back Dylan May at QB and a few other skill guys. If they can jumpstart that sputtering offense, they’ll be dangerous. Still, I don’t see them taking down a reloaded Hart squad — and definitely not North Muskegon, who is the team to hunt this year.
2) Hart
Here’s where things might get spicy. The Pirates took a step back last season, missing the playoffs after drawing a tough schedule, including a season-ending matchup against a 9-1 Central Montcalm team. But this year, they’ve got a young core, a year more experienced, and QB Kolton Rockwell returning after starting most of last season. I think Hart’s got the talent to make a push — maybe even in the postseason — but I still have them finishing runner-up.
1) North Muskegon
The Norsemen are the team to beat, plain and simple. They dominated last year, and they didn’t lose much. QB Bryce Colbert — last year’s CatchMark SportsNet Fall Player of the Year — is back, along with most of the offensive core. Outside of losing TJ Byard to graduation, this group is intact and dangerous. I don’t see many L’s on their schedule, so the real question becomes: how deep can they go in the playoffs again? That’s a conversation for another day — today, it’s all about the conference crown, and North Muskegon is my pick to keep it.
I’ve laid out my “Criminally Early” take — now it’s your turn. Who’s your pick to win it all, and why? Where did I hit the nail on the head, and where am I completely off the rails? Drop a comment or message us — I want to hear your take before the season kicks off.
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