The CatchMark Catch-Up is a weekly recap of highlights from the West Michigan Conference.
It’s Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, and we’re hitting some of the highlights from last week.
FOOTBALL
Defense sets tone for top-ranked Whitehall in playoff-opening win
Whitehall’s defense rose to the challenge as it has all season and it set the tone in the Vikings’ 28-7 victory over visiting Allendale in a Division 4 first-round playoff game Friday.
‘Survive and advance’ mode for top-ranked North Muskegon
North Muskegon turned back a challenge from Union City en route to a 27-14 victory in a Division 7 first-round playoff game Saturday afternoon at Fred Jacks Memorial Field.
Oakridge rides defense and Trever Jones to playoff win at Belding
Oakridge’s defense held high-scoring Belding to just one touchdown and Trever Jones did his usual thing running the ball in the Eagles’ 13-7 road victory in a Division 5 first-round playoff matchup Friday.
Hart runs away from Kent City for first-ever playoff win
This is the first playoff berth Hart’s football program has earned and the Pirates made the most of their debut Friday night. The game was tight early, but Hart pulled away for a 44-22 victory over visiting Kent City in a Division 6 first-round matchup.
In this file photo, Hart’s Joseluis Andaverde (32) and Eman Hertzler (10) celebrate a 44-0 victory over Ravenna on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, in Hart, Mich. (Scott DeCamp | CatchMark)
Montague sees 2023 season end in first-round loss at Reed City
Montague held a lead early in the second quarter, but Reed City took control and pulled away for a 41-13 victory in a Division 6 first-round playoff game Friday night.
Reed City defeated Montague, 41-13, in a Division 6 first-round playoff football game Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Reed City, Mich. (Photo by Emma Pendell for CatchMark)
Manistee wins, Mason County Central falls in first round
Manistee defeated visiting Lake City, 44-6, while Mason County Central fell at Kingsley, 61-12, in Division 6 first-round playoff action Friday night.
CLICK HERE for the roundup of West Michigan Conference action.
Photo by Courtney Jimison | CatchMark
CROSS COUNTRY
Ludington, Hart girls win team cross country regional titles
Ludington and Hart girls cross country teams captured Division 2 and Division 3 regional titles, respectively, during action Friday at Remus Chippewa Hills. Hart’s boys team finished runner-up.
CLICK HERE to see state finals qualifiers from the West Michigan Conference.
In this file photo, Hart’s Jessica Jazwinski cruises to a first-place finish in the West Michigan Conference Mega Meet Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, at Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington, Mich. (Scott DeCamp | CatchMark)
BOYS SOCCER
Historic Fremont boys soccer season ends in tough regional finals loss
Fremont’s historic boys soccer season came to an end in a tough 2-1 loss to Alma in the Division 3 regional finals last Thursday at Big Rapids’ Cardinal Stadium.
The Packers finished the season 21-2-1 with conference and district titles after going 4-15-1 in 2022.
The 2023 MHSAA volleyball state tournament opens tonight (Oct. 30) with district play.
In one of the more appealing early matchups, Whitehall hosts Montague in a 6 p.m. showdown today.
CLICK HERE for district volleyball matchups and brackets for West Michigan Conference team.
In this file photo, Montague defeated Whitehall in four sets in a West Michigan Conference Lakes Division volleyball match, 25-18, 25-21, 23-25, 25-22, on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, in Whitehall, Mich. (Scott DeCamp | CatchMark)