OK Green
Byron Center
Nickname: Bulldogs
Coach: Marc Cisco
2012 Record: 5-4
Players lost: Garrett Cross, Jake Lancaster, Nick Ireland, Tabias Coleman, David Nickles, Brian Marcus, Clay Spaak
Players returning: Al Lake, Josh Lee, Eric Chard, Mickey Sturm, Jake Bylsma, Phil Sattler
Notes: The Bulldogs just missed a playoff berth last fall. Led by a solid offensive line this year, they are primed to make a playoff push. Improvement on defense will be a key.
Hamilton
Nickname: Hawkeyes
Coach: Chad Miller
2012 Record: 7-4
Players lost: Ethan Buresh, Jeff Dyke, Trenton Haverdink, Matt Kolean, Nick Kronemeyer, Connor McMahon
Players returning: Zach VandeVusse, Hayden Smith, Dylan Buresh, Heath Danenberg, Jared Overbeek, Garit Eding
Notes: The Hawkeyes, as usual, will have a big, strong offensive line. They also has good speed on offense and sturdy defenders.
Holland
Nickname: Dutch
Coach: Andrew Pratley
2012 Record: 0-9
Players lost: Cory Willis, Sam Sanchez, Cristian Martinez, Joey Seiler, Bobby Drew
Players returning: Mason Rosado, Brandon Davis, Elroy Payne, Connor Borah, Christian Ceeka
Notes: A new coaching staff takes over and looks to lead the Dutch back from a disappointing 2012 campaign. Holland has some talented athletes, but developing confidence will be key. The squad also has plenty of youth, so it will take time to gel.
Holland Christian
Nickname: Maroons
Coach: Jim Caserta
2012 Record: 5-5
Players lost: Kurtis Slenk, Reid Johnson, Ross Schreur, Jon Kraker, Max Gerrits
Players returning: Kyle Steigenga, Caleb VanderLught, Isaac Boes, Matt Dekock
Coach’s comment: “Our lines don’t have quite the experience we’d like them to have. We’re hoping the experience we gain early helps us down the line.”
Unity Christian
Nickname: Crusaders
Coach: Craig Tibbe
2012 Record: 5-5
Players lost: Josh Bordewyk, Aaron Bossgraff, Nolan Coallier, Palmer Ponstein, Nate Schuitema, Seth VanDyken, Jon Katt
Players returning: Tice Dykstra, McCoy Wondergem, Mike Dykstra, Brad Steenwyk
Notes: Unity plays smart football and pays attention to fundamentals. While not the biggest team in the league, the Crusaders play with good technique and will again be in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Zeeland West
Nickname: Dux
Coach: John Shillito
2012 Record: 7-4
Players lost: Casey Mesbergen, Braden Werley, Jon Pung, Bryn Tiemeyer, Nathaniel Blanton
Players returning: Jordan VanDordt, Marcus Lambert, Danny Bauder, Zach Poppema, Trent Kujawa
The Dux have plenty of experience and talent. On offense, they have great size with VanDordt (6’5″, 280 pounds), a Western Michigan University recruit. Lambert is a dynamite running back, while Bauder is a blazer with legitimate 4.4 speed. The development of a new quarterback will be key.