Michigan HS Football Pre-District Preview: Rockford vs. Grandville

Throughout the week, we will provide previews for some of the top matchups throughout each round of the playoffs.

Division 1 Matchup:

Grandville (5-4)

The Bulldogs were an exciting team this season, scoring 346 points, but also allowing 262 points. Grandville lost its first three games, including a 17-point loss against Rockford and a 53-51 heartbreaker against a tough Ohio-based school. The Bulldogs also only lost by four points against Davison, showing they were just on the cusp of some statement wins. However, Grandville will need to prove it can make key stops more consistently against a Rockford team entering the playoffs on a four-game win streak.

Rockford (7-2)

Rockford, a perennial powerhouse who has not missed the playoffs since 1994, was very close to an undefeated regular season. Their star faded midseason with back-to-back losses against Hudsonville and a hungry, upset-minded Jenison squad, but the Rams rebounded with a convincing four-game win streak to end the regular season. Quality wins over Cass Tech, Muskegon, Grandville, Caledonia and East Kentwood show this team is capable of a long run. The Rams’ 303 points scored was their lowest total since 2020, however, this remains a potent team that can score in a hurry.