OK Conference Predictions: Week 7

With three weeks remaining in the regular season, teams on the bubble are running out of chances to secure much-needed playoff points, and teams in contention are fighting for conference championships and playoff seeding. Below are my picks for the best game from each division in the OK Conference. Be sure to also check out my extended preview for The D Zone's OK Conference Game of The Week between Rockford and Caledonia.

My picks last week: 5-1. Overall 23-5

OK Green

Muskegon (5-1) @ Mona Shores (5-1)

Two of the state’s powerhouses will clash with the OK Green title on the line in what is being tabbed as the game of the year in the Muskegon area. Both teams have rolled following week two losses to Detroit Cass Tech and Detroit King, respectively. Muskegon has shut out three straight opponents and has scored over 59 points per game in those matchups. Mona Shores has also rolled behind a high-powered offense and an opportune defense. I’m expecting this game to be on the higher end of the scoring barometer with whoever possessing the ball last to come away with a close win.

Prediction: Mona Shores 38, Muskegon 35

OK White

Grand Rapids Christian (3-3) @ Byron Center (6-0)

Grand Rapids Christian has a great opportunity to take a huge step towards securing a playoff spot if they can go into Byron Center and upset the undefeated Bulldogs. The Eagles nearly did just that in last week’s overtime loss to OK White co-leader Forest Hills Central, but came up just short. Byron Center will need to keep focused and not look ahead to next week’s showdown with Forest Hills Central in what could be a game that decides the White. I think this game comes down to the wire with Hunter Schichtel leading the Bulldogs to a narrow win.

Prediction: Byron Center 30, Grand Rapids Christian 28

OK Gold

Forest Hills Eastern (3-3) @ South Christian (4-2)

The game of the week in the OK Gold features two teams whose offenses have been clicking on all cylinders as of late. Forest Hills Eastern sits at .500 and needs a win to keep their playoff chances looking strong, while South Christian looks to be firmly in the playoff picture if they can improve their record to 5-2. South Christian’s Jake DeHaan is coming off a four-touchdown performance from a week ago and will look to continue that trend against a Forest Hills Eastern defense that’s surrendered 40+ points in each of their losses this season.

Prediction: South Christian 42, Forest Hills Eastern 20

OK Blue

West Catholic (6-0) @ Unity Christian (6-0)

A battle of undefeateds square off tonight with first place in the OK Blue on the line. West Catholic is coming off a 21-point second-half comeback win over previously unbeaten Coopersville, while Unity Christian enters 6-0 after beating Spring Lake by 30+ points last week. Unity Christian’s offense has been an absolute juggernaut all season, while West Catholic has had the luxury of the area’s most productive back in Tim Kloska. West Catholic will need to find some turnover success as they did against Coopersville if they hope to stay atop the Blue.

Prediction: Unity Christian 42, West Catholic 28

OK Silver

Sparta (4-2) @ Hopkins (3-3)

After falling to Comstock Park in overtime in week three, Sparta has rattled off three straight wins and held opposing offenses to 14 points per game. Hopkins enters having won three of its previous four games after starting the season 0-2. The Vikings desperately need a win to keep their playoff chances high, while Sparta can feel pretty safe about the postseason by picking up another win. I think the Spartans will have revenge on their minds after falling to Hopkins by 20 points a season ago.

Prediction: Sparta 35, Hopkins 21