OK Conference Predictions: Week 8

Now that we're in the home stretch of the regular season, teams have just two weeks left to secure conference championships and make their case for making the playoffs. Below are my picks for the best games across the OK Conference. Check back in tomorrow for my extended preview for the D Zone's OK Conference Game of The Week between Hudsonville and Grandville.

My picks last week: 4-2. Overall: 27-7

OK Green

Zeeland East (5-2) vs Zeeland West (4-2)

The 21st edition of the Zeeland Bowl features a pair of teams on the verge of playoff berths. After dropping back-to-back games against Muskegon and Mona Shores earlier this season, Zeeland West has since dominated its opponents by a combined score of 172-20. The Chix have also witnessed an uptick in play, beating Union and Wyoming after losing to Mona Shores in week five. Cebe Hunderman has been a dominant back for the Chix but will face arguably its toughest test in a Dux defense that has been firing on all cylinders recently.

Prediction: Zeeland West 38, Zeeland East 24

OK White

Byron Center (6-1) @ Forest Hills Central (6-1)

A share of the OK White title is up for grabs on Friday night when Byron Center travels to Forest Hills Central. The Bulldogs are coming off their first loss of the year, dropping a 24-10 game to Grand Rapids Christian last week. Byron Center’s offense has stagnated recently, only scoring 24 points in the last two games combined. Forest Hills Central hasn't lost since week two and has rolled in every game since, minus its week five overtime victory over Christian. Look for Jacob Bonnett, Conner Milton, and Hunter Robinson to lead the way to a Ranger victory and secure at minimum a share of the OK White title.

Prediction: Forest Hills Central 31, Byron Center 14

OK Gold

GR Catholic Central (7-0) @ Cedar Springs (6-1)

Grand Rapids Catholic Central enters Friday’s matchup riding a 30-game win streak. John Passinault has stepped in seamlessly at quarterback for the Cougars following Joey Silveri’s season-ending injury. Catholic Central has scored 47+ points in each of its past three games and has a defense that’s only surrendering 5 points a game in conference play. Expect Cedar Springs to try to dictate the pace of play with its Wing-T attack. Red Hawk backs to watch are Antwaun Nicholls and Alex Ream.

Prediction: GR Catholic Central 35, Cedar Springs 21

OK Blue

Spring Lake (6-1) @ West Catholic (6-1)

Spring Lake and West Catholic square off in a huge game in the OK Blue. It appears that Unity Christian has asserted themselves as the top dog in the Blue, however, the Lakers and Falcons can secure valuable playoff points with a win on Friday night. Each team has only one loss on the year, which happens to be in blowout fashion to the aforementioned Crusaders. Watch for the Falcon offense to get its production through talented backs Tim Kloska and Elliot Zainea. Laker’s running back Alex Lee will look to continue his streak of impressive games.

Prediction: Spring Lake 28, West Catholic 24

OK Silver

Godwin Heights (3-3) @ Belding (5-2)

Belding has lost two games this season in heartbreaking fashion and looks to get put together a winning streak following last week’s 44-41 win over Ludington. Godwin sits at 3-3 and is coming off its biggest win of the year, beating Kelloggsville by 40. Watch for Jack Ward and the Belding defense to try to right the ship following back-to-back games of giving up 35+ points. Godwin’s Jabari Crump-Moore has been one of the most electrifying playmakers all season and will look to provide a spark for the Wolverines.

Prediction: Belding 30, Godwin Heights 28