Week 2 Previews: Part 2

Michigan always offers great weekly high school football matchups all throughout the state, and

Week 2 of the 2024 season is no different.

Here’s a preview of three Week 2 matchups that caught our eye:

Rockford (1-0) vs. Muskegon (0-1)

The Rams - ranked No. 9 in our first poll - proved they are serious state title contenders last week with a 30-23 victory over No. 2 Cass Tech. Rockford went a perfect 9-0 in the regular season last fall, eventually reaching regionals. This is an elite program that has not missed the playoffs since 1994. Grand Valley State commit Isaac Poot, a WR/S, is among Rockford’s stacked roster. Kicker Chase Vogt can be a difference maker in special teams, TE Blake Linsley has multiple D1 college offers, OL/DL Zane Panchula has received some D2 offers, and OLB Kade Friesen made some big plays in Week 1. The Rams had the toughest two-game stretch to open the season, and they are half way to making it out unscathed.

Could the mighty Big Reds actually be showing a crack in the armor? Muskegon has made the playoffs every season since 1999 - regularly contending for state championships during that time - but opened this season with a 28-13 loss against Zeeland West. Fear not, as Muskegon lost its first two games last season before rattling off 12 straight wins to claim a state title. New QB James Young has received a D2 college offer from Northwood, but might still be learning the system. Linebackers Darekeo Speech and Adrian Rankin are imposing forces in the middle of the field. Recarder Kitchen (DE), Jamir Matthews (WR, DB), Jayvon Burmiester (WR, DB), Keith Hudson (RB, DB), Ameer Ware (RB, LB), Javen Puhalski (OL, DL), N-Kye Wynn (OL), and Jim Harris (OL) are also key players to watch.

Warren De La Salle (1-0) vs. Detroit King (1-0)

No. 4 De La Salle trounced No. 5 Davison 21-3 last week to open the season with confidence. The Pilots have only missed the playoffs twice since 2006, and immediately flexed their muscles this fall. Anthony Bitonti received a lot of playing time at QB, as the De La Salle coaches rode the hot hand, which allowed Bitonti the opportunity to rush for 89 yards and three touchdowns in the second half. The Pilots were dominant defensively, led by standouts Dalton Drogosh (LB), Jacob Tur (DL), Anthony Presnell (DL), Sebastian Rouse (DB) and Isaiah Jones (DB). This team has star power and depth, forming the perfect combo for a long postseason run.

King began the season ranked No. 7 in our poll and backed it up with an impressive 25-21 victory over Cleveland Heights (OH). Perhaps the most storied program in Michigan, King has only missed the playoffs four times since 1988. That includes 15 straight trips to the postseason. King has a number of NFL players, including star Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner Jr. This year’s team boasts a bevy of talent, led by Darryl Flemister III (RB, CB), Xavier Newsom (TE, DE), Jaidon Windom (S), Damon Stennis (WR), Willie Fletcher (RB, DE), Don Spiller (DB), and Michael Job (D). Aggressive and talented on both sides of the ball, King will be tough to beat this season. This game might have a state final feel.

Detroit Country Day (0-1) vs. Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett (1-0)

The Knights enter the game fresh off a 28-6 win against Detroit Denby, building off two straight playoff appearances. Liggett made the playoffs every year between 2010 and 2016, but things have been a little more inconsistent since, especially offensively. But the Knights scored over 300 points last season for the first time since 2016 and are already ahead of that pace. Led by WR/S Santino Cicarella, WR/CB Marvin Hartfield Jr., and QB Nikkos Davis, this offense has the potential to be special this fall.

Country Day has only missed the playoffs twice since 2005, but last year was one of them. The Yellowjackets also lost last week, 39-25, against Portland, so they will try to get back on track in Week 2. Normally a powerhouse, Country Day is now 2-6 in its last eight games dating back to last season. Rising sophomore tight end Anthony Cartwright III, who already has an offer from Tennessee, will look to help his team create some offense. QB James Torain III will be looking his way often, while ATH Derrick Williams will be a constant force wherever he lines up. Toledo commit Cade Wilhelmi (OL/DL) clogs up the middle, while Darryl Carter (WR/CB) locks down the perimeter.