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MUSKEGON – At this point in Michigan’s high school football season, momentum means everything. That’s because playoff points and district seeds can play a pivotal role in which teams advance to Ford Field and which teams are eliminated early.
As the Muskegon area gears up for important games this weekend, let’s take a look at five local teams that are trending in the right direction. Then take a look at the latest version of MLive Muskegon’s high school soccer strength rankings.
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Featured teams
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Reese-Puffer (5-2)
The Rockets bounced back with impressive wins over Grand Rapids Union (48-7) and Wyoming (49-12) after losses to Muskegon and Mona Shores. They will have a chance for two signature wins to close out the season as they face Zeeland East (5-2) and Zeeland West (6-1).
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Mona Shores (5-2)
The Sailors will look to extend their three-game winning streak by playing Zealand West (6-1) and Zealand East (5-2) over the next two weeks. The offense has certainly been on a roll, averaging 45 points per game in recent wins over Holland, Wyoming and Grand Rapids Union.
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Manistee (6-1)
The Mariners are back on track, releasing Ludington (44-23) and Shelby (52-14) over the past two weeks. The backfield trio of Nick Horncall, Kaden Cotto, and Isiah Davis should make Manistee a dangerous team this postseason.
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Heart (6-1)
The Pirates are poised to make the postseason this year after being eliminated from the field in 2022, but they have improved over the past two weeks, including posting an impressive win over Mason County Central (30-8). They have done more than enough to prove that they belong. ) and outscored Holton (72-12).
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North Muskegon (7-0)
The Nordics got revenge on Ravenna (18-7) in a rain-soaked road contest last week and can set their sights on the postseason. They will finish the regular season against Holton (0-7) and Shelby (2-5) before hosting a Division 7 playoff game in the district opener.
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MLIVE Muskegon Power Rankings
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Ten. Muskegon Catholic (4-3)
9. Oak Ridge (4-3)
Both the Eagles and Crusaders have had their ups and downs this season, but they appear to be just righting the ship for a potential playoff berth.
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8. Heart (6-1)
Other than the loss to second-place North Muskegon, the Pirates have put together a strong season, and last year they missed the postseason despite having a record of 6 wins and 3 losses, so it is possible that they will make the first round of the playoffs. There are two more wins left.
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7. Spring Lake (5-2)
The Lakers suffered a surprising loss to Holland Christian (27-13) last week, but have a chance to redeem themselves against Fruitport (0-7) in the annual Battle on the Bayou.
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6. Manistee (6-1)
Five. Reese-Puffer (5-2)
The Mariners and Rockets are back on track after their midseason losses and are in prime position to improve their playoff seeding over the next two weeks.
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Four. Mona Shores (5-2)
The Sailors will have a chance to make a statement this week when they host Zealand West (6-1) in a showdown with OK Green. A win over the Ducks would put them in prime position to potentially host a playoff game in the district opener.
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T1. Muskegon (5-2)
T1. North Muskegon (7-0)
T1. Whitehall (7-0)
The Vikings and Norseman are two of the last undefeated teams in the West Michigan Region this fall, while the Big Reds have won five straight since starting 0-2 and look like state title contenders again. ing.
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More Muskegon area sports coverage
Western Michigan High School waives remaining varsity football schedule
Fruitport volleyball ace wins MLive Muskegon Athlete of the Week award.
MLive Muskegon High School Football Vote for Week 7 Players
Muskegon Area Boys Soccer District Schedules and Pairings
Muskegon Area High School Football Conference Standings from Week 7 onwards
Muskegon Area High School Football Playoffs photos entering Week 8