East Grand Rapids

0 Kudos

Author	Comment
RudyRudyRudy	East Grand Rapids		Lead	[-]
Sophomore Posts: 45 09/28/09 7:04 PM	Tags : None Looking for observations on how EGR has looked this season compared to recent EGR teams. Here's what I know: 1. They are ranked #1 2. They have won by big margins 3. Starters kicked Dewitt around in the scrimmage but their 2nd teamers were a big drop off. What I'd like to know is how they look compared to recent, vintage (championship winning) EGR teams. Will this team go all the way? Do teams like Dewitt, Highland Park, Stevensville Lakeshore have a chance to beat these guys come playoff time? I don't get to see EGR regular season so any observations would be appreciated. How bout you EastGuRu?
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
EastGuRu		#1	[url]	[-]
Senior Posts: 315 09/28/09 11:36 PM	Well, here's my 2 cents.... First off, any one of those teams has a chance to beat them. They are all talented teams with some serious players. But will they? Every team is different and I have seen great EGR teams and mediocre ones (spanning over 20 years). I would put this group in the top 3 or 4 that I've seen come through. There's probably only one D1 player on this squad (Voss) but there are more playmakers on this team than most EGR teams have had. The defense has more speed than I think I've ever seen at East. Guys like Spencer, McEwen, the younger Voss and Drummond are just gamers. The O-line has gelled nicely. But for me the kid that makes this team special is Elble, the QB. He won't likely be a big time recruit (except for maybe baseball). He doesn't have prototypical size, a cannon arm, or even a great throwing motion (he throws like a great utility infielder, lol). What he does have is a "good" arm, a quick release, and most of all, an ability to see the field, scramble around and make plays where other QB's would bail. If there's an open guy he usually finds him. Spencer has taken over the RB position and proved that he is much more than serviceable. He's not Grady(s) or Glendenning but he is not far behind. Truly, we have won state with less capable RB's. As an intangible, they also have a very good kicker who nailed a 48 yarder last week that would have been good from 55. East gets into the endzone so often that I'm not sure anyone (meaning fans) knew this kid could kick like that. In fairness, the one unknown for me is how the defensive line will hold up against a large O-line and a power running game. We'l find out soon enough since that is what Lowell is all about this year. If they pass that test then the answer to the first question is .......NO, those teams won't likely beat East. Are they better than Rockford, SHS, DCC??.........I honestly don't know. Who does? They don't play each other and they rarely have common opponents. Yes, East is a smaller school but there is nothing small about their football team this year and I think they could play with any of them. Sure would like to see it.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
SnoozeToMe		#2	[url]	[-]
Senior Posts: 171 09/29/09 12:17 PM Playoff Maps and Brackets	I'm not big on ranking whether this team is better or worse than previous EGR teams. I don't know how they'll do against some of the other D3 teams, but I wouldn't bet against them. I do agree that what really sets this year's team apart (from previous EGR teams) is the offensive balance. Run a few plays with RB Spencer, or either of the FB's, and the passing game is wide open, with lots of targets to choose from. Throw in decent protection and a heady, mobile QB with a good arm. It takes a little getting used to, but it's fun to see them pass on first or second down now and then. As always, I worry about the defense, even though the results have been superb. I don't think EGR has faced a really balanced offense, and that's what concerns me the most. Against OLSM, they could key on the pass, and against Kenowa Hills, they could key on the run. But playing a team with a great passing and running game might pose a challenge. Fortunately, they have a balanced offense to practice against. Maps, Brackets and More: Snooze2You.com
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
EastGuRu		#3	[url]	[-]
Senior Posts: 316 09/29/09 2:50 PM	Snooze, good point on the rankings. I was simply trying to answer Rudy's question but it really is premature. Of course, we have the benefit of hindsight concerning previous squads and this year's team is still a work in progress. It remains to be seen how they will ultimately stack up against 2003 and 1995 (the two teams I consider to be the most dominant EGR squads). IF they continue their present dominance, beat Lowell and win state, then I think most will consider this team right up there. If not, well...... Also, regarding your concern against a team that has a great running and passing attack.........that should concern ANY team, even a good one:)
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
RudyRudyRudy	Great Recap, Guys	#4	[url]	[-]
Sophomore Posts: 46 09/30/09 7:31 PM	Thanks. Appreciate both posts - very good re-cap from you both. The reason I asked for the comparison to prior EGR teams is because I have seen a few of the recent years' championship teams play in 1 or 2 games and wanted some context for this year's team. Based on what you guys say, it sounds like any of the teams I mentioned would have to play their absolute best game to win. But, on the other hand, these are just 16 and 17 year olds and you never know what could happen (which is why HS football is so entertaining). I do plan on getting out to this year's EGR - Lowell game (I believe week 8). Have never seen these two powers square off, but I expect I'll see an excellent game. Should be a treat!
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
EastGuRu		#5	[url]	[-]
Senior Posts: 325 09/30/09 8:34 PM	Welcome to our new field Rudy!! Yes, it's week 8 and these matchups have rarely failed to entertain. The home side is, of course better early in the game due to setting sun. Get there early and park in the parking ramp next to D&W. It's a block and a half walk. Allow yourself time to walk around and see the new digs, they're fairly impressive. If you are by yourself, finding a good seat will not be a problem as you can always squeeze in somewhere. If you are with two or more, you better stake out a spot no later than 6. My guess is between 7,000-10,000 depending on weather (less if it's really nasty, of course). If you're looking to stand, the south end walkway is raised six feet off the field and the end-zone comes to within 2 feet of the brick wall! You could literally have plays happen right under your feet. Here's hoping for a good one.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
BiasedGuy		#6	[url]	[-]
All-Searn 1st Team Posts: 2175 09/30/09 8:36 PM Forum Donor	Guru/Snooze. Where did EGR's QB come from after his soph year?
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
EastGuRu		#7	[url]	[-]
Senior Posts: 327 09/30/09 9:22 PM	not sure I understand the question...."after his soph year" , which would be his junior year............which is this year. He's a junior. He played JV last year.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
BiasedGuy		#8	[url]	[-]
All-Searn 1st Team Posts: 2179 09/30/09 9:33 PM Forum Donor	Guru, My question stems from a link I found when reading up on CC's next opponent = OLSM. The link is under the CHSL forum topic 'CC hosing olsm' Here is the text from the article that prompted my question: "8/28/2009--Football East gets defensive over OLSM BY MICK MCCABE Game Photos FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER EAST GRAND RAPIDS -- When A.J. McEwen transferred to East Grand Rapids after his sophomore season two years ago, he had played only one position. "I was always the quarterback," McEwen said. "But I was open to anything. I just wanted to do anything to help the team."
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
EastGuRu		#9	[url]	[-]
Senior Posts: 328 09/30/09 9:51 PM	Well, first of all, AJ transferred after his sophomore season where he was the QB at East Kentwood - Varsity! He ran and threw for impressive numbers there. But, according to local papers, AJ had some issues at EK (I understand social, not academic). So, his family moved to EGR and he enrolled at the start of his junior year. The problem was that East already an incoming QB, with a year in the system (Andrew Thompson) and Andrew better fit the mold of what an east QB is asked to do. AJ is an amazing athlete though, so they found a position for him at WR and DB. To his credit, he never came in and demanded he get a shot at QB and he never sulked about not getting to be the QB. Instead he has become an all-everything player for us. WR, DB, RB, KR, and, ocassionally, yes, QB. Dang good basketball player too. Our QB this year is Ryan Elble who was also being groomed right up through the system. He was brought up as a freshman to attend the 2007 state championship game against OLSM. He never saw the field but they like to do that for kids they are grooming for the key positions. There was talk last year that Elble would come up and compete for the varsity job as a sophomore, but with AJ transferring in and Ainsworth already there as a steady junior backup, they decided they didn't need 4 QB's on varsity and they gave him max playing time by letting him QB the JV team. Last Edited By: EastGuRu 09/30/09 10:01 PM. Edited 2 times.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
BiasedGuy		#10	[url]	[-]
All-Searn 1st Team Posts: 2180 09/30/09 10:28 PM Forum Donor	Thank you Guru. I reread the entire article and I was wrong. I should probably read the stuff I post a little earlier in the evening than 1130 at night. Your post is very illuminating. It sounds like EGR has someone to fill all their openings every season. But great programs get great players. From the young man's family's perspective, I can understand why they would want to live in EGR. I have been through it many times and there are some awfully nice digs there. I'd also guess the household income figures there are pretty significant.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
EastGuRu		#11	[url]	[-]
Senior Posts: 329 10/01/09 7:02 AM	There are people with means, yes. But, there are plenty of "average" people as well. It's not Palm Beach. We are still in Michigan!! But, if you're really curious......check out this site. Actually this site is a good reference for any school district in the state. Sheds a little light on what otherwise are rumors, braggings, or outright lies. Not directly about football but good info none the less. http://www.schoolmatters....aspx/q/page=sp/sid=17874 Last Edited By: EastGuRu 10/01/09 7:07 AM. Edited 1 time.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
SnoozeToMe		#12	[url]	[-]
Senior Posts: 184 10/02/09 9:02 AM Playoff Maps and Brackets	Since we already have an EGR thread here, it would be a shame not to mention this... Link to article East Grand Rapids football team, other athletes put focus on young hospital patients By Jane Bos \| The Grand Rapids Press September 29, 2009, 8:53PM EAST GRAND RAPIDS -- The members of the East Grand Rapids football team have hearts of gold. Want to find out for yourself? Head to Memorial Field on Friday when the Pioneers host Grand Rapids Christian in an O-K White Conference game. East Grand Rapids has dubbed the 7 p.m. game Hearts of Gold -- Playing for Health and Happiness. The team will play in support of the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation. As part of the community event, the Pioneers will bathe the town and field in gold and raise $50,000. Not only will the Pioneers compete in gold commemorative jerseys, fans will wear special Hearts of Gold T-shirts. Those purchasing a Hearts of Gold jersey can honor a loved one by embroidering his or her name on the back. Hearts of Gold T-shirts and bracelets can be purchased at the EGR Spirit Shop on the north end of the stadium. The jerseys and T-shirts have been underwritten by Bissell Inc. All proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts and jerseys will support the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation. "The student-athletes are very excited about this partnership," East Grand Rapids football coach Peter Stuursma said. "The team felt strongly that this had to be a community-wide event. "We partnered with Helen DeVos Children's Hospital because of the significant impact it has had on several students, including Reid VanGelderen, who passed away last year from cancer." Football players aren't the only East Grand Rapids athletes getting into the golden spirit. The hockey team is raising money, too, to purchase Klutz Activity Books for the hospital's young patients. The girls swimming and diving team is helping to sell Hearts of Gold T-shirts. The cross country team will get the ball rolling. Pioneers runners will run in the game ball Friday, handing it off like an Olympic torch. They will begin at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital with a brief ceremony at 5:45 p.m. and finish at Memorial Field in the pregame. The runners each will run about one mile, and they expect to be in East Grand Rapids city limits -- Plymouth Avenue SE and Lake Drive -- between 6:20 and 6:35 p.m. From there, all remaining members of the cross country team who have not yet run a portion, along with a police escort, will take up the procession. They will run throughout the EGR city limits until they get to Jimmy Gerken Plaza at 6:55 p.m. At that point, the national anthem will be played at Memorial Field, and the cross country team will hand the ball to students at East Grand Rapids who are former patients at the hospital. Those students then will walk through the band tunnel to midfield, turning the ball over to the East Grand Rapids football captains and game officials. For more information on the Hearts of Gold game, go to devoschildrens.org/heartsofgold. Maps, Brackets and More: Snooze2You.com
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
prepseer	EGR	#13	[url]	[-]
All-Area Posts: 484 10/02/09 11:02 AM http://prepseer.com	I think most knowledgeable people on here would agree that East Grand Rapids is one of the top programs in the state. They are going to be competitive every year and win their share of championships. This year, they deserve to be ranked somewhere in the middle of the state's Super Top 10. I have them at #5 in my rankings, Searn has them at #4, Markowski at #7 and McCabe at #5. A pretty solid consensus. My feeling is that they won't go much higher unless the teams above them lose. I don't think East would beat the larger top-ranked teams, except for perhaps a rare upset. The CC's, Dakotas, Rockfords are at a different level. Even some teams that I have ranked below EGR (Fordson, Brother Rice, Canton, Grand Blanc) would probably beat an EGR team most of the time. One knock on EGR is its schedule. I'd like to see them move up to the OK Red Division. I think they could be competitive and it would be a better test for them. I'd also like to see them play up to Class A, which would probably land them in Division 2 for the playoffs. Apart from a Week 9 game against Lowell and an occassioanl early season non-conference challenge, East doesn't really play anybody. I do give them props for scheduleing Orchard Lake St. Mary's for two consecutive years. But, they got OLSM in two down years for the Eaglets and got them at home both years. In a more typical year for OLSM and at Orchard Lake, the outcome would likely have been different. Still, I'd have to say that the wins over OSLM were impressive. They still need stronger competition throughout the season. The OK Red would give them that. Short of moving to the OK Red, EGR should be playing Rockford in a crossover gtame every year. If that's not possible, EGR needs to play two strong non-conference opponents--from the east side or teams from Ohio or Illinois. As for EGR's chances for a state championship this year, I'd say they are in the mix. They are not as much of a lock as recent years, but it wouldn't surprise me to see the Pioneers in the Championship Game. On the West Side, DeWitt looks to be the biggest hurdle, but they have the same weak schedule issue as EGR, so I think they're a bit of an unkown. Stevensville Lakeshore will be tough. Mt. Pleasant will be in there as well. The real challenge will come from the East Side. Highland Park, if they get in the playoffs, should make it to Ford Field and would be a tough game for EGR. Chelsea looks to be a possibility as well. Farmington Hills Harrison has been Div. 3 recently, but it looks like they are going Div. 2 this year. Otherwise, I'd say they would have a good shot to beat East. If Melvindale ends up in 3, they could be tough. OLSM would be 3, but right now, I'm thinking they are not going to be in the playoffs. If they make it to the playoffs, it would mean they are improving and you could throw out the first game and give them a shot vs. East. I think I'm missing someone from the East. I'll amend this later if I figure out who. Prediction: Division 3 Final: Highland Park over East Grand Rapids.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
SnoozeToMe		#14	[url]	[-]
Senior Posts: 185 10/02/09 11:11 AM Playoff Maps and Brackets	prepseer, Have you seen EGR play this year? Just curious. Maps, Brackets and More: Snooze2You.com
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
prepseer	EGR	#15	[url]	[-]
All-Area Posts: 485 10/02/09 1:39 PM http://prepseer.com	SnoozeToMe wrote: prepseer, Have you seen EGR play this year? Just curious. No.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
EastGuRu		#16	[url]	[-]
Senior Posts: 333 10/03/09 7:31 PM	Prep, I doubt there is much EGR could do to convince you that they "could" be the top team. Arguments like this are always brought up and, of course, one can't REALLY argue for or against them because they are hypothetical and there's really no end to the "well, if only's". A couple of points....... 1) Scheduling Ohio or Indiana schools? EGR is a public school with the same public school budget woes as any other public school. They would pay for the team to travel 6 hours to Ohio, 6 hours back, just to prove to some pollster that they were for real?? C'mon. 2) Join the OKRed? I don't believe you are naive enough to think that a school can just switch to the OKRed if they feel like it. I'm in position to know a little about conference inner workings. Trust me, the idea of EGR and Lowell moving to the Red is not one that many (outside of us rabid fans) see as a winner. Do you think the AD's of Jenison, Grandville, WO, GH, EK relish the idea of going through EGR and Lowell as well as Muskegon, Rockford, and Hudsonville every year? Here's an idea. Go poll your local AD's about forming a conference on the East side that has DCC, BR, LO, Mac Dakota, SHS, Clarkston, Fordson, Canton, and AAPioneer. We'll let them all beat up on each other all year and that way we'll know who's legit. See what they say. People always say EGR could "rarely" beat Rockford. Did you know they are 14-2 lifetime against them. Yes, that was in the mid-80's and Rockford was not as large as today but neither was East. EGR was around 600 students, Rockford around 1200. The last 3 games they played (83,84,85) East beat them all 3 times with a combined score of 92-0! They also played Hudsonville every year from 1993-2002 (pretty recent). They are 8-2 against them, wining the last two most recent games. You might say, those teams are better now, but then I'd say, so is East. East wasn't winning "multiple consecutive championships" back then but they still beat those schools. My only point is it's ridiculous to say it would hardly ever happen. In the end, I'm certain people like me, and you and Searn, etc. care much more about their poll standing than they do. I'm sure if Coach Stuursma's goal was to chase polls then he wouldn't have the success he's enjoyed. He's a successful mentor and motivator as well as the middle school principal. While he undoubtedly takes great pride in EGR's accomplishments, I'm sure he sees it simply as the fruit of his (and his staff's) efforts to positively shape these young men's lives. Probably the same could be said for all successful high school coaches. So, they'll play who they play, let the poll "chips" fall where they may. P.S. As a follow-up to Snooze's Post, EGR and GR Christian managed to raise in excess of $90,000 for the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Friday night. A far more worthy cause than traveling to Ohio to play football. Kudo's to all who helped.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
uaw594		#17	[url]	[-]
Freshmen Unranked Walkon Posts: 8 10/03/09 8:45 PM	I agree with you 100% sometimes you have to remember it is just football and its not all about winning or losing its about the young men and women who play the game.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
SnoozeToMe		#18	[url]	[-]
Senior Posts: 187 10/03/09 9:40 PM Playoff Maps and Brackets	EastGuRu wrote: Prep...... Very well said, GuRu. Maps, Brackets and More: Snooze2You.com
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
TNTDyno		#19	[url]	[-]
All-Searn 2nd Team Posts: 1432 10/03/09 10:06 PM South-Central Mich. Forum Donor	I don't see Stevensville Lakeshore giving EGR trouble. St. Joe has their QB back, and they've been on a roll. Uzelac might be more dangerous to EGR this year. "The common man revels in HAVING WON. The champion finds his satisfaction in WINNING." - F.H. Yost
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
EastGuRu		#20	[url]	[-]
Senior Posts: 335 10/04/09 7:10 AM	TNTDyno wrote: I don't see Stevensville Lakeshore giving EGR trouble. St. Joe has their QB back, and they've been on a roll. Uzelac might be more dangerous to EGR this year. You might be right TNT. I would also add that if any player on East thinks they are anything more than just "in the mix" (as Prep stated)...........they won't be!
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Add Reply

Michigan-Football.com	West Michigan All Star Blog	MI HS Football Stadium	Mich. Helmet Project
Prepseer.com	Snooze's MHSAA Playoff Maps	Michigan Sports Radio - Preps	MHSAA
The Write Referee Blog	Michigan Small School Football	Upper Peninsula High School Football	Other Links

Yuku free message boards

East Grand Rapids

East Grand Rapids