Grand Rapids West Catholic: A D3 Football Powerhouse

is grand rapids west catholic football d3

The Grand Rapids West Catholic football team, also known as the Falcons, compete in Division 5. In 2021, they were predicted to play in the Division 5 State Title game. In 2024, they won the OK-White Football Conference for the third year in a row.

Characteristics Values
Division 5
2024 Coach Landon Grove
2023 Coach Justin Michalowski
2024 Season Record 9-2
2024 Playoffs Lost in the second round to Catholic Central
2024 Conference Championship OK-White Football Conference
2024 Conference Championship Wins Spring Lake, Grand Rapids Christian, Wayland Union, Forest Hills Eastern, and Hamilton
2024 Conference Championship Scores Spring Lake: 28-25 Win, Grand Rapids Christian: 35-13 Win, Wayland Union: 38-0 Win, Forest Hills Eastern: 24-23 Win, Hamilton: 54-14 Win
2023 State Title Game Swan Valley vs. West Catholic

cyfaith

Grand Rapids West Catholic Football Stats

Grand Rapids West Catholic Football Team, also known as the Falcons, have had a strong showing in recent years. In 2024, the team won the OK-White Football Conference after an undefeated conference play. They defeated Spring Lake (28-25), Grand Rapids Christian (35-13), Wayland Union (38-0), Forest Hills Eastern (24-23), and Hamilton (54-14). This was the Falcons' third consecutive conference championship.

In the 2024 Michigan High School Football Playoffs, the Falcons reached the second round before losing to Catholic Central, who eventually became the Division 5 state champions. The score was close, with the Falcons putting up a good fight but ultimately falling short with a score of 18-21.

The team's success can be attributed to their dedicated coaches and staff. In 2022, Landon Grove replaced Justin Michalowski as the head coach. Grove, a native of Michigan, expressed his admiration for the football program at West Catholic and his commitment to upholding its tradition of success.

The Grand Rapids West Catholic Football Team's roster, schedules, scores, and past season statistics can be found on their official websites and sports pages. The team's performance is closely followed by local media outlets, providing updates on their wins, losses, and standout players.

While specific player statistics for Grand Rapids West Catholic Football are not readily available, the team's overall performance and standing in various competitions provide a glimpse into the program's success and the dedication of its players and coaching staff.

cyfaith

West Catholic Varsity Football

In 2024, the Falcons won the OK-White Football Conference, going undefeated in conference play. They defeated Spring Lake, Grand Rapids Christian, Wayland Union, Forest Hills Eastern, and Hamilton to secure their third consecutive conference championship. West Catholic has also produced several notable players who have gone on to commit to or receive offers from prestigious colleges and universities for their athletic and academic abilities.

For example, in 2024, Ryer Snow, a West Catholic OLB/WR, signed with Grand Valley State, and Nolan Rinehart, a WR/CB/S, committed to Davenport. Additionally, Charlie DeBruyn, an RB/MLB, committed to Davenport, and Alek Wickstrom, a QB, committed to Hope. These commitments and offers are a testament to the talent and potential of the West Catholic Varsity Football program's student-athletes.

The team's success can be attributed to the dedication of both the players and the coaching staff. In 2022, Landon Grove replaced Justin Michalowski as the head coach of West Catholic Varsity Football. Grove, a native of Michigan, expressed his admiration for the football program's tradition and success. He joined the instructional staff in addition to his duties as head coach. With his knowledge and passion for the game, West Catholic Varsity Football is expected to continue its winning tradition and create a future that the school and alumni can be proud of.

cyfaith

West Catholic's football coach

Grand Rapids West Catholic High School announced in February 2022 that Landon Grove would be taking over as the new head football coach. Grove replaced Justin Michalowski, who had coached the Falcons for the previous three seasons.

Grove expressed his admiration for the football program at West Catholic and the school's tradition and success. He also stated his intention to uphold the program's pride and tradition while creating a future that the school and alumni could be proud of. In addition to his coaching duties, Grove joined West Catholic's instructional staff.

Before joining West Catholic, Grove served as the head coach for Gibraltar Carlson in the fall of 2021, leading his team to a 9-2 record and the school's second-ever Downriver League championship. West Catholic athletic director Megan Pittman highlighted Grove's knowledge of and passion for the game, as well as his extensive connections within the Michigan coaching community, including his alma mater, Ferris State University.

The West Catholic Falcons have enjoyed success on the football field, winning the 2024 OK-White Football Conference after an undefeated conference play season. The team defeated Spring Lake, Grand Rapids Christian, Wayland Union, Forest Hills Eastern, and Hamilton to secure their third consecutive conference championship.

cyfaith

West Catholic's 2023-2024 football roster

The Grand Rapids West Catholic football team, also known as the Falcons, has a rich history and a strong football tradition. While I couldn't find a complete roster for 2023-2024, here is a list of players who have received roster spots or offers from colleges:

2023 Roster

  • Bernie Varnesdeel (QB) - received roster spots from Adrian, Manchester, and Kalamazoo; signed with Davenport
  • Caleb Clinger (CB/S) - received a roster spot from Hope
  • Bryce DeBruyne (OC/DT) - received a roster spot from Manchester
  • Joe Debski (WR/CB/S) - received roster spots from Mount Union and Kalamazoo
  • Timmy Kloska (RB/OLB) - committed to the Air Force; received offers from Wayne State and Davenport

2024 Roster

  • Alek Wickstrom (QB) - received roster spots from Kalamazoo and Alma
  • Ryer Snow (WR/CB/S) - received a roster spot from Hope; offered by Ferris State
  • Ethan Stoner (TE/DE) - received a roster spot from Kalamazoo

The Falcons have had recent success on the field, winning the 2024 OK-White Football Conference and claiming their third consecutive conference championship. They defeated Spring Lake, Grand Rapids Christian, Wayland Union, Forest Hills Eastern, and Hamilton during the conference play.

Grand Rapids West Catholic also has a new football coach, although it is unclear when they joined the team relative to the 2023-2024 season.

cyfaith

Grand Rapids West Catholic vs. Catholic Central

The rivalry between Grand Rapids West Catholic and Catholic Central is a storied one in the world of high school football. Both teams have been pitted against each other as the Grand Rapids area's greatest high school football rivalry by MLive in 2016, despite the two teams not having played each other since 2009. The game received votes from readers, who also acknowledged the rivalry between Catholic Central and East Grand Rapids.

The rivalry dates back to 1962 when the two schools first played a junior varsity game. The first varsity game was played in 1965, with West Catholic winning 27-6 at Houseman Field. The rivalry is said to have been born from the fact that the two schools are the primary Catholic schools in Grand Rapids, with strong communities, and the split that occurred when Catholic Central grew in size, creating the need for a second school.

The 2010 football season was a memorable one for both teams, as they both captured state championships. In 2023, Catholic Central defeated West Catholic in a thrilling regional final, with the Cougars coming out on top 30-28. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with West Catholic's Charlie DeBruyn scoring his third touchdown of the night to give the Falcons a 28-24 lead with less than four minutes remaining. However, Catholic Central responded with a rushing touchdown from senior quarterback Connor Wolf, and their defence sealed the victory with a crucial stop on fourth down in the final seconds.

In 2024, Catholic Central once again edged out a win over West Catholic in a Division 5 district championship game. With his team trailing 18-15 in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, senior receiver Jami Williams made a memorable catch in the corner of the end zone to give the Cougars a 21-18 victory. This win marked another memorable moment in the rivalry between Grand Rapids West Catholic and Catholic Central.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Grand Rapids West Catholic football is D3.

Grand Rapids West Catholic's football team is called the Falcons.

The football coach for Grand Rapids West Catholic is Landon Grove.

Grand Rapids West Catholic's football team has won three consecutive conference championships.

Some notable players on the Grand Rapids West Catholic football team include Ryer Snow, Nolan Rinehart, and Alek Wickstrom.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment