Honest minds know that the best high school football in Michigan is played in the Grand Rapids-Muskegon area. It will be apparent again Thursday and Friday as this season kicks off with some East vs. West games. Predicted winners are bold.

Canton @ West Ottawa: WO dropped this opener last year, but home field could be the edge here.

Detroit Catholic Central @ Muskegon: If CC, now in Novi, moves much more West, it will be in our coverage area someday.  Two of the state’s legendary programs meet, and blue collar trumps Oakland County suburbs.

Detroit Country Day @ Zeeland West: Just like last year, Zeeland West will be too strong, too fast for Chris Webber’s alma mater.

Detroit Loyola @ Zeeland East: Loyola may only be Division 7, but the Bulldogs are two-time state runners-up at that level.

Muskegon Mona Shores @ Saline: Saline has one of the state’s top defensive backs in Tyrone Miller, who has offers from half the MAC. He’ll see first-hand a guy who will be one of the top QB’s in the league in a few years, Mona’s/Buffalo’s Tyree Jackson.

Utica Eisenhower @ Rockford: The Rams won this one last year at Ike, too.