Some picked Caledonia to finish last in its return to the O-K White in 2012.
Nobody… picked the Fighting Scots to contend for a conference championship.
The scenario sound somewhat familiar? Beckon back to 2007’s realignment. It brought the Scot’s into a league to battle with football titans Lowell and East Grand Rapids.
Caledonia beat Division 3 state champion East Grand Rapids 21-20 and lost to Lowell 35-23, giving it a share of the O-K White title.
Caledonia enters Friday night’s game with Lowell at 6-1 overall and 2-1 in the White. A Scot win against the 6-1 Red Arrows with a Lowell win in week nine against Grand Rapids Christian could once again create a three-way conference title split in the O-K White.
Now, that’s provided Christian defeats Forest Hills Central in week eight and Caledonia takes care of business against East (2-5) in the season finale.
Those are a lot of provisions but the Scots believe and their 7-2 overall record in O-K White play shows they can make it happen.
“This group of players have great team chemistry. We’re fortunate to have gotten off to a good start and that has carried us into the the White,” said Caledonia coach Steve Uyl.
Caledonia’s winning football formula has been good defense, a very efficient offense and time of possession.
“That has helped us keep people out of the end zone,” Uyl explained. “This week we face a big challenge, but the boys view it as an opportunity.”
The challenge is the physical, big play of the Red Arrows. “Lowell is very good. It is one of the best programs in the state. It’s a physical football team on both sides of the ball that comes after you,”Uyl said.
Caledonia is coming off a 28-6 win over Forest Hills Central. Lowell defeated the Rangers a week earlier 42-24.
Jenison is the two club’s other common opponent. The Scots beat the ‘Cats 42-21 while Lowell won 43-7.
“In the White you have to play your best every week. It has some of the best teams in the state let a lone in the area,” Uyl concluded.
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