By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org
Last fall, year two of the Tyrone Spencer era at East Kentwood proved to be a big success. This year, with a large group of talented veterans back to lead the way, the Falcons are setting their sights on continuing that success and possibly taking things even further.
Last season was a memorable one for the Falcons. After turning in a 7-2 record during the regular season, the Falcons went on a thrilling playoff run. Kentwood won three straight playoff games before falling to eventual Division 1 state champion Detroit Catholic Central in the state semifinals.
While some key players have graduated from last year’s team and have moved on to college football, the Falcons have a large group of players returning to continue the success they are experiencing under Spencer. In his first two years as Kentwood coach, Spencer has directed the team to a combined record of 15-8 and has led the Falcons to the playoffs in both years.
“I think for us, it’s just all about being the best we can be,” said Spencer, when asked about the success of the program in his first two seasons at the helm. “That’s really what we focus on. So, we haven’t been focusing on, like, really trying to win a championship, but it’s just, ‘Hey, how good can we be individually so we can grow as a group?’ So that’s been our main goal and the results have shown.”
With plenty of veterans returning, the Falcons have a huge upside for how strong they can grow this year.
“We’ve got a lot of guys that played last year,” Spencer said. “Even on the offense, where we have like three, four starters back, we have a lot of guys who have played, and same thing on defense. I’m just excited about this season. We were one game away last year and, you know, we keep working and staying healthy, you don’t know what can happen.”
On the offensive side of the ball, the Falcons have four starters returning.
One position that will have a new starter is at quarterback, where Kayd Coffman, the starter the past two seasons, is now off to Michigan State. Looking to step in at quarterback is senior Colin O’Connor (6-1, 185). A transfer student and newcomer to the Falcon program, O’Connor is no stranger to big-time high school football playing at Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif., the past two seasons. Also in the mix at quarterback is junior Tyran Harris (6-1, 190).
“Both have been really good,” Spencer said. “Both are different, and unique in their own way, but they bring something to this team and we’re excited about it. I think right now Colin kind of has the upper hand and Tyran plays quarterback and receiver.”
At running back, the Falcons have a number of ball carriers that are ready to make an impact.
Senior Dallas Moody (6-1, 210), who started at corner last year, is moving to running back where he has the coaches excited. Junior Ja’Kari Lovelady (5-8, 160) is another talented running back in the mix along with senior Ace Bryant (5-7, 160).
“We’re excited about those guys,” Spencer said. “Donovan Jones could play running back for us, so we have a plethora of guys that I think can help us. Dallas is a playmaker, and we’re looking for big things from him.”
At receiver, the Falcons welcome back Stephan Jones, who committed to Grand Valley State. Jones is a returning all-conference player and one of the top players in West Michigan.
Lining up at the opposite receiver spot is senior Bryce Barnes (6-2, 200), who gives the Falcons another game-breaking wideout.
A newcomer at receiver to keep an eye on is junior Donovan Rubens (5-11, 180). A standout on the track team, Rubens was on the junior-varsity squad last season.
When Kentwood uses an H-back, look for junior Lance Wiegand (6-0, 205) and Christopher Warren (5-10, 205) to handle those duties.
Up front, the Falcon offensive line returns Chris Lovelady (6-1, 275) and Leland Croskey (5-10, 280). Senior Kenyatta Williams (6-3, 295) also saw playing time on varsity last year. Moving in at tackle is junior Jalon Johnson (6-4, 255) with senior Hector Zuniga (6-2, 335) stepping in at center.
East Kentwood also has another key offensive performer returning in junior place kicker Jayden Garcia. A game-changer on kickoffs as well, Garcia is being recruited by several colleges, including Eastern Michigan University. Garcia also is adding punting to his workload this season.
Even more veteran talent returns to the defense with seven starters back.
The Falcon defensive line returns the bulk of its contributors from last year.
“Our defensive line is where we got most of our starters returning,” Spencer. We are only missing one guy, James Johnson who went to Ferris (State), so we have three starters coming back”
Among the veterans to look for up front are seniors Alijah Bondon (6-2, 230), Jaden Beard (5-11, 200), D’Mari Love-Simmons (6-5, 250) and junior Daivon Price (5-9, 230).
At linebacker, the Falcons are led by senior Chris Thompson (6-0, 225), who’s a dynamic defender. Also stepping in at the linebacker positions are juniors Habamungu Olinabanji (5-10, 210) and Jeremiah Adams (5-11, 180).
Defensive back also is a strong point for the Falcons.
“Our entire defensive backfield returns,” Spencer explained. “Ken Harris is a power-four offer kid, Austin Nelson a power four, and then Major Barnes has committed to Brown University and Donovan Jones who’s going to Grand Valley, so we feel real good about the secondary. Those guys have been playing with us since they were sophomores.”
All this adds up to a Falcons team that will challenge defending conference champion Hudsonville, along with contenders like Rockford, Grandville, Grand Haven, West Ottawa and Caledonia for the OK Red Conference crown.
East Kentwood opens the season at home against Southfield A&T on Aug. 27, our WKTV Game of the Week, and then travels to Byron Center on Sept. 3. The Falcons open conference play at home on September 11 against Grandville.
