How big is Friday’s football game at French Field between Kentridge and Kentwood?
Well, for Kentwood, it’s clearly the biggest game of the season. The Conquerors will not advance to the postseason if they lose, plain and simple. Kentridge, on the other hand, can afford a loss and still advance thanks to its win over Federal Way several weeks ago.
Expect a big crowd for this one as is generally the case when these two football teams meet. However, considering a little more is riding on this one, I’d expect somewhere around 4,000 people there, so you may want to arrive early for parking purposes. It’s also worth noting that Kentridge has not beaten Kentwood since 2002, a game I distinctly remember as I picked the Chargers to win that one in the South County Journal, 24-21. I was close. Kentridge won 22-20. Despite the loss, Kentwood’s Will Thompson introduced himself to the league in that game in fine fashion, rushing for 135 yards on 10 carries, including a touchdown. After the game I couldn’t help but think if Thompson had gotten the ball more, KW would have won. That said, the Conquerors did just fine for themselves after that night, winning 13 straight, including their second straight state title (35-28 over Capital).
Interestingly, this year’s Kentridge defense reminds me a bit of that 2002 KW defense. The Chargers flat-out don’t allow any yards.
My pick for this one?
I’ll take KW in a low-scoring affair, 17-14. I’ll even take it one step further and say KW kicker Matt Bell, one of the SPSL North’s best at the position, will deliver a 38-yard field goal with 1:13 left in the game to win it.

I’d like to hear some thoughts on this game. Who’s going to win and why?