As the 2025 high school football season approaches, the anticipation surrounding the new River Cities Alliance (RCA) is palpable. With practices set to begin on Monday, August 12, this new conference promises an exciting second season filled with renewed rivalries and intense competition. Formed in October 2023, the RCA emerged from the dissolution of the Ottawa-Kent Conference, bringing together seven schools eager to make their mark in this revamped landscape.
A New Era in Michigan High School Football
The RCA’s debut season in 2024 marked a significant shift for these teams. The conference includes Lowell, Cedar Springs, Coopersville, Sparta, Allendale, Kenowa Hills, and Greenville. Each team is bringing a unique mix of history, talent, and fresh perspectives, making it challenging to predict which team will rise to the top. Here’s a closer look at what to expect from each team as they vie for the inaugural conference title.
Lowell Red Arrows
Lowell enters year two in the RCA with high expectations. Known for its strong football program, the Red Arrows are early favorites for the conference title. They start their season with a challenging matchup against East Grand Rapids on August 29. Key games for Lowell include their home contests against Coopersville and Cedar Springs, and a significant clash against rival Allendale. With a mix of experienced players and new talent, Lowell is poised to be a formidable contender.
Key Games:
- August 29: vs. East Grand Rapids
- September 13: vs. Coopersville
- October 11: at Allendale
Full Schedule:
Thursday, Aug. 29: vs. East Grand Rapids
Friday, Sept. 6: vs. Mattawan
Friday, Sept. 13: vs. Coopersville
Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. Marquette, 1 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27: at Cedar Springs
Friday, Oct. 4: vs. Kenowa Hills
Friday, Oct. 11: at Allendale
Friday, Oct. 18: at Sparta
Friday, Oct. 25: vs. Greenville
Cedar Springs Red Hawks
Cedar Springs, with its rich football tradition, is also a strong contender in the RCA. The Red Hawks kick off their season against Auburn Hills Avondale and will face pivotal matchups against Ypsilanti and Lowell. Their game against Allendale on October 18 could be crucial for their conference standings. Cedar Springs’ ability to navigate a tough schedule will be key to their success this season.
Key Games:
- August 29: at Auburn Hills Avondale
- September 27: vs. Lowell
- October 18: vs. Allendale
Full Schedule:
Thursday, Aug. 29: at Auburn Hills Avondale
Friday, Sept. 6: vs. Ypsilanti
Friday, Sept. 13: at Greenville
Friday, Sept. 20: vs. Kenowa Hills
Friday, Sept. 27: vs. Lowell
Saturday, Oct. 5: at Sault Ste. Marie, 3 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11: at Sparta
Friday, Oct. 18: vs. Allendale
Friday, Oct. 25: at Coopersville
Coopersville Broncos
Coopersville, a consistent performer over the years, is ready for the challenge of the new conference. Their season opener against Otsego will set the tone, with notable games against Lowell and Allendale. The Broncos will be tested by road games against Sparta and Big Rapids, but their solid roster and coaching staff provide a strong foundation for a competitive season.
Key Games:
- August 29: vs. Otsego (100 year Anniversary Game)
- September 13: at Lowell
- October 25: vs. Cedar Springs
Full Schedule:
Thursday, Aug. 29: vs. Otsego
Friday, Sept. 6: vs. West Catholic
Friday, Sept. 13: at Lowell
Friday, Sept. 20: at Sparta
Friday, Sept. 27: vs. Greenville
Friday, Oct. 4: vs. Allendale
Friday, Oct. 11: at Kenowa Hills
Friday, Oct. 18: at Big Rapids
Friday, Oct. 25: vs. Cedar Springs
Greenville Yellow Jackets
Greenville brings a mix of experience and new coaching energy into the RCA. Starting their season against Petoskey, the Yellow Jackets face several tough opponents, including Allendale and Lowell. Their home game against Cadillac on October 11 will be an opportunity to demonstrate their potential. Greenville’s performance against top teams will be critical in determining their standing in the conference.
Key Games:
- August 30: at Petoskey
- September 20: at Allendale
- October 4: vs. Sparta
Full Schedule:
Friday, Aug. 30: at Petoskey
Friday, Sept. 6: vs. Forest Hills Eastern
Friday, Sept. 13: vs. Cedar Springs
Friday, Sept. 20: at Allendale
Friday, Sept. 27: at Coopersville
Friday, Oct. 4: vs. Sparta
Friday, Oct. 11: vs. Cadillac
Friday, Oct. 18: vs. Kenowa Hills
Kenowa Hills Knights
Kenowa Hills enters the RCA with a renewed sense of excitement under new leadership. Their season opener against Forest Hills Northern will be a significant test, and games against Allendale and Cedar Springs will be crucial. The Knights will look to make a statement in their October 25 matchup against Sparta, which could be a defining game for their season.
Key Games:
- August 29: vs. Forest Hills Northern
- October 4: at Lowell
- October 25: vs. Sparta
Full Schedule:
Thursday, Aug. 29: vs. Forest Hills Northern
Friday, Sept. 6: at Thornapple Kellogg
Friday, Sept. 13: vs. Allendale
Friday, Sept. 20: at Cedar Springs
Friday, Sept. 27: vs. Battle Creek Harper Creek
Friday, Oct. 4: at Lowell
Friday, Oct. 11: vs. Coopersville
Friday, Oct. 18: at Greenville
Friday, Oct. 25: vs. Sparta
Sparta Spartans
Sparta, known for its consistent performance over the past decade, is expected to be a strong competitor in the RCA. Their season opener against Wyoming and subsequent games against Coopersville and Lowell will be pivotal. Sparta’s ability to maintain its high level of performance throughout the season will be essential for their success in the new conference.
Key Games:
- August 29: vs. Wyoming
- September 20: vs. Coopersville
- October 18: vs. Lowell
Full Schedule:
Thursday, Aug. 29: vs. Wyoming
Friday, Sept. 6: vs. Wayland
Friday, Sept. 13: at Northview
Friday, Sept. 20: vs. Coopersville
Friday, Sept. 27: at Allendale
Friday, Oct. 4: at Greenville
Friday, Oct. 11: vs. Cedar Springs
Friday, Oct. 18: vs. Lowell
Friday, Oct. 25: at Kenowa Hills
Allendale Falcons
Allendale is poised to make a significant impact in the RCA with a new coaching staff and a talented roster. Their opening game against Holland Christian will set the stage for the season. Key matchups against Greenville and Cedar Springs will test their ability to compete at the highest level. Allendale’s performance in these crucial games will be key to their quest for the conference title.
Key Games:
- August 29: at Holland Christian
- September 20: vs. Greenville
- October 11: vs. Lowell
Full Schedule:
Thursday, Aug. 29: at Holland Christian
Thursday, Sept. 5: vs. Hopkins
Friday, Sept. 13: at Kenowa Hills
Friday, Sept. 20: vs. Greenville
Friday, Sept. 27: vs. Sparta
Friday, Oct. 4: at Coopersville
Friday, Oct. 11: vs. Lowell
Friday, Oct. 18: at Cedar Springs
Friday, Oct. 25: at Spring Lake
A Season Full of Promise
With the formation of the River Cities Alliance, the 2024 high school football season in Michigan is set to be thrilling and unpredictable. The balance of power among these seven teams is difficult to gauge, making for an exciting campaign as each school vies for the inaugural conference title. As the season unfolds, fans can expect intense matchups and emerging rivalries that will shape the future of Michigan high school football.