Grand Rapids, MI — Kenowa Hills opened the 2025 season in thrilling fashion, edging Forest Hills Northern 31–28 on August 28. The Knights’ win avenged last year’s 21–10 season-opening defeat to the Huskies and underscored their growth after reaching the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade last fall.

Last season marked a significant breakthrough for the Knights, who earned their first playoff appearance in over a decade, laying a strong foundation for this year’s ambitions.

Forest Hills Northern struck first with a 28-yard touchdown run by Liam Rozier. The Knights responded repeatedly, with QB Grayson Fellows rushing and passing for critical scores, including an arm connection to William Fussman for a 22-yard touchdown. Fellows finished with 217 yards passing (16-of-21) and added two rushing touchdowns.

Lundon Hampton played a pivotal role with key carries and a touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, while Fussman’s explosive 81-yard kickoff return set up another touchdown drive.

Forest Hills Northern’s Owen Ostipow was a force on the ground, rushing 19 times for 205 yards and three touchdowns as the game’s leading rusher.

The game ultimately came down to special teams. The Knights gained incredible field position for their final drive after a muffed punt snap led to a powerful hit and fumble. That gave Kenowa momentum and the ball in Northern territory. With the score tied in the closing minute, junior kicker Riley Smith delivered under pressure, splitting the uprights from 24 yards out as time expired to seal the 31–28 win.

Week 2 Preview: Hosting Paw Paw

Next Friday, September 5, Kenowa Hills returns to Walker for their home opener as they host Paw Paw at 7:00 p.m. The Knights aim to carry forward the momentum from their thrilling opener and notch their first 2–0 start since 2012.

With last year’s progress sparking optimism, this early victory reinforces Kenowa Hills’ rising trajectory and everything’s riding on maintaining that momentum into Week 2.