Grimes takes his team back to the playoffs

South Haven (Mich.) High School had been on a postseason drought that spanned several decades before quarterback Isaiah Grimes emerged on the scene as a sophomore in 2006. Now the Rams are headed to the MHSAA state playoffs for the second straight season and the 6-6, 225-pound Grimes is a major reason why.

"We got in last year. It was the first time in like 30-some years," Grimes said.

South Haven opens against Paw Paw, a team they beat 44-11 in week five of the season. That game was the only one Paw Paw lost all season long.

"We've gotten better and they've probably gotten better, so we'll just see how things go," Grimes said.

The highlight of Grimes' arsenal is a cannon arm, which he has used to pass for over 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns this fall. He also has rushed for four touchdowns, but wants to continue improving his mobility as he looks towards college.

"I just need to get faster and work on my foot speed," Grimes said. "I think my reads and decision making got a lot better over the year."

A three-year starter for South Haven, Grimes has plenty of footage to show college coaches, but he is still working to get his senior season tape circulated. In the meantime, a handful of schools are starting to show interest.

"Grand Valley is pretty interested right now and my coach told me Wisconsin is still looking at me because the quarterback they had (committed) got hurt," Grimes reported. "Western (Michigan), they have been showing some interest in me. They invited me to a game, but I couldn't go that day. They've invited me to the game when they play at Ford Field and I am going to try and go to that one."

Grimes made a visit to Iowa this summer and has taken an unofficial visit to Grand Valley State this fall, but his first priority has been his team and the focus is on advancing them to the second round of the Michigan High School State Playoffs.

"I'm just trying to get us as far as I can and hopefully, after that, get a scholarship to somewhere," Grimes said.