1st & Goal: 2024 11-Player Semifinals Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 22, 2024
It’s pretty simple for football teams still playing this late into November.
All 32 that have reached this season’s MHSAA 11-Player Semifinals have accomplished something special while taking their communities on an unforgettable ride.
But those 16 that emerge victorious Saturday will have an opportunity to finish this four-month drive with the ultimate experience in Michigan high school football.
All 16 Semifinals kick off at 1 p.m. except for the Division 7 matchup between Schoolcraft and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, which will begin at noon. Follow along in person or watch all of them on MHSAA.tv, and keep up with the scores as they come in on the Football Playoff Scoreboard. See below for a glance at all 16 Semifinals.
Division 1
Rochester Adams (10-2) vs. Hudsonville (11-1) at Okemos
Hudsonville’s first Semifinal run since 2005 saw the Eagles avenge their lone loss this fall, downing undefeated Howell last week 35-6 after falling to the Highlanders in their season opener. Senior quarterback Griffin Baker has thrown for 1,105 yards and 10 touchdowns and run for 13 scores leading a balanced attack. Adams is back in the Semifinals for the first time since 2021, with two midseason losses by a combined four points. Senior Matteo Humbert carries a lot of the offensive load, rushing for 1,204 yards and 18 TDs.
Detroit Cass Tech (10-2) vs. Detroit Catholic Central (12-0) at Troy Athens
These two are playing each other for the first time since the 2016 Division 1 championship game. Detroit Catholic Central gives up only 10.5 points per game and attacks on the ground and through the air, with senior running back Jaden Pydyn (1,158 yards, 23 TDs rushing) among notable standouts. Cass Tech is giving up only 6.8 points per game and has avenged one of its two losses, with freshman quarterback Donald Tabron II quickly drawing attention throwing for 1,318 yards and 13 TDs to arguably the strongest group of receivers in the state.
Division 2
East Lansing (9-3) vs. Byron Center (11-1) at Greenville
East Lansing is playing in a Semifinal for the second straight season, and these teams have some familiarity with each other as the Trojans won their Regional matchup a year ago 42-20. East Lansing senior running back Jace Clarizio has remained one of the state’s elite with 1,574 yards and 28 TDs rushing. Byron Center will counter with senior quarterback Landon Tungate, who will go down as one of the best in his program’s history throwing for 1,727 yards and 23 scores this fall and running for 1,237 yards and 19 more TDs.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (9-3) vs. Birmingham Groves (12-0) at West Bloomfield
Groves defeated reigning champion Warren De La Salle Collegiate last week 21-19 to advance to its second Semifinal in three seasons. The Falcons also rely on a balanced offensive attack, led by senior running back Noah Sanders (821 yards/11 TDs rushing) and senior quarterback Ryan Counts (1,363 yards/16 TDs passing). St. Mary’s has reached the Semifinals for the first time since 2016, giving up only a combined 10 points over three playoff wins, and with senior receiver Bryson Williams a dynamic playmaker with nine touchdowns receiving, four rushing and two apiece on kickoff and punt returns.
Division 3
Zeeland West (11-1) vs. DeWitt (12-0) at Ada Forest Hills Eastern
After missing last season, DeWitt will play in its sixth Semifinal over the last seven years, and with an offense that upped its average scoring this fall to nearly 57 points per game with 70 more last week. Senior quarterback Elliott Larner is one of several standouts and has thrown for 2,085 yards and 32 touchdowns and run for 1,812 yards and 24 scores. Zeeland West’s power running style could help keep the Panthers’ offense off the field; the Dux have run for 3,458 yards led by senior Keaton Hendricks with 1,419 and 18 touchdowns on the ground.
Mason (10-2) vs. Detroit Martin Luther King (9-3) at Chelsea
These two have met in the playoffs three years in a row, with the Bulldogs emerging 25-20 in a Semifinal last fall. While Mason graduated most of the starting lineup that led the team to a Division 3 runner-up finish, senior quarterback Cason Carswell is finishing his fourth as a starter in a big way with 1,989 yards and 31 scores through the air as his younger teammates have grown into another standout unit. King’s defense perhaps stands out most this season, as senior defensive ends Xavier Newsome (6-foot-6, 230 pounds) and Willie Fletcher (6-2, 230) are one of the state’s top pairs.
Division 4
Grand Rapids South Christian (8-4) vs. Niles (11-1) at Three Rivers
South Christian emerged from a four-game losing streak near the end of the regular season to reach the Semifinals for the third straight, and will attempt to make it three straight trips to Ford Field. Senior quarterback Carson Vis continues to impress with 2,371 yards and 22 touchdowns passing and 1,186 yards and 18 scores rushing. Niles’ season-opening loss to St. Joseph proved to be just a momentary detour during its first trip to the Semifinals. Seniors Peyton Gordon, Paul Hess and Sam Rucker have combined to run for 2,738 yards and 44 touchdowns,
Goodrich (11-1) vs. Harper Woods (9-3) at Rochester Hills Stoney Creek
This is a rematch of a 2023 Semifinal, won by Harper Woods 35-24 on the way to claiming the Division 4 title. Many of the major players are the same. Senior Chase Burnett is the top rusher behind an impressive offensive line for Goodrich, powering for 1,340 yards and 22 scores. Harper Woods’ attack is again directed by junior quarterback Nate Rocheleau, who has thrown for 1,503 yards and 29 touchdowns. Goodrich’s lone loss and two of Harper Woods’ came to teams still playing.
Division 5
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (8-4) vs. Frankenmuth (12-0) at Mount Pleasant
This will be the fourth time these two have met in the playoffs over the last five seasons. Grand Rapids Catholic Central won their Semifinal meeting last season 35-0 and rebounded from three straight losses to finish this regular season to claim a ninth-straight Regional title. Odin Spencer is another impressive freshman quarterback, throwing for 1,585 yards and 17 touchdowns and running for 531 yards and three scores. Frankenmuth has given up only 13 points through three playoff games, with senior Derrick Simmons (6-4/275) a force at defensive end. The Eagles have won five straight Regional championships.
Flat Rock (10-2) vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (10-1) at Westland John Glenn
Notre Dame Prep showed itself to be a title contender with back-to-back wins over Jackson Lumen Christi and Grand Rapids Catholic Central in Weeks 2 and 3, respectively, and hasn’t let up. Junior quarterback Sam Stowe has thrown for 2,249 yards and 30 touchdowns and run for six scores. Flat Rock is playing in a Semifinal for the second-straight season, this time with its most wins since 1976. Senior Graham Junge is another standout quarterback, throwing for 2,468 yards and 36 touchdowns and also running for six scores.
Division 6
Boyne City (10-2) vs. Lansing Catholic (9-3) at Clare
Both of these contenders have recaptured past success to return to the Semifinals, Boyne City for the first time since 2014 and Lansing Catholic for the second time in four seasons but after going only 4-7 a year ago. Senior running back Ryan Spate is one from a collection of playmakers who have emerged for the Ramblers, running for 1,809 yards and 20 touchdowns. Senior Alex Fernandez has powered the Cougars, throwing for 2,664 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushing for 925 yards and 16 scores.
Marine City (10-2) vs. Jackson Lumen Christi (11-1) at Novi
Lumen Christi moved to Division 6 this fall after winning Division 7 the last two seasons, and hasn’t been stopped aside from a four-point loss to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in Week 2. The Titans have their highest-powered offense in a decade and have scored at least 42 points in all three of their playoff wins. Marine City is back in a Semifinal for the first time since 2021, powered by a high-scoring offense as well. The Mariners have topped 50 points seven times this season, including twice during the playoffs, led by a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in senior Paul Muscat (1,237/22 TDs) and junior Austin Brown (1,042/17).
Division 7
North Muskegon (11-1) vs. Millington (11-0) at Lansing Eastern
Millington is seeking a first trip to the Finals, and North Muskegon its first since 1981. Both also played in Semifinals a year ago, on opposite sides of the Division 7 bracket. Senior quarterback Truk Terbush is part of a loaded Cardinals backfield, throwing for 1,298 yards and 19 touchdowns and running for 453 yards and 10 scores. The Norsemen turn to a standout quarterback as well, as junior Bryce Colbert has thrown for 2,003 yards and 22 scores. North Muskegon’s lone defeat came in its season opener, by a point, to Pewamo-Westphalia.
Schoolcraft (11-1) vs. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (12-0) at Battle Creek Harper Creek
Monroe St. Mary is making its longest playoff run since its most recent championship season in 2019 and has scored more points this fall than the last two combined. Senior running back Drew Harris has played a large role in that resurgence, rushing for 1,348 yards and 21 touchdowns. Schoolcraft is back in a Semifinal for the first time since 2020, its only loss to Constantine by two points in Week 3. Sophomore quarterback Jack DeVries has emerged impressively, throwing for 1,402 yards and 15 scores.
Division 8
Beal City (10-2) vs. Fowler (12-0) at Ithaca
Fowler’s first trip to the Semifinals since 2019 got a bit of a jumpstart in Week 9 with a 35-28 win over McBain – one of the two teams to defeat Beal City, 29-25 in Week 4. But like Fowler, the Aggies also eliminated an undefeated opponent to win a Regional title last week. They’ve both continued to be known for strong running games as well, Beal City following seniors Drew Block and Owen McKenny (1,625 yards/22 TDs rushing combined) while Fowler has had a bit more balance but also must replace injured lead rusher Ford Phillips (1,153 yards/25 TDs rushing). The Eagles also have been able to turn to senior quarterback Jacob Halfmann (1,671 yards/18 TDs passing, 8 TDs rushing).
Decatur (11-1) vs. Riverview Gabriel Richard (10-1) at Jackson
Decatur has advanced to the Semifinals for the first time since 2002, its only loss to White Pigeon by just eight points in Week 4. The Raiders have three rushers who have combined for more than 3,000 yards, led by junior Brody Mead (1,152/18 TDs) and senior Danny Camarillo (1,047/10). Gabriel Richard is returning to the Semifinals for the second-straight season, improving statistically on both sides of the ball from last fall and with its only loss to a Division 4 District champ in Macomb Lutheran North. Senior Joey Calhoun has averaged more than nine yards per carry for 1,140 and 16 TDs total on the ground.
MHSAA.com's weekly “1st & Goal” previews and reviews are powered by MI Student Aid, a division within the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Click to connect with MI Student Aid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.
PHOTO North Muskegon takes the field for its District Final against McBain on Nov. 8. (Photo by Tim Reilly.)
Drive for Detroit: Week 6 Preview
October 3, 2019
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
We’ve begun the second half of the football regular season, and predictably every week will include increasingly important games as league titles and playoff qualifiers are determined.
We’ve highlighted a number of matchups below that could end up deciding league title races. Meanwhile, four teams qualified last week for the 11-player playoffs after starting 5-0 with eight-game schedules. Another 64 can join the field with a win this weekend.
A total of 28 games will be streamed live tonight on MHSAA.tv, including eight highlighted below. Click for the full schedule.
"Drive for Detroit" is sponsored by MI Student Aid.
Bay & Thumb
Goodrich (4-1) at Lake Fenton (3-2)
The winner earns a share of the inaugural Flint Metro League Lower division championship. Both joined the league this fall after previously playing in the Genesee Area Conference Red – Goodrich won that league’s final title in 2018 after Lake Fenton was the champ in 2016 and 2017. Don’t be shocked if this is close. The Martians have hung on after opening this season with a one-point loss to Flint Powers, claiming wins over Linden and Ortonville Brandon by a touchdown or less. Lake Fenton similarly knows how to navigate a close game. The Blue Devils opened with losses to Cadillac by 10 and Ida by six, but won their next three games by six, two and one point.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Sanford Meridian (4-1) at Beaverton (5-0), Lapeer (4-1) at Grand Blanc (4-1), Essexville Garber (4-1) at Frankenmuth (5-0), North Branch (4-1) at Richmond (5-0).
Greater Detroit
Belleville (5-0) at Dearborn Fordson (5-0)
The annual meeting between these two – most recently in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association East – eventually has decided three straight league titles, and there’s a chance that will be the case again when all is said and done this fall. These two and Livonia Franklin are all undefeated and tied for first in the East. Belleville is seeking its third straight league title, and hence third straight win over Fordson after prevailing 29-26 a year ago. Both are piling up points again, each averaging more than 40 per game.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Oak Park (4-1) at Birmingham Seaholm (4-1), Detroit Martin Luther King (3-2) at Detroit Denby (5-0), Southfield Arts & Technology (3-2) at Clarkston (2-3), Hartland (3-2) at Plymouth (5-0).
Mid-Michigan
Midland (5-0) at Mount Pleasant (5-0)
The winner will move into first place alone in the Saginaw Valley League Red. The reigning champion Oilers have won 19 of their last 20 games going back to midway through 2017 and last season beat Midland 40-20 in the game that eventually decided the league title. This time they couldn’t be much more numerically even – the Oilers have scored 200 points and given up 38, and the Chemics have a 203-39 combined scoring margin. Midland also has beaten the only other team in the league with an overall winning record, Saginaw Heritage (3-2).
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Mason (5-0) at Fowlerville (5-0), Holt (3-2) at East Lansing (4-1), Remus Chippewa Hills (2-3) at Central Montcalm (5-0), New Lothrop (5-0) at Durand (3-2).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Johannesburg-Lewiston (5-0) at Charlevoix (4-1)
While this matchup means nothing toward a league title, it should serve as a measuring stick for some of the best small-school teams just south of the Mackinac Bridge. Both are undefeated in their leagues – Charlevoix in the Northern Michigan Football League Leaders and the Cardinals in the NMFL Legacy. The Rayders should have a little extra incentive as well as they continue their best season since 2016 and lost to Johannesburg-Lewiston by a combined 62-7 over the last two years.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Traverse City St. Francis (3-2) at Boyne City (2-3), Evart (3-2) at Houghton Lake (3-2), Oscoda (5-0) at Tawas (3-2), Frankfort (2-3) at Mancelona (3-2).
Southeast & Border
Hillsdale (5-0) at Blissfield (4-1)
This is another matchup of teams tied for first place in their league. Hillsdale is in a bit more familiar spot having shared the Lenawee County Athletic Association title last season with Brooklyn Columbia Central. But Blissfield already has beaten BCC (for the third straight season) and will try to continue its charge with a first win over the Hornets since 2016. Hillsdale won those last two meetings by 10 in 2018 and eight the year before.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Springport (3-2) at Jonesville (4-1), Sand Creek (4-1) at Ottawa Lake Whiteford (3-2), Riverview (3-2) at Carleton Airport (4-1), Britton Deerfield (3-2) at Clinton (5-0).
Southwest Corridor
Cassopolis (5-0) at White Pigeon (5-0)
The co-leaders in the Southwest 10 Conference have taken vastly different paths on the way. Cassopolis is the reigning league champion and has clinched the conference titles three of the last four seasons. The 11 points Decatur scored last week were the first the Rangers have given up this fall. White Pigeon made the playoffs last year for the first time since 2009, which also was its first winning season since 2014. But the Chiefs have been similarly stellar on defense giving up only 40 points over five games, and the opportunity to take the league lead by breaking a nine-game losing streak to Cassopolis should further feed the team’s motivation.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Schoolcraft (5-0) at Constantine (4-1), Gobles (3-2) at Lawton (5-0), Coldwater (4-1) at Marshall (3-2), St. Joseph (5-0) at Portage Central (3-2).
Upper Peninsula
Iron Mountain (5-0) at Calumet (5-0)
This is the first of four straight league games for both, and a title won’t be decided tonight. But this has been one of the most highly-anticipated matchups in the Upper Peninsula since Week 1. Calumet won last season’s Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper title, and steadily earned a share of first place so far this fall with wins over Ishpeming Westwood and Negaunee sticking out. The Mountaineers gave notice as contenders quickly with wins over Negaunee and Westwood as well the first two weeks, and they haven’t allowed a point over the last three. Last year’s meeting ended with a 24-0 Calumet win, but it’s fair to expect a closer and yet still low-scoring result in the rematch.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Escanaba (4-1) at Menominee (4-1), Ishpeming Westwood (3-2) at Hancock (4-1), Negaunee (3-2) at L'Anse (4-1). SATURDAY West Iron County (4-1) at Lake Linden-Hubbell (3-2).
West Michigan
Hudsonville (4-1) at Grandville (5-0)
These two and Rockford are off to 2-0 starts in the Ottawa-Kent Conference Red. Hudsonville is a one-point Week 2 loss to Holt from undefeated and earned perhaps its best win so far last week, 28-16 over Jenison. Grandville hung on for a one-point win over East Kentwood last week, but its body of work continues to look better and better with Week 3 opponent Forest Hills Central a contender in the O-K White and Week 2 opponent East Lansing arguably the top team in the entire Lansing area this fall.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (4-1) at Cedar Springs (4-1), Ravenna (4-1) at Montague (4-1), Allendale (3-2) at Grand Rapids Catholic Central (4-1), Ludington (4-1) at Muskegon Orchard View (5-0).
8-Player
Martin (5-0) at Bridgman (5-0)
Just about everything about this is new. These two are both unbeaten in the first-year Southwest Michigan 8-Man Football League, both playing their first season of 8-player. They did play each other in 11-player last year for the first time, at least as far back as Michigan-Football.com tracks for Bridgman (1957), with Martin a 13-8 winner. The Clippers were 11-player playoff qualifiers last year, but the switch has really helped the Bees turn things around – they had gone a combined 1-16 over the last two seasons. Martin has played one more league game than Bridgman, so a win tonight would clinch the Clippers a share of the league title.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Gaylord St. Mary (5-0) at Suttons Bay (5-0), Cedarville (3-2) at Pickford (4-1), Climax-Scotts (4-1) at Tekonsha (3-2). SATURDAY Crystal Falls Forest Park (4-1) at Powers North Central (5-0).
Second Half’s weekly “Drive for Detroit” previews are powered by MI Student Aid, a part of the Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning located within the Michigan Department of Treasury. MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s 529 college savings programs (MET/MESP), as well as scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Connect with MI Student Aid at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.
PHOTO: Mount Pleasant, here against Bay City John Glenn during a Week 3 win, is off to a 5-0 start and faces Midland in one of the state’s headlining games this weekend. (Click for more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)