Drive for Detroit: 11-Player Finals Preview
November 20, 2018
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
A very recognizable 27 football programs have combined to win the 56 MHSAA 11-Player championships contested so far this decade.
Perhaps that’s the best way to illustrate the anticipation surrounding this weekend’s Finals, kicking off Friday morning and concluding Saturday evening at Ford Field.
Back will be reigning champions Clarkston in Division 1, Warren DeLaSalle in Division 2, Muskegon in Division 3 and Jackson Lumen Christi in Division 6. But we are guaranteed two first-time champions, and could finish with up to five.
Joining the final weekend march for the first time will be Hudsonville Unity Christian in Division 5, and both Division 8 finalists Breckenridge and Reading. Edwardsburg played at Ford Field last season for the first time, but will return seeking its first MHSAA title in this sport – as will other past runners-up Muskegon Mona Shores, Chelsea and Madison Heights Madison.
Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, Montague and New Lothrop are past champions but returning to the Finals for the first time in a decade or longer. Detroit Martin Luther King and Portland are only a few seasons removed from their last trips to Ford Field and back hoping to add to their title legacies.
See below for a look at all of the finalists taking the field, powered by MI Student Aid. Tickets cost $10 and are good for all four games on one day; only cash will be accepted at the door. Click for a full schedule. Also, for the first time, Ford Field will host a pair of Special Olympics Unified flag football games prior to the start of Saturday’s four 11-Player Finals. Teams from Brighton, Holt, Mason and Sparta will take the field at 9:40 and play 20-minute exhibitions. Unified Sports programs combine students with and without intellectual disabilities on competitive athletic teams.
The first two Friday and Saturday Finals will be broadcast live on FOX Sports Detroit’s primary and PLUS channels (check cable/satellite box listings for your specific channel) with the third and fourth games both days available live on FOX Sports Detroit PLUS only. All eight games also can be viewed live on FOXSportsDetroit.com and on the FOX Sports app. Games will be archived for on-demand viewing on MHSAA.tv, which also will live stream the first three postgame press conferences each day. Audio broadcasts will be available on the MHSAA Network website live both days.
Rankings below were voted on by The Associated Press’ media panel – teams that were ranked in different divisions for the regular season are noted. Statistics are current.
Division 1
CLINTON TOWNSHIP CHIPPEWA VALLEY
Record: 13-0, No. 2
Coach: Scott Merchant, 10th season (68-38)
League finish: First in Macomb Area Conference Red
Championship history: Division 2 champion 2001.
Best wins: 28-16 over No. 3 Belleville in Semifinal, 42-7 over No. 6 Dearborn Fordson in Regional Final, 51-10 (District Final) and 24-17 over honorable mention Macomb Dakota, 31-26 over No. 5 Saline.
Players to watch: WR/DB David Ellis, 6-0/195 sr. (630 yards/9 TDs receiving, 3 TDs kick return, 1 TD punt return); RB/DB Andre Chenault, 5-7/195 sr. (1,030 yards/14 TDs rushing); QB Tommy Schuster, 6-0/185 sr. (1,653 yards/24 TDs passing); TE/LB Marcel Lewis, 6-1/220 sr. (4 TDs receiving).
Outlook: Chippewa Valley has been building toward this, with a 10-win season and District title a year ago followed by this fall’s perfect run through one of the most competitive leagues in the state. Lewis – committed to Michigan State – was an all-state linebacker last season and leads a defense that held powerful Belleville last week to its fewest points in two years. Schuster was an honorable mention all-state quarterback in 2017 and has led the offense to a program-record 515 points, spreading the ball to a number of playmakers. Ellis will sign with Indiana University and running back/defensive back Ja’Von Kimpson (11 rushing touchdowns) is committed to Miami (Ohio).
CLARKSTON
Record: 11-2, No. 8
Coach: Kurt Richardson, 32nd season (254-88)
League finish: First in Oakland Activities Association Red
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 2017).
Best wins: 21-3 over No. 5 Saline in Semifinal, 13-0 over No. 7 Lapeer in Regional Final, 28-25 over No. 10 West Bloomfield.
Players to watch: QB Jake Jensen, 6-3/180 sr. (1,101 yards/9 TDs passing, 371 yards/9 TDs rushing); RB/LB Jacob Honstetter, 5-11/190 sr. (770 yards/10 TDs rushing; 67 tackles); WR/LB Max Nicklin, 6-2/190 sr. (92 tackles); OL/DL Rocco Spindler, 6-5/270 soph. (82 tackles).
Outlook: The Wolves are seeking their fourth Division 1 championship in seven years, bolstered by a defense giving up 11 points per game – and only four per game during the playoffs. Senior linebacker Brendan Baker and senior defensive backs Keagan King and Josh Luther are among other playmakers leading a veteran group on that side of the ball. Spindler, just a sophomore, is considered among the state’s best in his class (and is the son of former Detroit Lions lineman Marc Spindler). The offense doesn’t have anyone with extraordinary numbers but does its part. Senior running back Jake Billette is the leading rusher with 784 yards, plus five touchdowns on the ground. Clarkston’s two losses, to Oxford and Oak Park, were by a combined 10 points.
Division 2
MUSKEGON MONA SHORES
Record: 12-1, No. 1
Coach: Matt Koziak, eighth season (60-26)
League finish: Second in Ottawa-Kent Conference Black
Championship history: Division 2 runner-up 2014
Best wins: 49-10 (District Final) and 49-42 over Jenison, 48-38 over Division 1 No. 4 East Kentwood, 33-14 over Rockford.
Players to watch: RB/LB Sincer’e Dent, 5-11/217 sr. (1,350 yards, 24 TDs rushing); QB Caden Broersma, 6-3/206 jr. (1,915 yards/19 TDs passing, 1,086 yards/18 TDs rushing); WR/DB James Gilbert, 6-2/179 sr. (1,466 yards/15 TDs receiving); TE/LB Jacob Wahlberg, 6-4/222 sr.
Outlook: Mona Shores has won its last three playoff games all by at least 21 points, and its only loss was to Division 3 finalist Muskegon in Week 8 in one of the Big Reds’ closest games this season. It’s all even more impressive considering the Sailors lost one of the state’s top playmakers in senior receiver Damari Roberson to an injury before the season started. But Gilbert has filled in to an elite degree as the main pass catcher, keeping some attention off Dent, two-way threat Broersma and junior Tre’shawn Hatcher, who has run for more than 700 yards and nine scores. Roberson and Wahlberg both have committed to Western Michigan.
WARREN DELASALLE
Record: 11-2, No. 4
Coach: Mike Giannone, third season (27-9)
League finish: Tied for first in Detroit Catholic League Central
Championship history: Division 2 champions 2014 and 2017, runners-up 2006 and 2008.
Best wins: 35-7 over No. 2 Oak Park in District Final, 21-3 over No. 7 Port Huron Northern in Regional Final, 28-0 over No. 9 Birmingham Groves in Semifinal, 26-10 over honorable mention Warren Mott in Pre-District, 24-6 over Division 1 honorable mention Detroit Catholic Central.
Players to watch: WR/DB Joshua DeBerry, 6-1/175 sr. (701 yards/9 TDs receiving; 43 tackles/5 interceptions); RB/DB Evan Vaillancourt, 5-10/205 sr. (646 yards/14 TDs rushing); RB/LB Jacob Dobbs, 6-1/215, sr. (85 tackles/4 forced fumbles); OL/DL Daniel Motowski, 6-4/270 sr.
Outlook: DeLaSalle is seeking its third championship in five seasons with a group that may not have any individuals who stick out statistically, but just keeps winning. The Pilots gave Muskegon a 15-point game in Week 1 and didn’t lose again until falling to Detroit Catholic Central by three in Week 8 – and they avenged that loss a week later in the Catholic League A-B championship game. DeBerry and Dobbs earned all-state honorable mentions last season; Dobbs is committed to Holy Cross and Motowski to Central Michigan University. Senior quarterback Nolan Schultz has completed an efficient 59 percent of his passes for 719 yards and six touchdowns and run for 10 scores.
Division 3
MUSKEGON
Record: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Shane Fairfield, ninth season (100-18)
League finish: First in O-K Black
Championship history: Six MHSAA titles (most recent 2017), four runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 45-22 over No. 5 Zeeland East in Semifinal, 34-18 over No. 7 Cedar Springs in Regional Final, 55-35 over Division 2 No. 1 Muskegon Mona Shores, 24-21 over Detroit Martin Luther King (No. 3 Division 2 poll), 36-21 over Division 2 No. 4 Warren DeLaSalle.
Players to watch: RB/DB Jeremiah Lockhart, 5-10/200 sr. (1,157 yards/15 TDs); QB/DB Cameron Martinez, 5-11/190 jr. (2,316 yards/36 TDs, 632 yards/11 TDs passing); RB/LB Ali’vonta Wallace 6-0/230 sr.; OL/DL Anthony Bradford, 6-5/360 sr.
Outlook: If any team in the state has been a favorite from the first day of practice in August, it’s been Muskegon. Martinez has gone from great prospect as an underclassman to arguably the most intriguing standout in the state, while Bradford leads a starting offensive line that averages 6-foot-2 and 305 pounds. The Big Reds got a scare early from King and another in a seven-point Pre-District win over East Grand Rapids, but are the only team with wins over three other finalists playing this weekend. Bradford earned an all-state honorable mention last season and will continue his career at Louisiana State University. Senior back Demario Robinson also has run for more than 700 yards and eight touchdowns this fall; he was averaging 13.5 yards per carry entering the Semifinal as all four of the team’s top rushers were gaining 10 or more yards per carry.
DETROIT MARTIN LUTHER KING
Record: 11-2 (No. 3 in Division 2 poll)
Coach: Tyrone Spencer, third season (34-6)
League finish: First in Detroit Public School League Black
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 2016), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 34-21 over No. 2 DeWitt in Semifinal, 7-6 over No. 3 River Rouge in Pre-District, 34-14 over No. 9 Warren Woods Tower in District Final, 52-38 over East St. Louis (Ill.).
Players to watch: QB Dequan Finn, 6-1/190 sr. (1,189 yards/20 TDs rushing, 1,936 yards/22 TDs passing); RB Peny Boone 6-1/215 jr. (826 yards/13 TDs rushing); LB Marvin Grant, 6-2/195 sr.; DB Ahmad Gardner, 6-2/160 sr.
Outlook: After winning Division 2 titles in 2015 and 2016, King fell just short of another Finals appearance last fall losing to eventual champion DeLaSalle by a point in a Semifinal. Moving into Division 3 for these playoffs, King navigated a loaded bracket with Finn growing his reputation as one of the state’s most dynamic quarterbacks. Grant – who has committed to Purdue – made the all-state team in Division 2 last season, and Finn earned an honorable mention. Finn will sign with CMU as will receiver Darrell Wyatt, while Gardner is committed to Cincinnati, flanker Jalen McGaughy to Northern Illinois, linebacker Rich Miller to Buffalo, senior safety Ray Williams to Youngstown State and senior offensive tackle DeShawn Ingram to Howard.
Division 4
EDWARDSBURG
Record: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Kevin Bartz, 24th season (172-74)
League finish: First in Wolverine Conference
Championship history: Division 4 runner-up 2017.
Best wins: 46-44 (OT) over No. 2 Grand Rapids Catholic Central in Semifinal, 38-15 over No. 5 Three Rivers, 56-21 over Holland Christian in Regional Final.
Players to watch: RB/DB Chase Goggins, 5-8/155 sr. (1,355 yards/23 TDs rushing, 344 yards/4 TDs receiving); RB/LB Chase Sager, 6-1/195 sr. (916 yards/17 TDs rushing; 56 tackles/11 tackles for loss); RB/LB Isaiah Mitchell, 5-10/205 sr. (771 yards/15 TDs rushing); QB/DB Tre’ Harvey, 6-1/190 sr. (624 yards/9 TDs passing, 534 yards/7 TDs rushing).
Outlook: Edwardsburg made its first trip to Ford Field last season, and after an 11-point loss to GRCC in the Final came back to avenge that defeat last weekend. A first championship this weekend would top a 58-6 run over the last five seasons where all but two of those defeats have come during the playoffs. Sager was one of the team’s leading rushers in last season’s Final, when Mitchell, Goggins and Harvey all also saw time. Sophomore Drew Bidwell (72 tackles) and senior Dylan McColley (68) team with Sager for a strong linebacker group that’s helped the team give up only 10 points per game.
CHELSEA
Record: 10-3, unranked
Coach: Josh Lucas, first season (10-3)
League finish: Third in Southeastern Conference White
Championship history: Division 3 runner-up 2015.
Best wins: 38-13 over No. 8 Williamston in Semifinal, 21-14 over Farmington Hills Harrison in Regional Final, 35-14 over honorable mention Milan in District Final, 28-21 over No. 3 Grosse Ile in Pre-District.
Players to watch: RB Aaron McDaniels, 5-9/175 sr. (992 yards/17 TDs rushing); WR/DB Hunter Neff, 6-4/210 sr. (1,097 yards/16 TDs receiving); QB Quinn Starkey, 6-3/180 sr. (2,268 yards/25 TDs passing); TE/DE Nick Christian, 6-5/210 sr. (477 yards/4 TDs receiving).
Outlook: Chelsea has made one of the most impressive climbs over the last month after finishing third in its league and then losing at 3-6 Alpena in Week 9. The Bulldogs have cut a touchdown off their defensive points-allowed average during the playoffs, giving up 15.5 over the last four games. The offense has remained steady, meanwhile, even as Chelsea has faced and eliminated two league champions during this postseason. Lucas formerly led the varsity for three seasons at Allegan after five as an assistant at Zeeland East.
Division 5
PORTLAND
Record: 13-0, No. 2
Coach: John Novara, 20th season (145-63)
League finish: First in Capital Area Activities Conference White
Championship history: Division 5 champion 2012.
Best wins: 17-13 (District Final) and 16-8 over No. 5 Lansing Catholic, 40-6 over Frankenmuth in Regional Final, 35-14 over Marine City in Semifinal, 27-20 over No. 9 Montague (moved to Division 6 for playoffs).
Players to watch: RB/DB Jacob Veale, 5-10/165 sr. (1,662 yards/26 TDs rushing); QB/DE Owen Russell, 6-4/195 jr. (559 yards/8 TDs passing); OL/DE Matthew Koster, 6-0/205, sr.; OL/DE Jacob Hickling, 6-3/215 sr.
Outlook: Despite its 2012 championship, Portland remains something of an under-the-radar power statewide. But the Raiders have won at least 10 games four straight seasons and had only four single-digit victories this fall, with the rest by at least 14 points. What’s not a secret is how Portland succeeds – the Raiders went over 3,000 rushing yards for the season last week, and defensively they’re giving up an average of 165 yards and eight points per game. Senior tackle Hunter Klein (6-7, 315 pounds) is among those leading the way for Veale.
HUDSONVILLE UNITY CHRISTIAN
Record: 11-2 (No. 10 in Division 4 poll)
Coach: Craig Tibbe, 16th season (84-79)
League finish: Third in O-K Green
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 14-7 over No. 1 Saginaw Swan Valley in Semifinal, 39-14 over No. 4 Kalamazoo United in Regional Final, 40-37 over No. 6 Muskegon Oakridge in District Final, 41-22 over Grand Rapids West Catholic in Pre-District.
Players to watch: RB/LB Hayden Large, 6-2/185, jr. (1,205 yards/12 TDs); RB/DB Malekhi Obande, 5-8/155, soph. (866 yards/7 TDs); QB/DB Isaac TeSlaa, 6-3/180 jr. (490 yards/11 TDs rushing, 468 yards/3 TDs passing); RB/DL Max Buikema, 5-10/190 sr. (781 yards/13 TDs rushing).
Outlook: Unity Christian will play in its first football championship game to conclude one of the most impressive playoff runs in any division this fall. The Crusaders opened by eliminating five-time reigning champion West Catholic before taking down three ranked teams – last week setting a program record for wins in the process of eliminating last season’s runner-up Swan Valley. And that was after navigating a league that saw four of seven teams make the playoffs, three win District titles and Zeeland East also advance to the Semifinals. Unity has run for 3,942 yards – or 87 percent of its offense this season – and Obande and Buikema have combined for 30 2-point conversions.
Division 6
JACKSON LUMEN CHRISTI
Record: 12-0, No. 1
Coach: Herb Brogan, 39th season (366-83)
League finish: First in Interstate 8 Athletic Conference
Championship history: 10 MHSAA titles (most recent 2017), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 42-20 over Montrose in Semifinal, 41-14 over Michigan Center in District Final, 34-12 over Grand Rapids West Catholic, 34-7 over Division 3 honorable mention Parma Western.
Players to watch: RB/LB Nick Thomas, 6-0/205 sr. (1,690 yards/30 TDs rushing); QB Joe Barrett, 6-2/195 sr. (1,180 yards/11 TDs passing); TE/DE Dayton Keller, 6-4/240 sr. (591 yards/2 TDs receiving); OL/DL Keegan Smith 6-3/285 jr.
Outlook: Lumen Christi has yet to have a game closer than 15 points as it marches for a third straight Division 6 title. The Titans have won all four of their playoff games by at least 22 points and are giving up nine per game for the season, with only two of 12 opponents scoring more than 14 (Lumen played 12 games, with an open date Week 9). Senior Cy’Aire Johnson is another exciting player to watch; he starts at defensive back but also is second on the team with nine touchdowns – five receiving and four rushing. Keller earned an all-state honorable mention in 2017.
MONTAGUE
Record: 11-2 (No. 9 in Division 5 poll)
Coach: Pat Collins, 15th season (137-41)
League finish: First in West Michigan Conference
Championship history: Division 6 champion 2009 and 2008, Class CC runner-up 1992.
Best wins: 14-7 over No. 2 Traverse City St. Francis in Semifinal, 30-14 over No. 9 Schoolcraft in Regional Final, 25-24 over Division 5 No. 6 Muskegon Oakridge.
Players to watch: RB/SS Bryce Stark, 5-10/191 sr. (1,579 yards/25 TDs rushing; 61 tackles); QB/SS Drew Collins, 6-2/190 soph. (1,805 yards/16 TDs passing, 417 yards/7 TDs rushing); WR/CB Kenyan Johnston, 5-11/165 sr. (808 yards/8 TDs receiving, 3 TDs rushing; 4 interceptions); OT/DL Luke Marsh, 6-5/290 sr. (77 tackles)
Outlook: Montague made its first Final since the 2009 championship run and has seen its share of tough competition. In addition to the wins above, the Wildcats also took losses to Division 5 finalist Portland and another Division 5 District winner, Reed City. Stark and Marsh made the all-state team last season as juniors, when Montague’s only defeat came in the Regional Final. Two juniors play big defensive roles this time; defensive back Brennan Schwarz leads with 121 tackles plus three interceptions, and linebacker Mark Vanderleest is second on the team with 86 tackles.
Division 7
MADISON HEIGHTS MADISON
Record: 13-0, Tied for No. 3
Coach: James Rogers, third season (31-5)
League finish: First in MAC Silver
Championship history: Division 5 runner-up 2006.
Best wins: 37-34 over No. 7 Cassopolis in Semifinal, 38-0 over No. 10 Detroit Loyola in District Final, 20-7 over Division 4 No. 9 St. Clair, 28-6 over Farmington.
Players to watch: QB/DB Austin Brown, 6-1/190 sr. (2,060 yards/22 TDs passing, 1,831 yards/33 TDs rushing); RB/LB Khyron Franklin, 5-9/185 sr. (1,121 yards/8 TDs rushing); WR/DB Troye Williams, 5-11/185 soph. (689 yards/7 TDs receiving); OL/LB Adam Long, 5-10/190 jr. (181 tackles, 2 forced fumbles)
Outlook: Madison had made its share of playoff runs since it’s last trip to the Finals, missing last year’s championship game with a 14-7 loss to Saugatuck in the Semifinals. They’ve taken the next step with elite play on both sides of the ball, and with most of its regular-season schedule against much larger opponents. The defense is giving up 11 points per game and has an incredible 81 sacks, with seniors Chauncey Earnest (18 sacks), Caelon Eason and Kaylen Jackson (both 14) and junior Aaron McClure (6) bringing the heat up front. Brown has thrown for a combined 4,732 yards and 54 touchdowns and run for a combined 2,225 yards and 41 scores over the last two seasons. He has a big target in 6-4 junior Isaiah Pollard, who has 11 touchdowns on 21 catches.
NEW LOTHROP
Record: 12-1, No. 2
Coach: Clint Galvas, 10th season (105-14)
League finish: First in Mid-Michigan Activities Conference
Championship history: Division 8 champion 2006.
Best wins: 51-22 over Lake City in Semifinal (No. 4 Division 6 poll), 26-14 over No. 1 Pewamo-Westphalia in Regional Final, 51-12 over Montrose.
Players to watch: QB/DB Avery Moore, 6-2/210 jr. (1,533 yards/22 TDs rushing, 1,578 yards/20 TDs passing); RB/LB Will Muron, 5-9/180 soph. (669 yards/10 TDs rushing, 1 TD punt return); WR/DB Aidan Harrison, 6-3/190 sr. (673 yards/14 TDs rushing, 20 TDs receiving, 1 TD kickoff return); OL/DL Garrett Birchmeier, 6-3/250 sr.
Outlook: Perhaps no team statewide has been on the verge of getting back to the Finals more than New Lothrop, which improved last week to 98-10 over the last nine seasons but had three Semifinal losses during that run before downing previously-unbeaten Lake City this time. Moore generates plenty of excitement from his quarterback spot, but Harrison will get plenty of defensive attention – he’s qualified for the record book for single-season touchdowns and will sign with Missouri. The only loss came in Week 9 to Traverse City St. Francis, a Division 6 semifinalist.
Division 8
READING
Record: 13-0, (No. 6 Division 7 poll)
Coach: Rick Bailey, 31st season (209-105)
League finish: First in Big 8 Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 28-6 over Ottawa Lake Whiteford (T-No. 3 Division 7 poll) in District Final, 65-48 over No. 8 Pittsford in Pre-District, 55-7 over Grass Lake.
Players to watch: RB Ethan LoPresto, 5-8/165 sr. (2,422 yards/27 TDs rushing; 57 tackles/15 tackles for loss); QB/DB Alex Price, 6-2/190 sr. (627 yards/10 TDs rushing, 844 yards/9 TDs passing); RB/LB Anthony Willoughby, 5-9/180 sr. (559 yards/13 TDs rushing; 54 tackles); FB/LB Ben Affholter, 6-2/275 jr. (269 yards/4 TDs receiving; 119 tackles/5 forced fumbles).
Outlook: Reading’s season so far has included its first Semifinal run since 2008, a program record for wins and earning a trip to the Finals for the first time ever. LoPresto has led an offense that’s chewed up 5,505 yards on the ground; in addition to those mentioned above, junior Elijah Strine has run for 623 yards and 11 scores. But just as much credit should be paid a defense that earned its seventh shutout of the fall last week against Holton and is giving up 7.2 points per game. Junior Nick Affholter (6-3/302) and senior Caleb Miller both have more than 20 tackles for loss.
BRECKENRIDGE
Record: 13-0, tied for No. 1
Coach: Kris Robinson, sixth season (39-23)
League finish: First in Mid-State Activities Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 12-0 over No. 3 Harbor Beach in Semifinal, 12-6 over Ishpeming (No. 5 Division 7 poll) in Regional Final, 37-12 over No. 4 Johannesburg-Lewiston in District Final, 30-12 over Carson City-Crystal.
Players to watch: RB Hunter Collins, 5-10/185, sr. (1,022 yards/15 TDs rushing, 3 TDs receiving); QB Carter Staley, 6-2/215, sr. (947 yards/13 TDs rushing, 949 yards/10 TDs passing); RB/DB Lukas Ebright, 5-6/160 sr. (300 yards/8 TDs rushing, 460 yards/3 TDs receiving, 1 TD punt return); OG/LB Hunter Smith, 6-2/255 sr.
Outlook: Breckenridge is another that has made an incredible climb; the Huskies were 0-9 just three seasons ago. Robinson has turned the Huskies into a
1st & Goal: 2024 11-Player Finals Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 27, 2024
The 50th MHSAA 11-Player Football Playoffs will conclude this weekend with eight new champions and several first-time opportunities for teams making the trip to Ford Field.
Of the 16 playing in Friday and Saturday’s championship games, only Jackson Lumen Christi is back from last year’s field – and contending in Division 6 after winning Division 7 titles the last two seasons.
Half the field this weekend – eight teams total, including both in Divisions 4 and 5 – are seeking their first Finals titles. Five of those eight are playing in championship games for the first time.
Here's the full schedule for Friday and Saturday's games:
Friday, Nov. 29
Division 8 – Riverview Gabriel Richard (11-1) vs. Beal City (11-2) – 9:30 a.m.
Division 4 – Goodrich (12-1) vs. Niles (12-1) – 12:30 p.m.
Division 6 – Jackson Lumen Christi (12-1) vs. Lansing Catholic (10-3) – 4 p.m.
Division 2 – Byron Center (12-1) vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-3) – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Division 7 – Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (13-0) vs. Millington (12-0) – 9:30 a.m.
Division 3 – Zeeland West (12-1) vs. Detroit Martin Luther King (10-3) – 12:30 p.m.
Division 5 – Frankenmuth (13-0) vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (11-1) – 4 p.m.
Division 1 – Hudsonville (12-1) vs. Detroit Cass Tech (11-2) – 7 p.m.
The Division 8, 7 and 3 games will be broadcast on the FDSN primary channel, with the remaining five Finals broadcast on FDSN Extra, and all eight also will be available via the FDSN website. Additionally, all eight championship games will be available for listening from the MHSAA Network. Links to purchase tickets and more are available on the Football page.
Below is a glance at all eight matchups. Statistics are through Semifinals unless noted.
Division 1
HUDSONVILLE
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 4
Coach: Brent Sandee, seventh season (44-28)
League finish: First in Ottawa-Kent Conference Red
Championship history: Division 2 runner-up 2005 and 2000, Class A runner-up 1998.
Best wins: 27-7 over No. 6 Rochester Adams in Semifinal, 35-6 over No. 1 Howell in Regional Final, 28-21 over Rockford, 14-12 over East Lansing.
Players to watch: QB Griffin Baker, 6-2/195 sr. (1,132 yards/11 TDs passing, 650 yards/16 TDs rushing); RB/LB Bryce Fox, 5-9/175 sr. (987 yards/14 TDs rushing); WR/DB/P Braden VanLaecke, 5-11/175 jr. (5 TDs receiving); RB/LB Ethan Carter 6-1/215 sr.
Outlook: After starting this playoffs with some close rematches (25-23 over East Kentwood and 19-16 over Grandville), Hudsonville has powered through a pair of impressive performances to get back to the Finals for the first time in two decades. While Baker is a dangerous two-way threat at quarterback, Hudsonville has made its way by running the ball and not allowing the other team to do so. Junior Owen Haarsma has rushed for another 771 yards and eight touchdowns, and the Eagles are holding opponents to just 254 total yards per game – and just about 100 per game on the ground. That’s turned into just 13 points per game by opponents this season, with Hudsonville giving up more than 20 only three times and no more than East Kentwood’s 23 after the Falcons scored six the first time the teams met.
DETROIT CASS TECH
Record/Rank: 11-2, unranked
Coach: Marvin Rushing, third season (25-9)
League finish: Second in Detroit Public School League Blue
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2016, 2012 and 2011. Division 1 runner-up 2015.
Best wins: 17-14 over No. 2 Detroit Catholic Central in Semifinal, 21-14 over No. 5 Macomb Dakota in Regional Final, 30-14 over Division 3 No. 7 Detroit Martin Luther King, 20-3 over Canton McKinley (Ohio).
Players to watch: SE/DB Corey Sadler Jr., 5-10/175 jr. (780 yards/7 TDs receiving); CB/WR Alex Graham, 6-3/184 sr. (550 yards/6 TDs receiving); QB Donald Tabron II, 6-3/172 fr. (1,475 yards/14 TDs passing); OT Kalief Canty Jr., 6-5/308 jr.
Outlook: The win over DCC in last week’s Semifinal further proved what Cass Tech has shown throughout a nine-game winning streak. The Technicians lost their season opener to Rockford by seven and then by six in overtime to Detroit King in Week 4. But they avenged the King loss four weeks later in the PSL City championship game, and handed DCC its only loss a week after the Shamrocks had eliminated reigning champion Belleville. Canty made the all-state first team last season, and Sadler earned an honorable mention, and the latter has been joined by another electric playmaker in Graham who will continue next season at Colorado and also has returned two kickoffs and one punt for scores. Canty and Sadler are both major Division I prospects, and the defense includes three more players who have committed to Division I programs in linemen Logan Howell (Miami Ohio) and John Baker IV (Toledo) and defensive back Derrick Jackson III (Kent State).
Division 2
BYRON CENTER
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 5
Coach: Marc Cisco, 16th season (115-50)
League finish: Second in O-K Green
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 30-23 over No. 4 Muskegon Mona Shores in District Final, 38-17 over No. 9 Grand Rapids Northview in District Semifinal, 41-14 over East Lansing in Semifinal, 52-14 over Portage Central in Regional Final, 43-20 over East Kentwood.
Players to watch: QB/DB Landon Tungate, 5-10/185 sr. (1,784 yards/23 TDs passing, 1,407 yards/25 TDs rushing); SE/DB Isaac Lee, 6-1/175 sr. (789 yards/11 TDs receiving); SE/DB Landen Conrad, 6-0/188 sr. (80 tackles); RB/LB Kellen Payne, 5-11/212 sr. (100 tackles).
Outlook: Byron Center’s run to Ford Field has included its first Regional title, handing Northview its only defeat, and the avenging of the Bulldogs’ lone loss, which came against Mona Shores 14-12 in Week 4. Tungate has been unstoppable – six of his touchdown runs came in the Semifinal win over East Lansing – and he’s joined in the backfield in part by sophomore Cam Payne (580 yards/5 TDs rushing). Lee and senior running back/linebacker Luke Laska (335 yards/3 TDs rushing, 72 tackles) are the team’s two-way starters. Cisco is the son of Marc Cisco Sr., who won 242 games over nearly 50 seasons at Monroe Jefferson, with a run to the Class BB championship in 1994.
ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S
Record/Rank: 10-3, unranked
Coach: Jermaine Gonzales, third season (18-15)
League finish: Fourth in Catholic High School League Central
Championship history: Eight MHSAA titles (most recent 2016), six runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 28-27 (OT) over No. 1 Birmingham Groves in Semifinal, 27-3 over No. 8 Gibraltar Carlson in Regional Final, 50-19 over Portage Northern.
Players to watch: WR/S Bryson Williams, 6-2/217 sr. (575 yards/9 TDs receiving); RB/LB Darrin Jones, 5-11/195 sr. (1,100 yards/11 TDs rushing); QB Axel Newell, 6-4/200 sr. (1,271 yards/11 TDs passing); LB/WR Charles White, 6-2/193 sr. (110 tackles).
Outlook: St. Mary’s has made a tremendous improvement under late 1990s star quarterback Jermaine Gonzales, returning to the Finals for the first time since 2016 and after posting sub-.500 records three of the last four seasons including 3-6 just a year ago. Williams, White and senior tight end Jayden Savoury (275 yards/3 TDs receiving) all have committed to Michigan State and are among several playmakers, including also senior running back Richard Goike III (10 TDs rushing); sophomore quarterback Jabin Gonzales (517 yards/10 TDs passing), junior defensive tackle Ryan Harrington (10 sacks) and senior defensive back Kareem Pruitt (6 interceptions). The Eaglets’ losses came to Division 1 No. 2 Detroit Catholic Central (27-22), Division 2 No. 10 Warren De La Salle Collegiate (38-28) and Toledo Central Catholic (7-6), which will play in an Ohio semifinal this weekend.
Division 3
ZEELAND WEST
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 4
Coach: John Shillito, 20th season (184-44)
League finish: Second in O-K Gold
Championship history: Four MHSAA titles (most recent 2015).
Best wins: 33-20 over No. 1 DeWitt in Semifinal, 36-20 (Regional Final) and 28-7 over No. 6 Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, 42-0 over No. 3 St. Joseph in District Final, 60-43 over Whitehall.
Players to watch: FB/DB Keaton Hendricks, 6-0/165 sr. (1,477 yards/19 TDs rushing, 4 interceptions); QB/DB Trey Sloothaak, 6-0/181 sr. (651 yards/10 TDs passing, 484 yards/4 TDs rushing); RB/LB Isaac VanderZwaag, 6-1/195 sr. (675 yards/9 TDs rushing, 6 TDs receiving, 77 tackles); OT/DL Noah VanderVelde, 6-0/230 sr.
Outlook: Zeeland West defeated the reigning Division 3 champion (for the second time) and then the top-ranked team at the end of the regular season to earn this return to Ford Field. Shutting down DeWitt’s offense reinforced that West’s defense is tough to break, and the Dux have allowed only 269 yards and 16 points per game this fall. Sloothaak made the all-state first team last season at defensive back and is one of seven two-way starters. As a team, Zeeland has 14 interceptions and will work to get pressure up front with senior Brody Maas (six sacks) leading the charge. The traditionally-powerful T offense is up to 3,666 yards and 50 touchdowns rushing this fall, with junior Jonah Leslie adding 12 scores.
DETROIT MARTIN LUTHER KING
Record/Rank: 10-3, No. 7
Coach: Terel Patrick, first season (10-3)
League finish: First in Detroit PSL Blue
Championship history: Six MHSAA titles (most recent 2022), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 35-14 over Mason in Semifinal, 34-0 over River Rouge in Regional Final, 18-12 (OT) over Detroit Cass Tech, 25-21 over Cleveland Heights (Ohio).
Players to watch: LB Willie Fletcher Jr., 6-2/230 sr.; RB Michael Dukes, 6-0/185 jr.; QB Darryl Flemister, 5-11/170 soph.; DL/TE Xavier Newsome, 6-6/230 sr. (Statistics not submitted).
Outlook: Although Patrick is closing his first season as head coach, he’s been on staff as offensive coordinator and assistant coach over 14 seasons, with King this weekend playing in its seventh championship game over the last decade. Flemister earned an all-state honorable mention as a freshman and directs a skill position group that includes Dukes but also four seniors. Fletcher and Newsome are joined up front on defense by junior tackles Richard Stewart (5-11/280) and Gregory Keller (6-1/285), and that unit might be the key for a defense that’s given up 13.6 points per game this fall and posted five shutouts include two during the playoffs.
Division 4
GOODRICH
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 4
Coach: Tom Alward, 32nd season (209-117)
League finish: First in Flint Metro League Stars
Championship history: Division 4 runner-up 2022.
Best wins: 28-14 over No. 5 Harper Woods in Semifinal, 42-13 over Haslett in Regional Final, 27-21 over No. 8 Freeland in District Final, 42-3 over Division 3 No. 9 Fenton.
Players to watch: WR/DB Max Macklem, 6-0/190 sr. (583 yards/6 TDs receiving through Regional); QB/DB Tanner Mazich, 5-10/165 jr. (931 yards/11 TDs passing through Regional); RB/LB Chase Burnett, 6-0/200 sr. (1,463 yards/25 TDs rushing); OL/DL Benjamin Sennabaum, 5-10/200 sr.
Outlook: Goodrich is returning to Ford Field for the second time in three seasons, and has only three losses over the last two seasons – the Martians have avenged last year’s against Corunna and Harper Woods, and their only defeat this fall was to Division 5 finalist Frankenmuth. Burnett and Macklem were among contributors on the 2022 team as well, and the Goodrich offense as a whole benefits from a powerful line that averages 6-foot-1, 250 pounds. Sennabaum earned an all-state honorable mention on the defensive line last season and is part of a unit that has given up only 10.5 points per game and no more than 22 all season. Macklem will continue next year at Central Michigan.
NILES
Record/Rank: 12-1, unranked
Coach: Scot Shaw, fourth season (33-12)
League finish: First in Wolverine Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 62-30 over Grand Rapids South Christian in Semifinal, 37-34 over No. 10 Portland in Regional Final, 21-0 (District Final) and 21-14 over Edwardsburg, 42-14 (District Semifinal) and 21-0 over No. 9 Paw Paw.
Players to watch: RB/DB Peyton Gordon, 5-6/165 sr. (834 yards/15 TDs rushing); RB/LB Paul Hess, 5-9/210 sr. (1,202 yards/14 TDs rushing); RB/LB Sam Rucker, 5-9/175 sr. (1,100 yards/20 TDs rushing); OL/DL Jordan Cunningham, 6-0/230 sr.
Outlook: Niles also is enjoying its longest playoff run, including a first Regional championship, but Shaw has been to this stage before having led Three Rivers to the Division 4 championship in 2003. He enters this weekend with an overall 243-119 record over 35 seasons that also included stops at Grandville and two Indiana schools. Hess at running back and Rucker at linebacker both earned all-state honorable mentions last season as Niles finished 10-2 to build toward this campaign. The Vikings are giving up 10.4 points per game with six shutouts and their only opponents to score more than 14 coming the last two weeks and in a season-opening loss to Division 3 St. Joseph.
Division 5
FRANKENMUTH
Record/Rank: 13-0, No. 2
Coach: Phil Martin, 12th season (128-19)
League finish: First in Tri-Valley Conference Red
Championship history: Division 5 runner-up 2022 and 2020.
Best wins: 42-35 over No. 7 Grand Rapids Catholic Central in Semifinal, 37-7 over No. 8 Belding in District Final, 21-20 over Division 4 No. 8 Freeland, 22-0 over Division 4 No. 4 Goodrich.
Players to watch: OL/DL Derrick Simmons, 6-4/275 sr. (44 tackles, 20 tackles for loss); QB/DB Lleyton Hoard, 6-3/180 sr. (600 yards/11 TDs rushing, 433 yards/4 TDs passing); RB/DB Kobbi Ke, 5-9/190 sr. (888 yards/5 TDs rushing); QB/DB Aidan Labissoniere, 5-9/160, sr. (500 yards/9 TDs rushing, 364 yards/4 TDs passing).
Outlook: Frankenmuth has reached the Semifinals five straight seasons and now Ford Field three of those five after turning back a challenge from reigning champion Grand Rapids Catholic Central last week. Simmons is committed to Michigan State and a powerful presence on a defensive line that also includes senior leading tackler Logan Diener (90 tackles, 22 tackles for loss); additionally, Simmons made the all-state first team on the offensive line in 2023. With 65 total touchdowns, including 56 rushing, the Eagles are approaching MHSAA record book lists for both and with 12 players contributing to one or both of those totals. Senior running back Hagan Wascher is the team’s leading receiver averaging 18.9 yards per catch and has 11 touchdowns total averaging nine yards per carry as well.
PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP
Record/Rank: 11-1, No. 1
Coach: Pat Fox, 11th season (77-34)
League finish: Does not compete in a league.
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 49-7 over Flat Rock in Semifinal, 45-19 over No. 4 Armada in Regional Final, 56-7 over No. 5 Corunna in District Final, 42-0 over No. 7 Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 57-26 over Division 6 No. 6 Reed City, 28-24 over Division 6 No. 1 Jackson Lumen Christi.
Players to watch: RB/DB Billy Collins, 5-9/165 sr. (1,156 yards/8 TDs rushing, 573 yards/8 TDs receiving); RB/DE Drew Heimbuch, 6-0/195 sr. (433 yards/18 TDs rushing, 85 tackles/28 tackles for loss); QB/LB Sam Stowe, 6-5/200 jr. (2,458 yards/33 TDs passing, 7 TDs rushing); WR/DB Joseph Decasas, 6-2/165 sr. (1,126 yards/18 TDs receiving, 7 interceptions).
Outlook: Notre Dame Prep also won its first Regional title on the way to this Finals debut, and during the regular season defeated the reigning Division 5 (GRCC) and Division 7 (JLC) champions. The Fighting Irish’s only loss came Week 9, 43-28 to Hudsonville Unity Christian, which was top-ranked in Division 4 at the end of the regular season. Heimbuch made the all-state first team last season as a defensive lineman, and his 20 touchdowns total include one apiece on interception and fumble returns. Junior linebacker Brody Sink (127 tackles/22 tackles for loss) and senior linebacker Luca Gasperoni (90 tackles) are two more of several standouts on a defense. Fox is 201-115 total with head coaching stops as well at Ortonville Brandon, Berkley, Ann Arbor Pioneer and Milford.
Division 6
JACKSON LUMEN CHRISTI
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 1
Coach: Herb Brogan, 45th season (420-96)
League finish: First in CHSL AA
Championship history: 13 MHSAA titles (most recent 2023), three runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 35-6 over No. 4 Marine City in Semifinal, 42-6 over Constantine in Regional Final, 49-28 over Ida in District Final, 39-21 over Kalamazoo United, 35-7 over Division 7 No. 8 Traverse City St. Francis.
Players to watch: RB Kadale Williams, 6-1/180 sr. (1,941 yards/34 TDs rushing); QB Timmy Crowley, 6-3/180, sr. (1,149 yards/8 TDs passing, 5 TDs rushing) FB/LB Isaac Rehberg, 5-9/195 sr. (92 tackles, 437 yards/6 TDs rushing); TE/DE Charlie Saunders, 5-9/190 sr.
Outlook: Lumen Christi has won the last two Division 7 championships and opted up to Division 6 this fall. The lone loss came in Week 2 to Notre Dame Prep, by only four points, and no other opponent got within 17 points of catching the Titans. Williams made the all-state first team last season and was committed at one point to Central Michigan but has reopened his recruitment. Senior receiver Kash Kalahar gives Crowley a nice option to complement the running game; he’s caught a team-leading 32 passes for 712 yards and five touchdowns. Brogan is third on the all-time coaching wins list, 10 from second place and 23 from tying the record.
LANSING CATHOLIC
Record/Rank: 10-3, unranked
Coach: Jim Baker, fourth season (33-17)
League finish: Tied for third in Capital Area Activities Conference White
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 2021), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 36-29 over No. 8 Chesaning in District Semifinal, 49-36 over No. 5 Newaygo in Regional Final, 34-22 over Boyne City in Semifinal, 31-28 over Ovid-Elsie in District Final, 35-34 over Pewamo-Westphalia.
Players to watch: QB/OLB Alex Fernandez, 6-3/230 sr. (2,898 yards/31 TDs passing, 1,000 yards/18 TDs rushing, 82 tackles); WR/S Benjamin Rabideau, 5-8/170 sr. (957 yards/10 TDs receiving, 387 yards/4 TDs rushing, 98 tackles/6 interceptions); WR/OLB Xavier Luea, 6-3/195 sr. (1,048 yards/10 TDs receiving); OL/DL Josh Pritzlaff, 6-4/295 sr.
Outlook: Lansing Catholic emerged from a league that included top-10 teams in Divisions 4 and 6 and then defeating two top-10 teams, including an undefeated opponent to open the playoffs. Rabideau made the all-state second team as a receiver last season and is one of three this fall with at least 30 catches as Fernandez has joined him in putting up monster numbers on both sides of the ball. Senior Chris Sims is another two-way standout, starting on the offensive line and making 97 tackles at linebacker. Lansing Catholic’s losses were to No. 7 Olivet, Division 4 No. 10 Portland and another solid Division 4 team in Lansing Sexton.
Division 7
MONROE ST. MARY CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record/Rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Adam Kipf, 10th season (80-32)
League finish: First in Huron League
Championship history: Four MHSAA titles (most recent 2019), four runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 38-7 over Schoolcraft in Semifinal, 55-18 over Leslie in Regional Final, 51-30 (District Final) and 22-14 over No. 10 Clinton, 37-14 over Flat Rock, 34-15 over Riverview.
Players to watch: QB/DB Ian Foster, 6-0/165 sr. (640 yards/15 TDs passing, 424 yards/7 TDs rushing); RB/DB Drew Harris, 5-6/165 sr. (1,348 yards/21 TDs rushing); QB/RB/DB Brady Hines, 6-2/205 jr. (443 yards/7 TDs rushing); OL/DL Jimmy Rostash, 6-3/260 jr. (Statistics through Regional Final.)
Outlook: St. Mary made a jump this fall after two straight 6-6 finishes, impressing on both sides of the ball as they’ve pursued their first undefeated season since 1991. The defense is giving up just 9.6 points per game and has allowed more than 18 only once – in the rematch with Clinton. The offense is averaging 39 points per game as no team has come closer than 19 to catching the Falcons since an eight-point season-opening win over Clinton. Harris brought a 10.3 yards-per-carry average into last week’s Semifinal. Through 12 games, sophomore Cole Reinhardt had scored eight touchdowns (four rushing, three receiving, one on kickoff return), and junior Lukas Linzell had run for six scores and scored on kickoff and interception returns.
MILLINGTON
Record/Rank: 12-0, No. 5
Coach: Jason Germain, third season (34-3)
League finish: First in Big Thumb Conference White
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 35-28 over North Muskegon in Semifinal, 28-0 over Pewamo-Westphalia in Regional Final, 34-7 (District Final) and 34-6 over Cass City.
Players to watch: RB/LB Dallas Walsh, 5-10/193 sr. (1,411 yards/17 TDs rushing); RB/LB Landon Russell, 5-9/183, sr. (735 yards/10 TDs rushing, 3 TDs receiving); QB/DB Truk Terbush, 5-11/152 sr. (1,420 yards/21 TDs passing, 520 yards/11 TDs rushing); TE/DL Brevin Hendricks, 6-3/220 sr. (7 TDs receiving).
Outlook: This was the seventh time since 1994 that Millington reached the Semifinals, and the Cardinals broke through for their first Finals trip thanks in part to a powerful running game that is balanced out nicely by Terbush’s work throwing the ball. He has only two interceptions to go with his 21 touchdowns through the air, with three receivers with at least 15 catches topped by senior Bryce Martin (25 receptions/511 yards/6 TDs receiving). The defense has given up just 8.4 points per game, keeping opponents to single digits nine times and allowing more than 14 only twice. Walsh, Russell and senior Landon Germain provide a sturdy linebacker group in the middle of that effort.
Division 8
RIVERVIEW GABRIEL RICHARD
Record/Rank: 11-1, unranked
Coach: Mark Shea, first season (11-1)
League finish: Second in CHSL Intersectional #1
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 36-30 over No. 5 Decatur in Semifinal, 44-26 over No. 10 Manchester in Regional Final, 40-18 over Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard, 15-10 over Division 7 No. 9 Montrose.
Players to watch: QB/S Nick Sobush, 5-11/165 sr. (1,597 yards/20 TDs passing); WR/CB Derek Lesko, 6-0/160 jr. (873 yards/7 TDs receiving); RB/S Antonio Sobush, 5-10/160 sr. (711 yards/9 TDs rushing, 451 yards/1 TD receiving); RB/LB Joey Calhoun, 6-3/207 sr. (1,140 yards/16 TDs rushing). (Statistics through Regional Final.)
Outlook: Gabriel Richard reached the Semifinals last season for the first time and has taken another sizable step this fall. The only loss came Week 7, 30-22 to Macomb Lutheran North, which won their league and went on to claim a Division 4 District title as well. The offense has jumped its average more than seven points to 40 per game during the playoffs, an indication of the strength of regular-season competition the Pioneers faced as they took on several larger opponents. Shea previously served as head coach at Allen Park Cabrini from 2010-13 and most recently was an assistant Hazel Park after also assisting at Detroit Loyola during its 2014 Division 7 championship run and 2013 and 2016 runner-up finishes.
BEAL CITY
Record/Rank: 11-2, No. 9
Coach: Brad Gross, 10th season (85-29)
League finish: Second in Highland Conference
Championship history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 2009), seven runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 17-16 over No. 1 Fowler in Semifinal, 14-7 over No. 3 Iron Mountain in Regional Final, 21-14 over No. 7 Maple City Glen Lake in District Final, 51-6 over Evart.
Players to watch: RB/DB Drew Block, 5-9/170 sr. (800 yards/12 TDs rushing); RB/DB Owen Mckenny, 5-10/175 sr. (825 yards/10 TDs rushing/3 TDs receiving); QB/DB Cuyler Smith, 5-7/150 soph. (1,177 yards/13 TDs passing); OL/LB Wyatt Wilson, 5-7/185 soph. (Statistics through Regional Final.)
Outlook: It’s impossible to argue with the run Beal City has put together to return to Ford Field for the first time since 2021 and third time in six seasons. The Aggies’ only losses this fall were both by four points, to Division 6 No. 6 Reed City in Week 9 and Division 7 McBain in Week 3. They’ve given up only 37 points over four playoff wins, and just 9.4 per game for the season with a 47-0 win over Frankfort kicking off this run four weeks ago. Only McBain scored more than 18 against them. Senior Austin Small has been another major contributor in the backfield with 565 yards and nine touchdowns rushing through the Regional Final. Receiver/defensive end Aaron Locke and lineman Drew Gross join Wilson as sophomore two-way starters.
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