Drive to Detroit: District Semis in Review
October 29, 2012
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Hopes are high for most of 242 teams heading into the first weekend of the MHSAA football playoffs.
But we see it every October – the unexpected and plain unbelievable take over in the postseason as teams raise their games to meet the urgency of do-or-be-done.
Seven of 34 undefeated teams lost for the first time this weekend and are now eliminated. All eight of last season's 11-player champions are still alive – but 8-player champion Carsonville-Port Sanilac is no longer.
Of course, at this time of year every game takes on critical meaning. So instead of saying the results below were the most signficant, rather, let's say they're the ones that jumped out most from the District Semifinals.
Division 1
Detroit Catholic Central 21, Hartland 15
The playoffs are when we find out just how strong the Detroit Catholic League Central was compared to the rest of the state each fall, and this provided a start on that comparison for 2012. The Shamrocks (6-4) opened with a close win over of the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West champion Eagles (8-2).
Click to read more from Novi Patch.
Also noted:
Holland West Ottawa 21, Grand Ledge 14 – The Panthers (8-2) avenged a 31-10 loss to the Comets (7-3) on Aug. 31.
Livonia Churchill 49, Livonia Stevenson 35 – These two met for the second week in a row; both times Churchill (10-0) scored 49 points, although Stevenson (6-4) cut the deficit to 14 this game after losing the first by 39.
Walled Lake Northern 41, Howell 27 – On top of playing in its first playoff game ever, Northern (8-2) also earned another by downing the Highlanders (6-4).
Dearborn 24, Dearborn Fordson 14 – The Pioneers (7-3) won a stunner after falling 35-0 to the Tractors (7-3) just five weeks ago.
Division 2
East Lansing 10, Lansing Everett 6
Life was good for the Vikings (9-1) after they completed their first 9-0 regular season ever – a run that included a 6-0 victory against East Lansing. But the Trojans (7-3), who struggled some and had to win in Week 9 just to make the playoffs, earned perhaps the biggest upset of District opener weekend. Click to read more from the Lansing State Journal.
Also noted:
Traverse City Central 48, Bay City Western 47 (2 OT) – Adding to its league title season, Central (9-1) won a playoff game for the first time since 1991. Western finished 8-2.
Lowell 21, Grand Rapids Northview 0 – The playoff-seasoned Red Arrows (8-2) made the first appearance for Northview (7-3) a quick one.
Fenton 22, Farmington Hills Harrison 19 – The Tigers (9-1) have now won a playoff games each of the last three seasons, and delivered Harrison (6-4) its only first-game postseason departure in its last 14 appearances.
Southfield 22, Detroit Martin Luther King 19 – The Bluejays (7-3) were a bit forgotten needing three straight wins just to make the playoffs, but got everyone's attention again by beating the Detroit Public School League champion Crusaders (6-4).
Division 3
Zeeland West 46, Zeeland East 0
That West won this game isn’t the stunning part – their first meeting this season was a 60-52 win by East, and West (6-4) is the reigning Division 4 champion. But consider the score this time, and also that East (9-1) had beaten Division 2 contender Muskegon by a point just a week ago and hadn’t lost this fall. Click to read more from the Holland Sentinel.
Also noted:
Hamilton 42, Edwardsburg 14 – The Hawkeyes (6-4) were among the last to make the playoffs, but got off to a good start against the Eddies (6-4).
Grand Rapids Christian 45, Fruitport 6 – The Eagles (9-1) continued to roll while handing Fruitport (8-2) its second loss of the season and second in a row.
DeWitt 34, Lapeer West 28 (OT) – The Panthers (8-2) extended their streak of winning at least one playoff game to seven seasons, while West finished 6-4 for the second straight fall.
Tecumseh 27, Chelsea 20 – Only three weeks prior, Chelsea (6-4) had beaten Tecumseh (8-2) in a game that decided the Southeastern Conference White championship.
Division 4
Grand Rapids South Christian 48, Paw Paw 0
South Christian’s losses this season came against three playoff teams, including two in Grand Rapids Christian and Grand Rapids Catholic Central that are expected to contend for MHSAA titles. So to figure this game might be close wasn’t too far off. But the Sailors (7-3) did more than that in handing Paw Paw (9-1) its only loss. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Also noted:
Richmond 24, Marine City 21 – Richmond (7-3) hung on again after also handing the Mariners (8-2) a 25-24 loss on opening night of the regular season.
Williamston 29, Marshall 8 – The Hornets (7-3) had to win three straight just to make the playoffs, and are rolling on four in a row with this defeat of the Redhawks (6-4).
Three Rivers 20, Battle Creek Pennfield 14 – This would qualify as an upset win by Three Rivers (7-3), as Pennfield (8-2) had been considered a contender all season.
Detroit Country Day 35, Clinton Township Clintondale 0 – The Yellow Jackets (8-2) handed Clintondale (9-1) its first and only loss of the season.
Division 5
Kingsford 36, Grayling 14
In the first season after the retirement of his legendary coach father Ken Hofer from Menominee, Kingsford coach Chris Hofer led his Kingsford team to one of the best opening wins of the playoffs. The Flivvers (9-1) intercepted four passes in handing Grayling (9-1) its first and only loss. Click to read more from the Iron Mountain Daily News.
Also noted:
Olivet 28, Lansing Catholic 14 – This one was equally stunning, as the Eagles (7-3) knocked out the reigning MHSAA runner-up Cougars (8-2).
Lake Fenton 41, Jackson Lumen Christi 20 – Maybe less of a shocker but still an intriguing result: Lake Fenton (8-2) handed the Titans (8-2) one of their earliest exits of the last two decades.
Grand Rapids West Catholic 19, Hopkins 13 (OT) – The Falcons improved to 7-3 while handing Hopkins (9-1) its lone loss of the season.
Muskegon Oakridge 16, Buchanan 8 – Oakridge moved to 10-0 by winning this clash of league champions; Buchanan finished 7-3.
Division 6
Manchester 37, Clinton 36
The Flying Dutchmen (7-3) fell to Clinton by 18 all the way back on Aug. 24. But they handed Clinton (9-1) its first – and now only – loss this season by scoring with less than a minute remaining in this District opener. Click to read more from The Oakland Press.
Also noted:
Maple City Glen Lake 28, Boyne City 16 – Glen Lake (8-2) rebounded from a Week 9 loss, while Boyne City (8-2) finished with a second straight defeat.
Hemlock 45, Montague 20 – The Huskies (9-1) made it two straight seasons with at least nine wins, while dropping Montague just shy at 8-2.
Montrose 7, Vassar 6 – The Rams (9-1) won by a point for the second straight week while dropping the Vulcans to 7-3.
Detroit Consortium 8, Madison Heights Madison 3 – Consortium (7-3) also won its first-ever playoff game; Madison finished 8-2.
Division 7
Flint Hamady 39, Burton Bendle 33
Hamady (7-3) is better known for its basketball prowess. But after four seasons of one, zero, three and four wins, respectively, Hamady made the playoffs this fall – and earned its first postseason victory ever by avenging a Week 3 loss to Bendle (7-3). Click to read more from the Flint Journal.
Also noted:
Decatur 27, Hartford 15 – It was closer this time, but Decatur (8-2) beat league foe Hartford (7-3) for the second time in a month.
Britton Deerfield 14, Reading 7 – From the maybe-didn’t-see-that-coming file, the Patriots (7-3) knocked out the Big Eight Conference champ Rangers (8-2).
Dansville 21, Ottawa Lake Whiteford 18 – Another testament to the strength of the Central Michigan Athletic Conference, the Aggies (8-2) went on the road and came back with a win over the Bobcats (8-2) – Dansville’s first in the postseason since 1992.
Flint Beecher 35, Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest 21 – Beecher (6-4) got into the playoffs with two straight wins at the end of the regular season, but pushed the streak to three by downing Lutheran Northwest (5-4).
Division 8
L’Anse 34, Crystal Falls Forest Park 28
The Purple Hornets (8-2) might have fallen just short of a league title, but they did earn their first playoff win since 2007 by downing the perennially-powerful Trojans (7-3). L’Anse scored the go-ahead touchdown with 41 seconds to play. Click to read more from the Iron Mountain Daily News.
Also noted:
Stephenson 14, Pickford 12 – Only three Division 8 games this weekend were decided by eight points or fewer, and this win by Stephenson (8-2) over Pickford (7-3) was the closest.
Climax-Scotts 34, St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic 7 – Climax-Scotts (10-0) earned a shot against reigning champion and also 10-0 Mendon by defeating Lake Michigan Catholic (7-2).
Waterford Our Lady 15, Pittsford 7 – This was the third of only three close games in Division 8, with Our Lady (8-2) moving on. Pittsford (7-3) lost in the first round last season by the same score.
Felch North Dickinson 50, Bessemer 20 – North Dickinson (9-0), the smallest school in the 11-player playoffs, needs one more win for its second season in three with at least 10 victories. Bessemer ended its first playoff season since 2006 at 6-3.
8-Player
Owendale-Gagetown 52, Akron-Fairgrove 48
This was a sweet victory for Owendale-Gagetown (8-2) and not just because the Bulldogs live on. These two split during the regular season, but Akron-Fairgrove’s win in the second game of the series counted toward the league standings and earned the Vikings that championship. Click to read more from the Saginaw News.
Also noted:
Deckerville 42, Carsonville-Port Sanilac 39 – The Eagles (9-1) eliminated the reigning MHSAA champion Tigers (4-6) in their third game against them this fall; Deckerville won all three.
Kinde-North Huron 14, Peck 8 (OT) – After falling to Peck (7-3) by 16 three weeks prior, the Warriors (6-4) won the rematch.
PHOTO: Detroit Catholic Central senior quarterback Garrett Moores (11) tries to break the grasp of Hartland senior lineman Markus Inman (52) during Friday's Division 1 District victory. (Click to see more at Terry McNamara Photography.)
Drive for Detroit: 11-Player Finals Preview
November 22, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Each day of this weekend's MHSAA 11-Player Football Finals at Ford Field will have its own distinct theme.
Friday features the only first-time football finalist this season, Ottawa Lake Whiteford in Division 8, plus three teams seeking their first championships since the 1990s: Walled Lake Western in Division 2, Detroit Country Day in Division 4 and Maple City Glen Lake in Division 6.
Saturday, meanwhile, will be rematch day. The Division 1, 3 and 5 Finals are rematches of championship games from earlier this decade, and Division 7 finalists Detroit Loyola and Pewamo-Westphalia met in a Semifinal a year ago.
See below for a look at all of the finalists taking the field this weekend, powered by MI Student Aid. Tickets cost $10 and are good for all four games on one day. Click for a full schedule.
The first three Friday games will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Detroit’s primary channel (check cable/satellite box listings for your specific channel) with the Division 4 game available live on FoxSportsDetroit.com and on FOX Sports GO! for tablet and handheld users. Saturday's first two games will air live on Fox Sports Detroit, with the third on Fox Sports Detroit-PLUS. As with the Division 4 game, the Division 3 game will be available live online only, but both will be aired on Fox Sports Detroit on Sunday; the Division 4 game will air at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Division 3 game at 9 p.m. Audio broadcasts will be available on the MHSAA Network website.
Rankings below were voted upon by The Associated Press’ media panel. Statistics are current unless noted; those with a "*" are only through Regional Finals.
Division 1
DETROIT CASS TECH
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Thomas Wilcher, 19th season (197-51)
League finish: First in Detroit Public School League East Division 1.
Finals history: Division 1 champion 2012, 2011; runner-up 2015.
Best wins: 32-28 over No. 3 Utica Eisenhower in the Semifinal, 43-42 over No. 4 Saline in the Regional Final, 24-7 over No. 7 Dearborn in the District Final, 35-7 over No. 8 Dearborn Fordson in the Pre-District, 31-18 and 41-20 over Division 2 No. 3 Detroit Martin Luther King.
Players to watch: RB/DB Donovan Johnson, 5-8/175 sr. (1,007 yards/16 TDs rushing); QB Rodney Hall, 6-2/210 sr. (2,315 yards/23 TDs passing); WR/FS Donovan Peoples-Jones, 6-2/190, sr. (982 yards/16 TDs receiving); OT/DT Jordan Reid, 6-5/295 jr.; DB/RB Jaylen Kelly-Powell, 6-0/200 sr.
Outlook: Not that anyone was doubting it before, but it’s tough to argue with Cass Tech’s ranking after its body of work in the playoffs – with Saturday’s comeback win over Eisenhower just the latest of an impressive run. Hall, Peoples-Jones and Kelly-Powell were stars on last year’s team too and Johnson and senior Tim Cheatem are back as the top runners after the Technicians – without Hall because of an injury – fell to Romeo in last season’s Division 1 Final. Kelly-Powell is committed to sign with Michigan, Hall with Northern Illinois and Reid with Michigan State, and both Peoples-Jones and Johnson are making decisions with a number of offers from elite college programs.
DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 2
Coach: Tom Mach, 41st season (373-96)
League finish: First in Detroit Catholic League Central.
Finals history: Ten MHSAA titles (most recent 2009), six runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 28-14 over No. 6 Grandville in the Regional Final, 28-21 over Division 2 No. 10 Birmingham Brother Rice, 28-7 and 17-14 over Division 3 No. 10 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s.
Players to watch: RB/DB Nicholas Capatina, 5-9/180, sr. (1,035 yards/13 TDs); QB/DB Austin Brown, 6-0/180, soph. (1,314 yards/14 TDs); FB/LB Cameron Ryan, 6-0/220, jr. (833 yards/15 TDs rushing); FB/LB Isaac Darkangelo, 6-1/230, jr.; RB/LB Matt Young, 6-1/220, jr.
Outlook: The Shamrocks get to renew their postseason rivalry with Cass Tech after going 1-2 against the Technicians during two championship game and one Semifinal meeting from 2011-13. DCC can control the tempo by controlling the ground game – see last week’s 17-0 win over reigning Division 1 champion Romeo – but additionally hasn’t given up more than 21 points in a game this season while also defeating some strong out-of-state competition including Toledo Whitmer (29-7) and Cleveland St. Ignatius (28-21). The Shamrocks run behind a line averaging 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds and can deploy some skilled receiving threats in seniors Chris Jakubik and Jack Morris.
Division 2
DETROIT MARTIN LUTHER KING
Record/rank: 11-2, No. 3
Coach: Ty Spencer, first season (11-2)
League finish: Second in Detroit Public School League East Division 1.
Finals history: Division 2 champion 2015 and 2007, two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 14-7 over No. 5 Birmingham Groves in the Semifinal, 21-7 over No. 7 Temperance Bedford in the Regional Final, 39-0 over No. 10 Southfield Arts & Technology.
Players to watch: RB Kevin Willis, 5-8/165 sr. (1,003 yards/13 TDs rushing*); WR/DB Ambry Thomas, 5-11/175, sr.; (885 yards/13 TDs); QB Dequan Finn, 6-0/165, soph. (2,175 yards/34 TDs); DB/FL Jae’Veyon Morton, 5-9/165, jr. (592 yards/13 TDs receiving*).
Outlook: Last season’s champion is back in the Final with a few different players in key positions, but also returning standouts Willis and Thomas. King’s only losses this fall were twice to Division 1 finalist Detroit Cass Tech; Cass Tech and also-PSL rival Detroit East English were the only teams to put up more than 14 points on the Crusaders this season. Thomas is one of the most highly-recruited players in the state and also has scored on interception, kick and punt returns this season. Former defensive coordinator Spencer has led the return effort, taking over after the tragic death of coach Dale Harvel in July.
WALLED LAKE WESTERN
Record/rank: 12-1, No. 2
Coach: Mike Zdebski, 19th season (153-56)
League finish: First in Kensington Lakes Activities Association North and Lakes.
Finals history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 1999), one runner-up finish.
Best wins: 37-34 over No. 1 Lowell in the Semifinal, 61-21 over Fenton in the Regional Final, 37-7 over Brighton.
Players to watch: WR/DB Cody White, 6-3/205 sr. (547 yards/8 TDs rushing, 694 yards/9 TDs receiving, 638 yards/9 TDs passing); WR/DB Kameron Ford, 5-10/165, sr. (1,097 yards/13 TDs receiving); TB/LB Jalen Marshall, 5-10/225 sr. (881 yards/17 TDs rushing); QB Johnny Tracy, 6-3/205 sr. (2,125 yards/23 TDs passing).
Outlook: Zdebski brings Walled Lake Western back to the Finals after leading the Warriors to a championship back in his second season and also a 12-1 record a year ago. White – a rushing/receiving/passing threat headed to Michigan State – is the player most know, but he’s hardly the only offensive threat. Senior defensive back Jack Dodge paces the defense with 120 tackles and seven interceptions; total, Western has taken advantage of 30 turnovers this fall.
Division 3
ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S
Record/rank: 9-4, No. 10
Coach: George Porritt, 28th season (254-71)
League finish: Second in Detroit Catholic League Central.
Finals history: Seven MHSAA titles (most recent 2015), six runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 35-28 over No. 6 DeWitt in the Regional Final, 21-0 over Division 2 No. 10 Birmingham Brother Rice, 35-14 over Division 7 No. 5 Detroit Loyola.
Players to watch: RB/DE Kyren Cunningham, 6-1/220, jr. (1,967 yards/22 TDs rushing); RB/LB RaShawn Allen, 5-9/200, jr. (943 yards/16 TDs); LB/RB Josh Ross, 6-1/225, sr.; DB/WR Richard Bowens, 6-1/190, sr.
Outlook: St. Mary’s is playing for its third straight Division 3 title and the second time against Muskegon during this run after downing the Big Reds 7-0 in the 2014 Final. The Eaglets’ offensive playmakers are mostly juniors; joining Cunningham and Allen in the backfield, junior quarterback Caden Prieskorn (6-6/215) has thrown for more than 1,000 yards. The defense is stacked with talented seniors; Ross will sign with Michigan, Bowens has committed to play at Iowa State, defensive back Shermond Dabney is headed to Bowling Green and nose guard Ralph Holley and linebacker Dwayne Chapman to Western Michigan. The Eaglets have given up more than 17 points only three times.
MUSKEGON
Record/rank: 12-1, No. 1
Coach: Shane Fairfield, 12th season (73-17)
League finish: First in Ottawa-Kent Conference Black.
Finals history: Five MHSAA titles (most recent 2008), three runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 49-14 and 62-7 (Regional Final) over No. 5 Byron Center, 19-8 over No. 2 Edwardsburg in the Semifinal, 28-10 over East Grand Rapids in the District Final.
Players to watch: QB Kalil Pimpleton, 5-7/160 sr. (1,456 yards/21 TDs rushing, 714 yards/14 TDs passing, 229 yards/2 TDs receiving); QB La’Darius Jefferson, 6-2/210, jr. (865 yards/17 TDs rushing, 863 yards/9 TDs passing); WR/FS Jacorey Sullivan, 6-3/205, sr. (553 yards/7 TDs receiving); LB/RB Andrew Ward, 6-1/210, sr.
Outlook: As noted above, this is a rematch of the 2014 Final, and a little bit of a rebound for the Big Reds after they fell to Lowell in a Division 2 Regional Final a year ago. The quarterback tandem of Pimpleton and Jefferson should be one of the most entertaining offensive duos of the weekend; Pimpleton will play next at Virginia Tech. Ward also has major conference Division I offers and leads a defense that has given up 39 points over four playoff games and more than 15 only once, in a three-point Week 2 loss to Lincolnshire Stevenson of Illinois.
Division 4
DETROIT COUNTRY DAY
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Dan MacLean, 19th season (148-68)
League finish: Does not play in a conference.
Finals history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 1999), five runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 20-14 over No. 2 River Rouge in the Semifinal, 45-7 over No. 4 Marysville in the District Final, 21-20 over Division 2 No. 7 Temperance Bedford.
Players to watch: RB/DB Chris Bergin, 5-11/200 sr. (626 yards/11 TDs rushing); QB/WR/DB Steve Mann, 6-0/195, sr. (713 yards/6 TDs passing, 281 yards/4 TDs receiving); QB/DB Jalen Graham, 6-2/185, soph. (407 yards/7 TDs passing); LB Kolin Demens, 6-2/200 jr.
Outlook: Country Day has played in three Finals over the last decade, in 2007, 2008 and 2012, and is back after falling in Semifinals the last two seasons. The Yellowjackets set a school record with 470 points with some incredible balance; although no player’s stats jump off the page, both Mann and Graham have had success at quarterback, while Bergin leads five with at least 200 yards rushing and four players have caught 10 or more passes. The defense gets more attention; aside from giving up 21 and 20 to Division 2 Detroit U-D Jesuit and Temperance Bedford, respectively, Country Day has held the rest to 14 or fewer points. Senior linebacker Adam Fakih leads with 98 tackles.
GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record/rank: 12-1, No. 5
Coach: Todd Kolster, fifth season (49-10)
League finish: Tied for first in O-K Blue
Finals history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 2010), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 31-3 over No. 8 Hudsonville Unity Christian in the Semifinal, 34-0 over Escanaba in the Regional Final, 27-6 over East Grand Rapids, 35-20 and 38-7 (District Final) over Allendale.
Players to watch: QB Jack Bowen, 5-10/165 jr. (2,329 yards/24 TDs passing*); TB Nolan Fugate, 6-0/200 jr. (1,637/14 TDs rushing); WR/DB Michael Brown, 6-0/200, sr. (1,090 yards/11 TDs receiving*); WR/DB Antonio Strong, 6-0/180, sr. (1,050 yards/11 TDs receiving*).
Outlook: GRCC advanced past the District round for the first time since 2010 with its highest-scoring offense since that season and a defense that has given up a combined 10 points over the last five weeks. The lone loss was to Division 5 finalist Grand Rapids West Catholic in Week 8, and in that game the Cougars allowed only 20 points. A key has been forcing turnovers; GRCC had 24 interceptions and seven fumble recoveries head into the Semifinal.
Division 5
GRAND RAPIDS WEST CATHOLIC
Record/rank: 11-2, No. 6
Coach: Joe Hyland, first season (11-2)
League finish: Tied for first in O-K Blue.
Finals history: Four MHSAA titles (most recent 2015), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 10-7 over No. 1 Portland in the District Final, 28-7 over No. 4 Lansing Catholic in the Pre-District, 30-13 over Division 6 No. 5 Jackson Lumen Christi, 20-3 over Division 4 No. 5 Grand Rapids Catholic Central.
Players to watch: RB/QB/DB David Fox, 6-2/215 sr. (689 yards/8 TDs rushing, 1,286 yards/17 TDs passing*); QB Gaetano Vallone, 5-10/170, jr. (889 yards/7 TDs passing*); WR/DB Sam Neville, 6-3/205, sr. (854 yards/13 TDs receiving*); WR/DB Alex Fortier, 5-8/150 jr. (574 yards/9 TDs rushing*)
Outlook: The Falcons have a new coach but the same result as they’ll play in their fifth straight Final while seeking their fourth straight Division 5 championship. Hyland brought a successful past that included leading a playoff program in South Carolina, and he has guided West Catholic through all road games (including a neutral-field Semifinal) on the way to Detroit. Fox and Vallone were the stars of last year’s victory over River Rouge, and Fox at defensive back also helps linebackers Nathaniel Mitchell and Chris Markules pace a defense that has given up 20 points total during the playoffs.
MENOMINEE
Record/rank: 12-1, No. 5
Coach: Joe Noha, fifth season (59-6)
League finish: First in Great Northern U.P. Conference
Finals history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 2007), one runner-up finish.
Best wins: 23-20 over No. 7 Frankenmuth in the Semifinal, 40-14 over No. 8 Reed City in the Regional Final, 28-14 over Escanaba.
Players to watch: WB/DB Ethan Mileski, 6-2/180, jr. (658 yards/5 TDs rushing, 1,250 yards/15 TDs passing); FB/LB Sam Larson, 5-11/185, sr. (766 yards/17 TDs rushing); WB/DB Marcus McKenney, 6-0/170 sr. (385 yards/4 TDs rushing, 499 yards/4 TDs receiving); TB/DB Keifer Rasner, 5-10/190, sr. (1,372 yards/20 TDs rushing, 410 yards/3 TDs passing).
Outlook: Menominee is back at Ford Field for the first time since 2013, earning a rematch of that Division 5 Final loss to West Catholic. The run has been impressive, including a late comeback win last week over Frankenmuth, and especially because all-state running back Rasner has missed the last few games with an injury. Larson and Mileski have picked up the slack, Larson with more than 300 yards rushing over the last two games and Mileski with more than 500 yards of total offense as the team downed the Eagles and Reed City.
Division 6
JACKSON LUMEN CHRISTI
Record/rank: 11-2, No. 5
Coach: Herb Brogan, 37th season (336-83)
League finish: Tied for first in Interstate 8 Athletic Conference.
Finals history: Eight MHSAA titles (most recent 2009), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 27-7 over No. 3 Millington in the Semifinal, 37-34 OT over No. 2 Schoolcraft in the District Final, 21-20 OT over Coldwater.
Players to watch: RB Bo Bell, 5-9/170 sr. (2,428 yards/32 TDs rushing); WR/FS Jake Lathers, 5-11/175, sr. (593 yards/4 TDs receiving*); QB Troy Kutcha, 6-1/170 jr. (1,374 yards/10 TDs passing); FB/LB Kyle Minder, 5-11/200 jr. (457 yards/8 TDs rushing*).
Outlook: Lumen Christi will make its first trip to the Finals since that last championship run after eliminating two of the favorites along the way. Bell has carried a heavy load especially during the playoffs, and carried it well, while Kutcha adds a threat in the air to keep defenses honest. Minder is joined on defense by talented linebackers Alex Lasky and Luke Stanton, while end Karim Harris and tackle Grant Smith provide further power up front.
MAPLE CITY GLEN LAKE
Record/rank: 11-2, No. 6
Coach: Jerry Angers, eighth season (50-32)
League finish: Second in Northern Michigan Football Conference Leaders.
Finals history: Class DD champion 1994, Class DD runner-up 1996.
Best wins: 14-0 over No. 4 Calumet in the Regional Final, 36-12 over No. 8 Roscommon in the District Final, 34-20 over Leroy Pine River in the Semifinal.
Players to watch: RB/LB Nick Apsey, 6-1/200 jr. (791 yards/13 TDs rushing, 610 yards/10 TDs receiving); QB Cade Peterson, 6-4/190, jr. (1,953 yards/20 TDs passing, 664 yards/7 TDs rushing); WR/DB Jared Jackson, 5-11/160, sr. (455 yards/3 TDs receiving); RB/LB Duke Angers, 6-1/230, sr. (255 yards/3 TDs rushing).
Outlook: Glen Lake has broken the 10-win plateau for the first time since 2001 and won their most games since that last Finals run. Fewer teams at this stage have better losses; Glen Lake fell to Frankfort and Traverse City St. Francis, which both finished with only one loss this fall. Only those two and Pine River last week have scored more than 14 points against a defense keyed by Angers in the middle.
Division 7
DETROIT LOYOLA
Record/rank: 11-2, No. 5
Coach: John Callahan, seventh season (77-14)
League finish: First in Detroit Catholic League AA
Finals history: Division 7 champion 2014, runner-up 2013 and 2012.
Best wins: 36-13 over No. 6 Hudson in the Regional Final, 46-7 over No. 8 Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett in the District Final, 34-24 over Dearborn Divine Child.
Players to watch: QB/DB Price Watkins, 6-0/175, sr. (1,060 yards/9 TDs rushing, 817 yards/9 TDs passing); RB/LB Malcolm Mayes, 6-1/207, sr. (1,240 yards/14 TDs rushing); RB/LB D’Anthony Robinson, 5-10/210 soph. (1,298 yards/19 TDs rushing); LB/OL Kailen Abrams, 6-2/220 sr.
Outlook: Loyola no doubt has been looking forward to this rematch after falling to P-W 30-0 in a Semifinal last season. And the Bulldogs have beaten four league champions during this playoff run. But they are in a bit of a tough spot; Loyola's success this decade mostly has come as a result of a highly-productive running game, and three players have gone over 1,000 yards rushing this season. But the Detroit News has reported that Mayes and Robinson will be out with injuries Saturday. The good news is this team also can throw; Watkins has an all-state receiver in 6-foot-4 senior Hunter Harris (618 yards/7 TDs receiving).
PEWAMO-WESTPHALIA
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 2
Coach: Jeremy Miller, fourth season (46-6)
League finish: First in Central Michigan Athletic Conference.
Finals history: Division 7 runner-up 2015 and 2011.
Best wins: 17-14 over No. 1 Traverse City St. Francis in the Regional Final, 25-19 over No. 3 Saugatuck in the District Final, 34-16 over No. 4 Ubly in the Semifinal, 40-7 over Division 6 No. 10 Laingsburg.
Players to watch: RB/LB Jared Smith, 6-0/205, sr. (2,528 yards/38 TDs rushing); WR/DB Mason Schneider, 5-11/160, sr.; OT/DT Dominic Spitzley, 6-3/260, sr.; OL/LB Devon Pung, 5-11/200, sr.
Outlook: P-W was 3 minutes and 53 seconds from its first MHSAA title last season before falling to Ishpeming 22-16, and many of 2015's top contributors are back for another shot – including the second-leading rusher in MHSAA history. Smith has run for 8,140 yards over a four-season varsity career and is only 291 shy of the career record set by East Grand Rapids’ Kevin Grady from 2001-04. Defenses will focus on Smith – but he has a veteran line in front of him and a pair of quarterbacks in senior Ryan Smith and junior Jimmy Lehman who bring different looks on that side of the ball. Senior Nathan Smith joins Pung and Schneider as all-state honorees leading a defense that hasn’t given up more than 20 points in a game and 103 overall.
Division 8
OTTAWA LAKE WHITEFORD
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 5
Coach: Jason Mensing, fifth season (47-12)
League finish: First in Tri-County Conference.
Finals history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 40-21 over Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary in the Semifinal, 38-18 over No. 2 Climax-Scotts in the Regional Final, 30-26 and 44-21 (District Final) over Morenci.
Players to watch: QB/FS Thomas Eitniear, 5-10/160, jr. (920 yards/9 TDs passing, 796 yards/7 TDs rushing); RB/LB Jesse Kiefer, 5-9/165, sr. (1,240 yards/30 TDs rushing rushing, 287 yards/5 TDs receiving); WB/LB Conner Hoogendoorn, 5-11/175 sr. (953 yards/16 TDs rushing); OT/DT Lucas Tesznar, 6-5/250, jr.
Outlook: This is Whiteford’s first trip to the Finals after its second straight – and second-ever – Semifinal appearance. Kiefer, an all-state honorable mention, is the school’s career record-holder for rushing yards, points and total offense, while Eitniear has started every game of the two Semifinal runs at quarterback. He also was an all-state honorable mention and Tesznar made the first team as Whiteford has scored nearly 100 points more than last season’s record total. The Bobcats have had only two single-digit games this fall, winning their four playoff games by an average of 21 points.
MUSKEGON CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Steve Czerwon, fourth season (50-4)
League finish: First in Lakes 8 Conference.
Finals history: Eleven MHSAA titles (most recent 2015), three runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 21-6 and 35-0 (Semifinal) over No. 3 St. Ignace, 35-0 over No. 6 Frankfort in the Regional Final, 30-6 over Division 5 No. 9 Muskegon Oakridge.
Players to watch: RB/LB LaTommy Scott, 5-10/175, sr. (873 yards/8 TDs rushing); LB Andrew Schulte, 5-10/185, sr.; RB/DB Logan Helton, 5-9/175 sr. (817 yards/13 TDs rushing); RB/DB Walker Christoffersen, 5-9/180 sr. (656 yards/11 TDs rushing).
Outlook: MCC has won the last three Division 8 titles and brings back a number of veterans including all three top running backs from last season, when the Crusaders beat Waterford Our Lady 7-0. They did suffer a setback when all-state lineman Adam Benoit was ruled out for the rest of the season with an injury a few weeks ago – but it’s been tough to tell by MCC’s combined 70-0 score over the last two games. Senior quarterback Trenton Bordeaux adds another dimension offensively (589 yards/7 TDs passing) and also is an all-state punter, while all-stater Schulte leads a defense that hasn’t given up a point in three weeks and only 71 overall this fall.
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PHOTO: Ford Field is again the home of the MHSAA 11-Player Football Finals.