Drive for Detroit: Playoff R2 in Review
November 7, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Revenge is a dish best served during the playoffs.
And a number of MHSAA title hopefuls enjoyed their shares of the buffet this weekend.
Six of nine playoff divisions saw a team win either an 11-player District championship or 8-player Regional title by avenging a loss from earlier this season. Others avenged losses from playoff runs past – or in a few cases, years of just missing against rivals.
All games at this level of the tournament are big, of course, and below are just a sampling of results that stuck out most from the second round.
Division 1
Clarkston 31, Davison 14
Clarkston (9-2) handed Davison its first and only loss this season on the power of a rushing game that tallied 303 yards and nearly 9.5 per carry. Davison (10-1) scored the game’s first touchdown in the first quarter, but didn’t reach the end zone again until quarterback Brenden McRill ran for his second score midway through the fourth. The District Final was the Cardinals’ first since 2008. Click for more from the Oakland Press.
Also noted:
Grandville 20, Rockford 9 – The Bulldogs (10-1) broke a 14-game losing streak to the Rams (7-4), who had beaten Grandville 7-6 in Week 6 and in the playoffs three times over the last 11 seasons.
Saline 37, Canton 31 – The Yellowjackets (11-0) came back from a 10-0 deficit as quarterback Zach Schwartzenberger threw two touchdown passes and ran for a third score to get Saline ahead of the Chiefs (8-3).
Detroit Cass Tech 24, Dearborn 7 – Dearborn (9-2) succeeded in holding Cass Tech (11-0) to its season low in points, but also scored its fewest since Week 5 of 2015.
Division 2
Fenton 49, Midland Dow 42
Fenton scored last, with 2:10 to play, on quarterback Josh Czarnota’s second touchdown pass to go with four touchdown runs as the Tigers (9-2) won their first District title since 2011. Czarnota threw for 264 yards and ran for 166 in a dual with Dow quarterback Bruce Mann, who tossed four touchdown passes with 238 yards and also ran for 127 yards and two scores. The Chargers finished 9-2. Click for more from the Flint Journal.
Also noted:
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 27, Portage Central 13 – The Rangers (9-2) added a District title to their best season since 1995, and after finishing 2-7 each of the last two; Portage Central finished 9-2, one win better than a year ago.
Birmingham Groves 24, Birmingham Brother Rice 0 – These neighbors don’t play often; that said, Groves (10-1) earned its first win over the Warriors since 1963 as Rice (7-4) had won their last eight meetings.
Temperance Bedford 39, Livonia Franklin 22 – The Mules (9-2) are another who have shined after a middling go in 2015; they have as many wins this fall as the last two seasons combined and eliminated a Franklin team that made the Semifinals last season and finished this one 7-4.
Division 3
Chelsea 27, Coldwater 20
This rematch of last season’s Division 3 Semifinal was much closer than Chelsea’s 35-7 victory a year ago. The Bulldogs (11-0) won their third straight District title this time by scoring a touchdown with six seconds left to break a 20-20 tie – and with the win earned a Regional matchup with also-undefeated Edwardsburg. Coldwater finished 8-3. Click for more from the Ann Arbor News.
Also noted:
Byron Center 55, Grand Rapids Christian 28 – The Bulldogs (10-1) got to 10 wins for the first time since 2000 with a second District title in four seasons; Grand Rapids Christian finished its best season in four at 9-2.
Muskegon 28, East Grand Rapids 10 – The Big Reds (10-1) won their fifth straight District title by ending a seven-game winning streak for the Pioneers (8-3).
Allen Park 34, Romulus 0 – The Jaguars (11-0) tied their most wins since 2004 in ending the winningest season for Romulus (9-2) since 2000.
Division 4
Hudsonville Unity Christian 35, Benton Harbor 34 (OT)
Unity Christian (9-2) continued the best season of its 14-year history while ending another incredible run by the Tigers. Benton Harbor followed up last season’s first-ever playoff run and 6-5 finish (after a combined 0-18 the previous two years) with a program-best 10-1 record this fall. Both teams scored in overtime, but the Crusaders stopped the Tigers’ conversion run attempt to win a second straight District title. Click for more from WZZM.
Also noted:
Lake Odessa Lakewood 36, Lansing Sexton 28 – These teams combined for more than 750 yards of total offense, but Lakewood (10-1) reached 10 wins for the first time by holding on despite two touchdown passes by Jackson Barnes over the final 10 minutes that kept Sexton (7-4) in the mix.
Detroit Country Day 45, Marysville 7 – Country Day (11-0) got touchdowns from six players, including one on defense after an interception to hand Marysville (10-1) its lone loss.
Adrian 28, Milan 13 – The Maples (7-4) made good on an at-large bid by claiming a District title against the team that beat them on opening night, 27-13; Milan finished 9-2 and has totaled at least nine wins four of the last five seasons.
Division 5
Grand Rapids West Catholic 10, Portland 7
Offense was at a premium during this matchup of teams that previously combined to average 74 points per game this fall. But West Catholic kicker Liam Putz found a score when it mattered most, drilling a 31-yard field goal with four seconds to play to send the reigning champion Falcons (9-2) onward and end the Raiders’ season at 10-1. Click for more from WZZM.
Also noted:
Ithaca 47, Muskegon Oakridge 6 – It’s fair to call this a statement win for the Yellowjackets (11-0), as Oakridge (9-2) arguably was their strongest opponent to date; it’s also accurate to note that Ithaca suddenly has a 25-game winning streak.
Frankenmuth 49, Freeland 14 – Only two weeks ago, Frankenmuth (10-1) fell 7-3 to the Falcons (10-1); last year Freeland beat the Eagles twice in the same scenario.
Reed City 34, Remus Chippewa Hills 28 – The Coyotes (11-0) have had five 10-win seasons over the last six, but 10 was the max – until Reed City broke through with a second victory over Chippewa Hills (9-2) this season by six points or fewer.
Division 6
Jackson Lumen Christi 37, Schoolcraft 34 (OT)
Abe Johnson’s 13-yard field goal in overtime clinched Lumen Christi’s third straight District title, this one over a pre-playoff title favorite in the Eagles (10-1). The Titans (9-2) are hoping to win their first MHSAA championship since 2009, and took a major step after managing to slightly slow a Schoolcraft offense that came in averaging 46 points per game and had scored fewer than 40 only once. Click for more from the Jackson Citizen-Patriot.
Also noted:
Napoleon 42, Grass Lake 21 – The Pirates (9-2) avenged a Week 2 loss to Cascades Conference rival Grass Lake (9-2) to advance to the third round of the playoffs for the first time.
Calumet 6, Negaunee 0 – The Miners (10-1) also were a popular championship favorite heading into the playoffs with their closest game coming from … Calumet (10-1), which fell to Negaunee 14-6 in Week 2.
Detroit Central Collegiate 26, Warren Michigan Collegiate 22 – The Trail Blazers (7-4) won their first District title since 2010, ending the best season for the Charter School Conference champion Cougars (9-2) since 2011.
Division 7
Pewamo-Westphalia 25, Saugatuck 19
Few games in any division could match the star power generated by P-W running back Jared Smith and Saugatuck quarterback Blake Dunn, who combined as juniors to run for just shy of 6,000 yards. Smith ran for 222 yards and two scores Saturday to help the Pirates (11-0) hold on against the previously undefeated Indians (10-1) for their sixth straight District title. Click for more from the Ionia Sentinel-Standard.
Also noted:
Detroit Loyola 46, Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett 7 – The Bulldogs (9-2) eliminated a league champion for the second straight round, following up last week’s victory over Madison Heights Madison with this one over Michigan Independent Athletic Conference winner Liggett (10-1).
Concord 48, Homer 32 – The Yellowjackets (9-2) could’ve fallen victim to revenge, but stretched out the margin a little after beating Homer (8-3) only 28-26 in Week 2.
Ubly 24, Unionville-Sebewaing 16 – The story was similar for Ubly (11-0), which kept its best season since 2010 going with another win over opening-night opponent USA (9-2).
Division 8
Norway 40, Lake Linden-Hubbell 16
Opportunities for upset get fewer later in the tournament, but this may fall into that category based on past history. Norway (9-2) continued to forget last year’s 2-7 finish and five straight sub-.500 seasons with a first District title since 2006, earning it against a Lakes team that finished the regular season undefeated for the second season in a row and at 10-1 posted its most wins since 2009. Click for more from the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette.
Also noted:
Royal Oak Shrine 49, Clarkston Everest Collegiate 25 – The Knights (9-2) started their four-game winning streak last month against Everest Collegiate and won their first District title since 2008 with a second win over the Mountaineers (8-3).
Climax-Scotts 28, Mendon 14 – For the second straight season, undefeated Climax-Scotts (11-0) downed playoff rival Mendon (8-3), this time for a second straight District title.
Frankfort 38, Lincoln Alcona 34 – The Panthers (11-0) have had only a few scares this season, and needed a touchdown during the final minute to avoid falling to the Tigers (9-2).
8-Player
Powers North Central 60, Crystal Falls Forest Park 50
Forest Park (9-2) made the margin in this growing Upper Peninsula rivalry even closer in this season’s rematch, but the Jets still pulled away. North Central (11-0) had beaten the Trojans by 18 in Week 2, but scored twice during the fourth quarter to keep its perfect record as an 8-player program intact at 24-0. The teams combined for 1,022 yards of total offense, and the stars shone brightly; Jets quarterback Jason Whitens threw for 286 yards and four touchdowns and ran for 114 yards and four more scores, while Forest Park running back Dan Nocerini capped his high school career with 50 carries for 260 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Click for more from the Escanaba Daily Press.
Other Regional Finals:
Pickford 30, Engadine 28 – The Panthers (10-1) earned a 10th win for the first time since 1991, avenging a 10-point loss to Engadine in Week 3 by handing the Eagles (10-1) their lone defeat.
Wyoming Tri-unity Christian 28, Portland St. Patrick 10 – The Defenders’ first playoff run now includes handing St. Patrick (10-1) its only loss while improving to 11-0.
Deckerville 58, New Haven Merritt 12 – The Eagles (10-0) arguably have been even more dominant than North Central, and only seemed to be getting stronger in handing Merritt (10-1) its first loss.
PHOTO: Fenton (orange helmet) bulled through a tough matchup with Midland Dow to advance in Division 2. (Click to see more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)
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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