Drive for Detroit: Playoff Week 1 Preview
October 25, 2018
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Everything will seem to speed up from here for 288 Michigan high school football teams beginning their playoff runs this weekend.
Temperatures dip below freezing, practices finish in the dark and urgency is at its utmost this time of year. But soon the reward will come into view – trips to Ford Field for the elite 11-player teams and Superior Dome for the best of the 8-player lineup.
All eight reigning champions and all eight 2017 runners-up are back as 11-player playoffs begin at the District level this weekend. Three of four 8-player finalists from last season, including one champion, are back as those brackets begin at the Pre-Regional level. A total of 125 games will be played tonight, with 19 more Saturday.
In addition to watching live from the stands, there are plenty of opportunity to watch playoff games all over the state either live or later this weekend. FOX Sports Detroit PLUS will bring the Division 7 opener at Kent City against Saugatuck to a live cable audience, and that game joins Haslett at East Lansing and Davison at Oxford to make up this week’s Prep Zone lineup streaming free of charge on FOXSportsDetroit.com and on the FOX Sports app. At least 13 more games will be viewable on MHSAA.tv, either live with subscription or free after 72 hours.
Below is a glance at a game of particular intrigue in each division. “Drive for Detroit” is powered by MI Student Aid.
Division 1
Grosse Pointe South (8-1) at Dearborn Fordson (8-1)
These two make up one side of what might be the strongest District in Division 1 – on the other side Detroit Cass Tech (9-0) takes on Detroit Western (6-3). The Blue Devils won the Macomb Area Conference White for the third straight season and tripped up only Week 9 against Romeo – over the first eight games, they gave up 5.4 points per game. For the second straight regular season, Fordson’s only loss came to undefeated Belleville – and this time by only three points. The Tractors also are one of only four in-state teams to give the Technicians a close game over the last two years – losing by just five in last season’s District Final – but they can’t look past Grosse Pointe South toward a possible rematch.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Holland West Ottawa (6-3) at Hudsonville (6-3), Canton (6-3) at Detroit Catholic Central (6-3), Romeo (6-3) at Macomb Dakota (7-2). SATURDAY Brighton (7-2) at East Kentwood (8-1).
Division 2
Birmingham Groves (7-2) at Birmingham Seaholm (7-2)
This is one of those few rematches from Week 9 that crop up for the start of the playoffs every season, and Groves won this neighborly meeting 26-9 last week. But don’t think things can’t change over six days – it happens, and the Oakland Activities Association Blue champion Maples still gave up only 13 points per game during their first winning regular season since 2013. That said, Groves certainly knows how to turn it up in the playoffs. The Falcons are making their sixth straight postseason appearance and lost last year’s opener by just three to Brother Rice after making the Semifinals in 2016.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Portage Central (7-2) at Portage Northern (7-2), Warren DeLaSalle (7-2) at Warren Mott (7-2), Walled Lake Western (6-3) at Fenton (7-2), St. Clair Shores Lake Shore (6-3) at Port Huron Northern (8-1).
Division 3
River Rouge (8-1) at Detroit Martin Luther King (7-2)
River Rouge’s enrollment has grown by more than 350 students over the last four years, as the Panthers went from Division 5-runner-up in 2015 to making Division 4 Semifinals the last two years and now playing in Division 3. Rouge’s only loss this fall was Week 1 to Cass Tech 40-7, and King fell by nearly the same score (42-8) to the Technicians in last week’s Detroit Public School League A championship game. The Crusaders also have lots of postseason experience, winning Division 2 in 2015 and 2016 and making the Semifinals last season before losing by a point to eventual champion Warren DeLaSalle. Just as impressive this fall, King’s only other defeat was by three to reigning Division 3 champion Muskegon – which has won 23 straight games and the rest this season by an average of 42 points per.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY East Grand Rapids (6-3) at Muskegon (9-0), Battle Creek Central (6-3) at Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (7-2), Garden City (6-3) at Warren Woods Tower (8-1), Haslett (8-1) at East Lansing (8-1).
Division 4
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood (6-3) at Farmington Hills Harrison (6-3), Saturday
The Harrison watch continues as John Herrington, the winningest coach in state football history, leads the Hawks into their final playoffs with the school closing next summer. After two straight losses, Harrison beat Farmington last week to earn an automatic playoff berth and slotted in Division 4 after finishing runner-up in Division 3 last season. The Cranes might not seem as dangerous as a year ago when they set a school wins record going 10-2. But they moved into the tougher Detroit Catholic League AA this fall, and all three losses this season were by seven or fewer points – and now they’re back in the familiar Division 4 bracket.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Paw Paw (7-2) at Three Rivers (8-1), Lake Odessa Lakewood (7-2) vs. Flint Powers Catholic (6-3) at Atwood Stadium, Croswell-Lexington (6-3) at North Branch (7-2), Wyoming Godwin Heights (6-3) at Grand Rapids South Christian (5-4).
Division 5
Grand Rapids West Catholic (5-4) at Hudsonville Unity Christian (7-2)
It’s pretty well-known at this point that West Catholic has won five straight Division 5 titles and made six straight MHSAA Finals. The Falcons had to come back from a 1-3 start this fall and beat Coopersville in Week 9 to earn a shot at becoming an additional qualifier – but keep in mind they won it all in 2013 as an additional qualifier. Unity Christian has looked for a few years like a program inevitably on its way to Ford Field. The Crusaders made the Division 4 Semifinals in 2016 and lost last year’s D4 opener by just six to eventual champion Grand Rapids Catholic Central. They lost out on a share of a league title last week falling to Zeeland East, but both defeats this season came to Division 3 playoff teams – and Unity won three games over teams that made the Division 4 bracket.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Berrien Springs (7-2) at Hopkins (8-1), Lansing Catholic (8-1) at Olivet (8-1), Detroit Osborn (6-3) at Detroit Denby (7-2). SATURDAY Clare (8-1) at Manistee (9-0).
Division 6
Michigan Center (8-1) at Grass Lake (8-1)
The Cardinals missed locking up a second straight Cascades Conference championship by less than a touchdown, falling to eventual title winner Grass Lake 14-10 in Week 6. Michigan Center led until the final two minutes – and this rematch should be a welcome opportunity. The Warriors are coming off a 55-7 loss to Division 8 contender Reading a week ago in the Cascades/Big 8 Conference champions crossover, but before that were giving up only 8.8 points per game. It’s easy to anticipate these teams keeping the score low and close again tonight.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Ishpeming Westwood (7-2) at Calumet (9-0), Ecorse (7-2) vs. Warren Michigan Collegiate (8-1) at Madison Heights Bishop Foley, Constantine (6-3) at Schoolcraft (7-2), Hemlock (8-1) at Montrose (7-2).
Division 7
Saugatuck (8-1) at Kent City (8-1)
Kent City was a seven-point defeat to unbeaten Lake City from a second straight perfect regular season, and the Eagles get the chance to impress the statewide TV crowd by shutting down an Indians offense averaging nearly 51 points per game. Senior Brad Dunn leads Saugatuck with 2,189 yards and 38 touchdowns rushing, and senior Jacob Stewart (918/13) also could go over 1,000 yards for the season for the reigning Division 7 runner-up – which lost only to Schoolcraft, by a point. Kent City gives up just under 11 points per game and held Lake City to 22 below its final regular-season scoring average in that 14-7 Week 8 loss.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Cass City (7-2) at Sandusky (8-1). SATURDAY Harbor Springs (7-2) at Roscommon (8-1), Oscoda (8-1) at Iron Mountain (7-2), Detroit Loyola (6-3) at Madison Heights Bishop Foley (8-1).
Division 8
Pittsford (7-2) at Reading (9-0)
The Rangers have put together strong teams over the years – they’re making their 24th playoff appearance, and the 2008 team reached the Division 7 Semifinals. But it’s a good argument this is Reading’s most impressive team of the playoff era as it outscores opponents 50-4 on average and outscored five playoff-bound teams by an average of 47-7. Pittsford has reasons to be confident too heading into its fifth straight playoffs and seventh in eight seasons. The Wildcats emerged from a four-team league where all four made the playoffs this fall, and their losses both were to playoff-bound teams. Pittsford also beat Waterford Our Lady (see below) big in Week 4 and is giving up only 8.7 points per game this fall.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Waterford Our Lady (5-4) at Clarkston Everest Collegiate (8-1), Adrian Lenawee Christian (8-1) at Ottawa Lake Whiteford (9-0), Saginaw Nouvel (6-3) at Harbor Beach (8-1), Mendon (5-4) at White Pigeon (7-2).
8-Player Division 1
Kingston (8-1) at Deckerville (7-2)
Deckerville has played in two straight MHSAA Finals, falling just three points short of the Division 1 title a year ago. The Eagles opened their North Central Thumb League Blue title march this fall with a 36-20 win over Kingston in Week 5, and they’re 10-0 against the Cardinals since the teams began playing each other regularly again in 2010. Kingston this fall tied its most wins since 2006, and a ninth victory would tie a high since 1999 – while also breaking the streak and making the Cardinals instant Division 1 contenders.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Battle Creek St. Philip (6-3) at Bellevue (8-1), Genesee (5-4) at Morrice (9-0), Camden-Frontier (5-4) at Colon (8-1).
8-Player Division 2
Crystal Falls Forest Park (5-4) at Powers North Central (8-1)
North Central clinched the Great Lakes Conference West ahead of second-place Forest Park thanks to a 52-28 win Week 6, and that was just the latest meeting between the two with potential championship implications. The Jets downed the Trojans 60-50 in a Regional Final in 2016 on the way to winning the 8-player title, and the Trojans beat the Jets 20-6 in last season’s playoff opener on the way to winning the Division 2 championship. North Central, with its only loss opening night to Engadine, would seem a big favorite this time – but Forest Park is putting up 44 points per game despite giving up 34 and should be comfortable if forced to trade score for score.
Others that caught my eye: FRIDAY Rapid River (6-3) at Engadine (8-1), Marion (6-3) at Onekama (7-2), SATURDAY Peck (5-4) vs. Portland St. Patrick (5-4) at Portland.
Second Half’s weekly “Drive for Detroit” previews and reviews are powered by MI Student Aid, a part of the Student Financial Services Bureau located within the Michigan Department of Treasury. MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information, including various student financial assistance programs to help make college more affordable for Michigan students. MI Student Aid administers the state’s 529 savings programs (MET/MESP) and eight additional aid programs within its Student Scholarships and Grants division. Click for more information and connect with MI Student Aid on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.
PHOTO: Jeremiah Lockhart and Muskegon, here against Reeths-Puffer, are among reigning champions seeking to repeat as playoffs begin this week. (Photo by Tim Reilly.)
Familiar Name Home Again for Mona Shores
September 23, 2020
By Tom Kendra
Special for Second Half
One of the biggest names in Muskegon Mona Shores football history is back at quarterback – after a 40-year hiatus.
Mark Konecny, who went on to Alma College and then became the first Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association player to make it to the NFL, moved back home from Colorado in 2017. Now it’s his son (same name) who is connecting with receivers for the reigning Division 2 champion Sailors.
“It’s kind of cool to be here playing on the same field and practicing on the same field as him,” said Konecny, a 6-foot, 190-pound junior who wears No. 10, while his dad wore No. 11 at Shores. “I came here for a veer camp in the summer before my 8th-grade year and I liked Coach Koziak and the kids and thought it would be a good fit for me, and it has been.”
Konecny is the backup to senior Brady Rose (5-7, 172), a state Player of the Year candidate who powered the Sailors to a 35-26 upset of Detroit Martin Luther King in last year’s MHSAA Division 2 Final. But that doesn’t mean Konecny won’t play a key role in Friday’s showdown at crosstown rival Muskegon High.
Konecny threw a pair of first-half touchdown passes Friday as Shores picked up right where it left off with a 55-0 pounding of Muskegon Reeths-Puffer in an Ottawa-Kent Conference Green game.
While the explosive Rose is a magician running the veer offense, Koziak said having a backup like Konecny with a rocket arm adds another dimension to the attack.
“We want to get our best players on the field, but there can only be one quarterback, so it’s kind of a problem,” said Koziak, who led Mona Shores to its first-ever playoff berth in 2013 and then to the Finals three times in the past six years. “Brady is an amazing leader and high school football player, while Mark is more of a prototypical QB who can really spin it. So we’ll try to find unique ways to get them on the field at the same time.”
One of those unique ways came in the first quarter Friday, when Konecny lined up as a slot receiver and received a backwards toss from Rose. Konecny then fired his first-ever varsity pass, which a wide-open Elijah Farnum took 59 yards for a touchdown.
On the next possession, Konecny took over at quarterback and Rose moved to the slot, the position he played last year before stepping in for injured starting quarterback Caden Broersma early in the Semifinal against Walled Lake Western. With the Puffer defense focused on Rose, Konecny gunned a four-yard scoring pass to a sliding Keondre Pierce on a seam route.
The two-quarterback attack might be required Friday at Muskegon, as Shores managed just 15 rushing yards and three first downs in last year’s humbling 53-0 loss to the Big Reds.
Muskegon holds a 32-7 all-time edge over Mona Shores, and had won 14 in a row before the Sailors broke through with back-to-back regular-season wins in 2014 and 2015. The Big Reds have since won five straight in the series, including a playoff victory in 2015.
Friday’s game will be the first on the new synthetic field turf at renovated Hackley Stadium, where the Big Reds have been playing since 1927.
Muskegon coach Shane Fairfield hinted before Monday’s practice that the Big Reds could also use multiple quarterbacks in Friday’s game. Projected starter Amari Crowley did not play in Muskegon’s 59-14 opening win at Holland, but is expected to be back Friday. Junior Myles Walton stepped in last week and rushed for 133 yards and completed 4-of-5 passes for 52 yards.
Konecny’s dad remembers classic battles against Muskegon back during his era, and leading the Sailors to a 20-7 win over Muskegon his senior year in 1980 before suffering a season-ending broken collarbone the following week at Traverse City.
He was converted to running back at Alma College, where he became the first in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season with 1,059 in 1984 in earning all-MIAA honors. He played two years in the Canadian Football League, before realizing his dream of playing in the NFL in 1987 with the Miami Dolphins.
Konecny’s best NFL season came with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1988, when he returned 17 kickoffs for 276 yards and 32 punts for 226 yards.
After football, he worked as a fireman in Littleton, Colo., for 25 years, but fate led him back home to Mona Shores when Koziak invited him to speak at a team fundraiser in 2017. Later that year, the younger Konecny took part in the school’s veer camp and the family decided to come home for good.
Things have fallen into place ever since. Konecny got a job with the Norton Shores Fire Department; his wife, Lauri, landed a kindergarten teaching job at Campbell Elementary in the Mona Shores district; and their only child, Mark, quarterbacked the Sailors freshmen to a 7-1-1 record two years ago and the junior varsity to an 8-1 record last fall.
The elder Konecny coached the Shores special teams the past two years, but stepped aside during the offseason to give his son some space and just be another dad in the stands.
“I want these next two years to be all about him and the work that he has put in,” said Konecny, who was inducted into the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. “I just want to be an advocate for him and do whatever I can, lend whatever knowledge or experience I can, to help him achieve his goals.”
The younger Konecny is always trying to learn – soaking in lessons from Koziak and offensive coordinator Aaron James about the nuances of the veer offense and working with his father and former MSU quarterback Ryan Van Dyke on the mechanics of quarterback play. But perhaps the best lessons of all come from Rose.
“We compete with each other, but we also encourage each other,” explained Konecny, who has played hockey in the past but plans to powerlift and play baseball this school year. “What Brady does on the field just logistically doesn’t make sense for someone his size. But you see him in the weight room and around our teammates, and he’s such a leader. He’s a great influence on me.”
Koziak said he has no doubt Konecny will be a college quarterback in a couple of years.
“One of the things I really like about Mark is that he has a very inquisitive football mind,” said Koziak. “He wants to know why we do certain things we do in terms of motion or blocking on a particular play – not just what he has to do, but why.”
Konecny also has an incredible work ethic, never missing a chance to throw with his teammates or to hit the weight room. He recently became a rare junior skill athlete to join the Mona Shores 1,000-pound club – meaning his combined best lift in the bench, squat and dead lift tops that weight.
And when he’s not doing one of those things, he can often be spotted at his dad’s old favorite workout spot: the giant Lake Michigan sand dunes at Lake Harbor Park.
“Every so often, we’ll be sitting around the house and he’ll be restless and go run the dunes,” the elder Konecny said with a smile. “Those are the same dunes that I used to run when I played at Shores, so that’s kind of neat. Like father, like son, I guess.”
Tom Kendra worked 23 years at The Muskegon Chronicle, including five as assistant sports editor and the final six as sports editor through 2011. E-mail him at [email protected] with story ideas for Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, Lake, Oceola, Mecosta and Newaygo counties.
PHOTOS: (Top) Mona Shores junior quarterback Mark Konecny drops back to pass during Friday's game at Muskegon Reeths-Puffer. (Middle) Konecny warms up Friday. (Below) The elder Mark Konecny. (Mona Shores photos by Eric Sturr and Mike Meekhof, respectively. Head shot courtesy of the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame.)