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Drive for Detroit: Playoff Week 1 Review

October 30, 2017

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor 

A couple massive upsets and an MHSAA record. Not a bad way to kick off the 2017 Football Playoffs.

Those are just a few of the many highlights from this weekend’s first rounds – Pre-District in 11-player and Pre-Regional in 8-player – and we’ve mentioned many more in our “Drive for Detroit” report below powered by MI Student Aid.

Read on for some from each division that especially stuck out from the first of our five-week run. 

11-Player Division 1

Holland West Ottawa 33, Grandville 29

On a night that saw three teams lose Week 9 rematches they won the first time, West Ottawa (9-1) held on to down the Bulldogs (6-4) for the second straight week by scoring the winning points with less than a minute to play. West Ottawa had beaten Grandville 34-18 two weeks ago to claim the Ottawa-Kent Conference Red title outright; now the Panthers take on another league foe in Rockford. Click for more from the Holland Sentinel.

Also noted:

Rockford 36, Grand Ledge 0 – The Rams (7-3) hit the road and won their playoff opener for the 15th straight season, this time over the Capital Area Activities Conference Blue champion Comets (8-2).

Detroit Catholic Central 24, Livonia Stevenson 7 – The Shamrocks (6-4) made the playoffs as an at-large qualifier, but get a chance to win a third straight District title after downing another at-large team in Stevenson (5-5).

Canton 42, Saline 14 – The Chiefs (9-1) avenged last year’s District Final loss to the Hornets (7-2) as these two met in the postseason for the fourth straight.

West Bloomfield 31, Bloomfield Hills 6 – The Lakers’ most recent loss was by four points Week 2 to Bloomfield Hills (6-4), now avenged as West Bloomfield moved to 8-2 on the season.

11-Player Division 2

Flushing 20, Lowell 14

This season got even sweeter for the Raiders as they moved on to the District Final by handing Lowell (6-4) its earliest playoff exit since 1999. Flushing (8-2) now has as many wins as the last two seasons combined; the Raiders finished 4-5 in both 2015 and 2016. They scored with just more than three minutes to play Friday to break a 14-14 tie. Click for more from the Flint Journal.

Also noted:

Traverse City Central 21, Midland 13 – The Trojans (7-3) drove south and came back with a win over the Saginaw Valley League Blue champ Chemics (8-2), earning the opportunity to see rival Traverse City West again this week.

Ypsilanti Lincoln 14, Brownstown Woodhaven 7 – In its fourth playoff game ever, Lincoln (8-2) earned its first playoff victory by ending a seven-game winning streak for the Warriors (7-3).

Birmingham Brother Rice 24, Birmingham Groves 21 (3OT) – This thriller included a blocked field goal attempt to stay alive and made field goal to win, both by the Warriors (7-3), to avenge last year’s playoff loss to Groves (7-3).

Livonia Franklin 35, Walled Lake Western 28 (OT) – The Patriots (8-2) ran their winning streak to six straight by outlasting the reigning Division 2 runner-up Warriors (8-2).

11-Player Division 3

Cedar Springs 41, East Grand Rapids 40

On a night of upsets, this one sent the loudest boom across the state. The Pioneers (9-1), coming off their first perfect regular season since their Division 3 championship year of 2010, trailed throughout the first half before taking a lead early in the second. Cedar Springs (7-3) went ahead again and stopped a two-point conversion attempt after East Grand Rapids’ last score to secure the win. Click for more from WOODTV8.

Also noted:

Zeeland West 42, Zeeland East 27 – For the second time in six years, West (7-3) took a loss from East (9-0) during the regular season (in this case Week 9) but came back to end the previously-undefeated Chix’ playoff run in the first round.

DeWitt 42, Grand Rapids Christian 10 – The Panthers (9-1) also got a revenge win after suffering their only loss this season on opening night to the Eagles (7-3).

Haslett 31, Parma Western 29 – The Vikings (8-2) continued their best season since 2006 thanks to a last-minute field goal by Nate Magnusson; at 6-4, Parma Western did tie its best record since 1986.

Redford Thurston 26, Romulus 0 – A loss in Week 6 to eventual champion Romulus (6-4) cost Thurston the Western Wayne Athletic Conference Blue title, but the Eagles (7-3) will get to play for a District championship instead.

11-Player Division 4

Three Rivers 20, Vicksburg 10

In another case of sudden revenge, Three Rivers bounced back from a Week 9 loss to the Bulldogs (7-3) that cost the Wildcats a share of the Wolverine B Conference title. The 20-point swing Friday kept Three Rivers (8-2) alive with its most wins since 2012 and earned it a rematch with Wolverine champ Edwardsburg; the Wildcats beat the Eddies in Week 7. Click for more from JoeInsider.com.

Also noted:

Williamston 34, Lake Fenton 14 – The Hornets (6-4) came back from a seven-point Week 9 loss to the Blue Devils (8-2) with their first playoff wins since 2012.

Wyoming Kelloggsville 49, Wyoming Godwin Heights 7 – After downing their rivals by only one in Week 6, the Rockets (10-0) broke away; Godwin (7-3) should still celebrate its best finish since 1989.

Grand Rapids Catholic Central 32, Hudsonville Unity Christian 26 – The reigning champion Cougars (10-0) survived one of their few scares of the season to eliminate Unity Christian (6-4) in a rematch of last year’s Semifinal.  

Plainwell 24, Grand Rapids South Christian 13 – The Trojans (8-2) reached eight wins for the third time in five years but after going only 4-5 a year ago, ending the season for a South Christian team that improved two wins to 7-3 this fall. 

11-Player Division 5

Frankenmuth 31, Almont 28

A seemingly high number of games enjoyed dramatic finishes to start the playoffs – but this one might have taken the prize. After trailing by 18 heading into the fourth quarter, Almont (7-3) took a 28-24 lead with 16 seconds to play. But Hunter Schluckebier brought back his second kickoff return for a touchdown on the night, this one 84 yards to give the Eagles (10-0) the lead again with two seconds left. Click for more from the Saginaw News.

Also noted:

Grant 28, Newaygo 14 – The Tigers (7-3) equaled their most wins since 2010 by avenging a Week 8 loss to the Lions (7-3), who won the first meeting by 14.

Carrollton 25, Freeland 6 – The best season for Carrollton (7-3) since 2012 got even better with this avenging of a Week 8 loss to the Falcons (6-4), who won the first meeting by 17.

Ida 22, Detroit Denby 20 – The Bluestreaks (8-2) have bounced back from seeing their league title hopes dashed and downed one of the best from the Detroit Public School League in Denby (6-3).

Algonac 20, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard 3 – The Blue Water Area Conference champ Muskrats (9-1) moved to 6-2 in the playoffs over the last three years by ending the best season for the Fighting Irish (7-3) since 2014. 

11-Player Division 6

Maple City Glen Lake 28, Boyne City 7

It was easy to glance at this Division 6 District and anticipate a rematch between Boyne City (9-1) and Traverse City St. Francis, who decided the Northern Michigan Football League Legends championship in Week 9. But reigning Division 6 runner-up Glen Lake (7-2) won the Leaders division this fall after a rough nonleague start and now gets a chance to avenge a Week 2 loss to the Gladiators. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Also noted:

Houghton Lake 20, Harrison 16 – After falling to Harrison (6-4) by two in Week 7, the Bobcats (7-3) came back to ensure their best record since 2005.

Laingsburg 7, Montrose 0 – The Wolfpack (8-2) got to eight wins for the third straight season with the game’s lone points against the Rams (7-3).

Blissfield 13, Napoleon 7 – The Royals (6-4) emerged from third place in the Lenawee County Athletic Association to hand a season-ending loss to Cascades Conference co-champion Napoleon (7-3).

Detroit Central 41, Clinton Township Clintondale 12 – The Trail Blazers (8-2) have their most wins since 2010 and will play for a second straight District title after ending a nice bounce-back season for the Dragons, who went from 4-5 in 2016 to 7-3. 

11-Player Division 7 

St. Louis 13, Beaverton 12

First St. Louis made the playoffs this month for the first time, and now this: The Sharks (6-4) also have their first playoff win and their most victories total in one season since 1995, thanks to a late touchdown that secured this opener. Beaverton (8-2) also enjoyed a historic season, its winningest since 1970. Click for more from the Mount Pleasant Morning Sun. 

Also noted:

Ishpeming Westwood 30, Elk Rapids 0 – Westwood (9-1) extended its record for wins in a season with this one over Elk Rapids (7-3) its first in the playoffs since 2009; the Elks can celebrate a great run after going a combined 2-15 over 2015-16. 

Reading 21, Union City 20 – Reading (8-2) hung on in a rematch after first defeating Union City (7-3) by 24 in Week 6.

Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 45, Addison 28 – St. Mary’s first playoff win since 2014 pushed the Falcons to 6-4 after a 1-3 start; Cascade Conference co-champ Addison (7-3) finished its most successful season since 2007. 

Riverview Gabriel Richard 22, Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest 21 – The Pioneers (9-1) also set a program record for wins while ending a perfect run for Lutheran Northwest (9-1).

11-Player Division 8 

Climax-Scotts 84, Fulton 62

Part of the fun of this record-setting result was watching the score climb. The Pirates (7-3) led 35-34 at halftime, but Climax-Scotts (8-2) took a 62-49 advantage into the fourth quarter. Total, the 146 points set an MHSAA record for a game in which the losing team scored at least 40. Click for more from the Battle Creek Enquirer.

Also noted:

Hillman 15, AuGres-Sims 6 – The Tigers (6-4) opened 0-3 but now have avenged one of those defeats, in the process handing AuGres-Sims (8-1) its only loss.

Harbor Beach 30, Ubly 22 – The Pirates defeated the rival Bearcats (7-3) for the second time in three weeks, moving to 9-1 with an eighth straight victory.

Petersburg-Summerfield 14, Morenci 6 – The Bulldogs (7-3) swung the score 20 points after falling 40-28 to Morenci (6-4) in Week 9.

Clarkston Everest Collegiate 26, Waterford Our Lady 21 – The Mountaineers (8-2) ran their streak against rival Our Lady to four straight after also downing the Lakers (6-3) in Week 7 to clinch the first share of the Detroit Catholic League Intersectional 2 title. 

8-Player Division 1 

Lawrence 24, Camden-Frontier 20

The Cedar Springs win is tough to beat, but this was a massive upset as well. Camden-Frontier (9-1) entered with the second-highest playoff point average in Division 1, and only one opponent had come closer than 26 of catching the Redskins this fall. Lawrence (5-5) was the only team to make the playoffs with a sub-.500 record – but the 2014 champion is moving on. Click for more from the Hillsdale Daily News.

Also noted: 

Cedarville 20, Rudyard 0 – Ten weeks later the result was more or less the same, as Cedarville (8-2) handed Rudyard (7-3) a second loss after they first met opening night.

Suttons Bay 38, Wyoming Tri-unity Christian 24 – After not being able to finish last season’s schedule in 11-player, Suttons Bay (7-3) has found a home and downed Tri-unity (6-4) after it made the Semifinals in 2016.

Morrice 58, Kingston 28 – A month ago, Kingston (7-3) stunned the Orioles (9-1) the week after they handed Deckerville its lone loss; now Morrice gets to see Deckerville again after the two ended up splitting the North Central Thumb League Stars title.

8-Player Division 2

Engadine 38, Rapid River 28

Chalk up a major win for the eastern Upper Peninsula. Engadine (8-2) was surrounded in this Regional by three strong teams from the powerful Western Eight Conference, but now has a chance to come out as the winner after eliminating the WEC champion Rockets (7-3). Click for more from the Escanaba Daily Press. 

Also noted:

Crystal Falls Forest Park 20, Powers North Central 6 – The Trojans (8-2) handed North Central a loss for the second time this season, eliminating the two-time reigning champion after the Jets (6-3) had won five straight.

Bay City All Saints 44, Marion 42 – The Cougars (7-3) bounced back from two straight losses to end the regular season to take down the West Michigan D League champ Eagles (7-2).

Flint International Academy 36, Battle Creek St. Philip 24 – The Phoenix (8-2) earned its first playoff win and sit 14-5 in two seasons as a program; St. Philip finished 5-5, returning to the playoffs after missing a year ago.

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: Alma and Flint Powers Catholic played into overtime Friday before the Panthers emerged with a 20-14 win in Division 4. (Click to see more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)

From left: Forest Park’s Bryan LaChapelle, coach Dick Mettlach, Dick Mettlach Jr., and Bill Santilli pose with the first Class D championship trophy Nov. 22, 1975, at Waldo Field in Kalamazoo.

Forest Park's Playoff Tradition Began with Statement-Making Title Run

By Jason Juno
Special for MHSAA.com

November 29, 2024

CRYSTAL FALLS — The Crystal Falls Forest Park football team played in its 15th Football Final last weekend, tying it for fourth-most championship game appearances in MHSAA history.

The first came back in 1975, the very first year the MHSAA conducted a football postseason tournament.

The Trojans already had a strong tradition before that, but champions were only mythical then, based on records, strength of schedule and opinions.

Forest Park players were excited to hear about the chance to prove it on the field, said Bill Santilli, the team’s standout running back that season.

“We had high expectations,” said Santilli, who also took the Trojans to seven Finals as their coach, leading them to the Division 8 title in 2007. “The team that we had put together my senior year, I felt we had a lot of really good athletes and our school had a strong tradition of football back then through the 60s and early 70s.”

Only four teams in each class made the MHSAA Playoffs that first year. So when Forest Park lost to Norway – a physical team that finished the season undefeated – 14-13 during the regular season, the Trojans thought their playoff hopes were pretty dim.

Their schedule, though, was made up of mostly larger schools and the point system rewarded them for it, making Forest Park the region’s Class D representative.

The Semifinal final game against Posen was scheduled to be played in Traverse City on Nov. 15, the first day of deer season. One of the coaches joked they had never missed a first day and he was going hunting.

The only hunting they did that day was for a spot in the state title game, and they traded bagging a buck for blanking Posen 67-0.

“Their credit was they had a strong running game,” Santilli said. “They had been beating teams by quite a margin throughout the season. We just played and did a great job of what we had to do by our game plan.”

Up next was Flint Holy Rosary in the Final at Western Michigan University the next Saturday.

“I would say we had a confidence as a team, based on the confidence of our coaching staff, based on the confidence of our Semifinal victory,” Santilli said. “We were ready to play.”

Beyond seeking the thrill of a championship, the Trojans wanted to prove how good the football was in the Upper Peninsula. Players kept track of high school football results throughout the state – this being well before the internet made finding news and results so easy, they looked to the Detroit Free Press — and found teams in the larger metropolitan areas were more highly-touted.

“We wanted to prove that there were some good football teams in the Upper Peninsula that in my opinion seemed to get overlooked,” Santilli said. “I think it was not only our mission to win that first state championship, but also our mission to make a statement that we play good football.”

Forest Park won 50-0. 

“Just the feeling to play and win the inaugural event, to be able to have the memories, to talk about it, to play so well and to hold onto that state championship trophy, the real, true state championship trophy, we didn’t think there was anything better in our lives,” Santilli said.

No team reached 50 points in a championship game again until 1994; no one exceeded it until 2002. 

“We played extremely well,” Santilli said. 

The Trojans led by that score going into the fourth quarter. They were able to put the second unit in and watch those teammates preserve the shutout.

“We just had a good group of athletes, we all got along, we had guys that knew their role, they were all very good at their positions and we just gelled as a group,” Santilli said. “We had really good linemen, we had tough hitters on defense, we had defensive backs who could cover a pass and yet had the speed to come up and make tackles on the line of scrimmage. We had an offensive running game that I would describe as consistent and powerful. And if we needed to throw, we had a good quarterback and receivers.”

Santilli, a 5-foot-9 senior, was double and triple-teamed, according to MHSAA accounts of the game, and he still rushed for 178 yards and three touchdowns on 37 carries. He finished with 226 points for the season, including 46 in the Semifinal, setting an MHSAA single-season record at the time. Quarterback Rich Mettlach tallied 148 yards through the air, with 103 to Bryan LaChapelle.

Forest Park’s defense was dominant, holding Holy Rosary to minus-32 yards rushing, 78 passing and just four first downs.

“They told us the competition got tougher the farther south we got,” coach Richard Mettlach said afterward. “We like it down here and may come back next year.”

Santilli was the first Class D player to earn a spot on the Detroit Free Press all-state Dream Team, according to the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame, which welcomed Santilli in 2005. His 1,865 rushing yards were a state record, the Hall of Fame indicated.

He said he received much of the recognition that season because he was the ballcarrier, but he credited his teammates with making it all possible.

“I got the recognition only because of the other guys with the jerseys with the same team name on them,” he said.

Forest Park football has been good ever since.

They beat Flint Holy Rosary again the next year in the Class D title game, although the score was closer, 14-6. Rosary came out on top in 1977 with a 21-20 win over Forest Park, and the Trojans fell 38-14 to Detroit St. Martin dePorres in the 1978 finale.

PHOTO From left: Forest Park’s Bryan LaChapelle, coach Dick Mettlach, Dick Mettlach Jr., and Bill Santilli pose with the first Class D championship trophy Nov. 22, 1975, at Waldo Field in Kalamazoo. (Photo by Bill Santilli.)