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Drive for Detroit: Playoff Week 2 Review

November 6, 2017

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

From 288 to 144 to 72, these MHSAA Football Playoffs are shaking out a little differently than the last few seasons.

All in all, this fall’s postseason over the first two weeks has included more surprises than what seem usual. This week’s action was endured through uncharacteristic stormy weather – and saw two more of last season’s finalists leave the field, meaning this month’s championship games will include at least nine teams that didn’t play for titles a year ago.

Below is a look at games from every division that especially jumped out as 11-player District champions and 8-player Regional champions were celebrated. The MHSAA Playoffs are sponsored by the Michigan Army National Guard, and “Drive for Detroit” is sponsored by MI Student Aid.

11-Player Division 1

Canton 28, Belleville 25

The Chiefs (10-1) ran their winning streak this fall to 10 straight and reached 10 wins for the second time in three seasons by putting up the second-most points given up by a stellar Belleville defense this fall. The Tigers (10-1) were allowing only 7.5 points per game heading into the District Final, and finished with their best record since also going 10-1 in 1995. Click for more from the Detroit News.

Also noted:

Holland West Ottawa 33, Rockford 28 – The Ottawa-Kent Conference Red champion Panthers (10-1) downed runner-up Rockford (7-4) the second time this season as both games were decided by five points.

Detroit Cass Tech 27, Dearborn Fordson 22 – A late score and then defensive stand gave Cass Tech (8-2) its eighth straight District title and Fordson (9-2) only its second loss of its best season since 2014.

Utica Eisenhower 10, Rochester Adams 6 – Eisenhower (11-0) crossed for the game’s only touchdowns with 1:33 to play in what was the lowest-scoring game for both teams this fall; Adams finished 9-2.

Clinton Township Chippewa Valley 45, Macomb Dakota 20 – Chippewa Valley (10-1) reached double-digit wins for the first time since 2003 with its second victory this season over rival Dakota (7-4). 

11-Player Division 2

Traverse City Central 17, Traverse City West 14

Central ran its recent record against neighbor West to five wins in six games by avenging the 29-27 Week 3 defeat to the Titans (9-2) that ended up deciding the Big North Conference. Central (8-3) scored the eventual winning points with just under two minutes to play as the teams met in the playoffs for the second straight season. The District title was Central’s first since West opened in 1997. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Also noted:

Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 28, Muskegon Mona Shores 21 – The Rangers (11-0) tied a program record for wins set in 1994 by holding Mona Shores (9-2) to its fewest points this season.

Flushing 28, Fenton 21 – Flushing (9-2) hadn’t beaten rival Fenton (9-2) during their four years together in the Flint Metro League, including a 52-35 defeat in Week 7, but did so this time to win a District title after not making the playoffs the last two years.

Livonia Franklin 21, Livonia Churchill 19 – Franklin’s 14-point loss to Churchill in Week 4 ended up deciding the Kensington Lakes Activities Association Gold title for the Chargers (8-3), but this rematch win gave Franklin (9-2) its second District title in three seasons.

Ypsilanti Lincoln 21, Wyandotte Roosevelt 19 – Lincoln (9-2) is making history every week, first with its first playoff win ever on Oct. 27 and now with its first District title after stopping a two-point conversion that would’ve pulled previously-undefeated Roosevelt (10-1) even late. 

11-Player Division 3

Riverview 38, Gibraltar Carlson 14

The Pirates (10-1) have enjoyed one of the best turnaround seasons in Michigan this fall. This win gave them their first District title since 2004 and double-digit wins in a season also for the first time since that season, to go with a Huron League title – all after finishing just 2-7 a year ago. Carlson (9-2) also has reason to be pleased despite the loss; the Marauders were 4-5 a year ago and hadn’t made the playoffs since 2009. Click for more from the Southgate News-Herald.

Also noted:

DeWitt 36, Cedar Springs 12 – The Panthers (10-1) reached double-digit wins for the 13th time in 17 seasons by stopping an offense that was scoring 40 points per game heading into the night; Cedar Springs finished 7-4.

Battle Creek Harper Creek 42, Stevensville Lakeshore 24 – Harper Creek (11-0) won a matchup of league champions to claim its first District title since 2012, also the last season it had faced (and lost to) Lakeshore (9-2).

Farmington Hills Harrison 33, Warren Woods-Tower 0 – The Hawks (8-3) secured their third District title in five years but first since 2014 by shutting down a Titans offense averaging nearly 34 points per game; Woods-Tower finished 8-3.

Muskegon 55, Zeeland West 20 – West (7-4) scored first, but Muskegon (11-0) scored the next 28 to claim a sixth straight District title. 

11-Player Division 4

Grand Rapids Catholic Central 45, Wyoming Kelloggsville 34

The reigning Division 4 champion Cougars (11-0) held off a serious threat from Kelloggsville, which came back from a big deficit to lead in the third quarter. But the Rockets (10-1) ultimately couldn’t stop GRCC standout back Nolan Fugate, who shined again against a defense giving up only 14 points per game entering the night. Click for more from WOODTV.

Also noted:

Williamston 47, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 21 – It’s seemed like there was something to be said for the Hornets (7-4) losing four games this season by a combined 21 points; they made a statement winning their first District title since 2010 by putting up the most points allowed this season by Notre Dame Prep (8-3).

Belding 55, Comstock Park 49 – Belding (9-2) has won its playoff games by a combined eight points to get to its best record since 1998; Comstock Park (7-4) capped a great run coming back from 2-7 a year ago.

Edwardsburg 30, Three Rivers 12 – The best of the Wolverine Conference have been taking turns dealing each other heartache, but Edwardsburg (10-1) ended up with the league and now also a District title by avenging a Week 7 loss to Three Rivers (8-3).

River Rouge 35, Chelsea 10 – The Panthers (9-2) clinched their fourth straight District title while denying Chelsea (9-2) the same accomplishment. 

11-Player Division 5

Frankenmuth 42, Marine City 23

This wasn’t nearly as dramatic as Frankenmuth’s first-round win over Almont, when the Eagles (11-0) scored the winning points with just more than two seconds to play. But a second-half comeback still was required to get this District Final win, which helped Frankenmuth tie its record for victories in a season. Marine City finished 8-3, bouncing back from 4-5 a year ago and with its best record since 2014. Click for more from the Saginaw News.

Also noted:

Menominee 24, Kingsford 21 – The Flivvers (8-2) were the best of the Great Northern Conference during the regular season, but Menominee (8-3) is moving on with a ninth straight District title thanks to avenging its 42-21 loss to Kingsford from Week 8.

Portland 35, Lansing Catholic 0 – The Raiders (10-1) avoided a similar fate in facing rival Lansing Catholic (8-3) for the second time, posting a third straight shutout to claim their first District title since 2012.

Algonac 24, Ida 16 – The Muskrats (10-1) have won 10 or more games now for the third straight season, this time by outlasting an Ida team hoping to accomplish the same; the Bluestreaks finished 8-3 and are 20-6 over the last three seasons.

Reed City 34, Clare 7 – The Coyotes (10-1) made it six 10-win seasons over the last seven with a third District title in four seasons; Clare (9-2) still finished with its best record since 2012. 

11-Player Division 6

Montague 37, Kent City 13

For the second time in three weeks, Montague dealt an opponent the first loss of its season – and in this case, the only loss this fall for Kent City. The Eagles (10-1) hadn’t given up more than 29 points in a game, and Montague (11-0) also shut down a Kent City offense averaging 43 points per contest entering the weekend. The District title was Montague’s first since 2011. Click for more from Local Sports Journal.

Also noted:

Traverse City St. Francis 13, Maple City Glen Lake 0 – Although closer in the rematch, St. Francis (10-1) finished a sweep of the Lakers (7-3), last year’s Division 6 runner-up.

Watervliet 58, Delton Kellogg 50 – After three weeks scoring only 36 points in each game, Watervliet (11-0) popped back over 50 for the eighth time this season and just in time to hold off a second try from league foe Delton (6-5) – which earned its most wins this fall since 2001.

Blissfield 27, Brooklyn Columbia Central 17 – The Royals (7-4) also finished a sweep of a league mate, downing Columbia Central (7-4) for the second time to win a first District title since 2007 and after going only 4-5 a year ago.

Warren Michigan Collegiate 38, Detroit Central 34 – The Cougars (11-0) tied their school record for wins, and this was a big one for the Charter School Conference as well against a Detroit Public School League tournament winner in Central (8-3).  

11-Player Division 7

Pewamo-Westphalia 35, New Lothrop 14

Reigning Division 7 champion P-W has won 24 of its last 25 games, and the Pirates leapt another giant obstacle on their repeat quest by handing New Lothrop (10-1) its lone defeat of the fall. The Hornets had won four straight District titles but were held to their fewest points since last season’s Regional Final loss. P-W has won six straight District titles. Click for more from FOX17.

Also noted:

Lake City 25, Ishpeming Westwood 16 – The Trojans (11-0) reached 11 wins for the first time with their first District title since 2013 as Westwood (9-2) ended its winningest season.

Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker 18, Cass City 14 – The two meetings between the best in the Greater Thumb Conference West went similarly this season; champion Laker (7-3) won in Week 5 by six points and this time by four over league runner-up Cass City (9-2).

Cassopolis 31, Reading 16 – The Rangers (10-1) won their third straight District title by holding Reading (8-3) to only 130 yards and while gaining only 186.

Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 19, Hudson 16 – The Falcons (7-4) earned their first District title since 2014 on a field goal during the final seconds after Hudson (9-2) came back to tie the score late. 

11-Player Division 8

Mendon 26, Muskegon Catholic Central 15

Mendon made the weekend’s biggest football splash by eliminating the reigning four-time champion in this division. The Hornets (11-0) muscled to 364 yards rushing while throwing the ball only once to win their first District title since 2014 and beat MCC for the first time since 2011. The Crusaders (8-2) did manage 338 total yards, going to the air nine times during a rainy afternoon, but were able to put up only their second-fewest points over the last two seasons. Click for more from JoeInsider.com.

Also noted:

Frankfort 53, Gaylord St. Mary 30 – The Panthers (8-2) broke 50 points for the fourth time but first since Week 5 to win a third straight District title and end the best season for St. Mary (10-1) since 2003.

Lincoln Alcona 56, Hillman 34 – The Tigers (9-2) secured their first District championship against a familiar opponent, having also beaten Hillman (6-5) to open the North Star League schedule in Week 2.

Saginaw Nouvel 27, Harbor Beach 26 – The Panthers (11-0) won their first District title since 2012 thanks to a fourth-down touchdown with just more than a minute to play after Harbor Beach (9-2) built a 12-point lead.

Climax-Scotts 14, Pittsford 13 – The Wildcats (9-2) handed Climax-Scotts its first league loss since 2008 in Week 8, but the Panthers (9-2) avenged to earn a third straight District title. 

8-Player Division 1

Deckerville 38, Morrice 0

The Eagles (10-1) left no doubt in this rematch of North Central Thumb League Stars champions, avenging the 33-32 loss to the Orioles suffered in Week 6. The win also gave Deckerville its fifth Regional title in six seasons since making the switch from 11-player, while Morrice ended 9-2 after going only 4-5 a year ago. Click for more from the Huron Daily Tribune.

Also noted:

Stephenson 30, Cedarville 24 – The Eagles (9-2) earned their first Semifinal berth as the last Upper Peninsula team standing in this division, handing Cedarville (8-3) its second loss by six or fewer points this fall.

Central Lake 58, Suttons Bay 26 – The Trojans (11-0) tied their program record for wins set in 2006 with a second victory this season over another first-year 8-player program in Suttons Bay (7-4).

Bellevue 60, Lawrence 24 – This postseason has featured Bellevue’s first playoff win since 2010 and now its first advancement ever to the third round plus its first time reaching double-digit wins (at 10-1); Lawrence ended 5-6 after opening the playoffs by upsetting Camden-Frontier. 

8-Player Division 2

Pickford 26, Onekama 14

Pickford earned a second straight trip to the Semifinals with one of the most impressive defensive performances in 8-player this season. The Panthers (11-0), who are giving up only 10 points per game, held to 14 an Onekama offense that entered averaging 51. The Portagers finished their first season of 8-player at 9-2. Click for more from the Sault Ste. Marie Evening News.

Also noted:

Crystal Falls Forest Park 62, Engadine 20 – The Trojans are 9-2 for the second season in a row after making the switch to 8-player and put more points on Engadine (8-3) than the Eagles had given up in a game since Week 2 of 2015.

Kinde-North Huron 38, Bay City All Saints 36 – This rematch of the NCTL Stripes’ top teams fell the same way, although closer than when champion North Huron (10-1) beat runner-up All Saints (7-4) by 10 points in Week 9.

Portland St. Patrick 50, Flint International Academy 0 – The Shamrocks (10-1) advanced to their first Semifinal since 2012 with their second shutout of the season, limiting a Blazers offense averaging 44 points per game entering the weekend; International finished 8-3.

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: Mendon and Muskegon Catholic Central locked up for a rainy, muddy Division 8 District Final on Saturday. (Photo by Tim Reilly.)

Detroit Cass Tech’s Julian Taylor (23) works to break a Hudsonville tackle Saturday evening at Ford Field.

Molded by Early Losses, Cass Tech Closes Season by Taking Back D1 Title

By Paul Costanzo
Special for MHSAA.com

November 30, 2024

DETROIT – The players and coaches on the Detroit Cass Tech football team heard the rumblings when they started this season 2-2. 

They heard the calls for coach Marvin Rushing’s job. They heard the doubts sprouting up about their ability to compete for a Finals title. 

Rather than let the noise break them apart, they used it to rally, and Saturday they put it all to bed with a 42-20 victory against Hudsonville in the Division 1 championship game at Ford Field.

“Everything we did was intentional – we purposely played Rockford to get ready for Dakota – we played those teams knowing we’d have games like this. We went to Ohio intentionally to get ready for all this, and every lesson we seemed to get better from,” Rushing said. “The biggest reason we’re here is our two losses. Those prepared us for today. It’s unfortunate that so many people don’t understand that great things can come sometimes from setbacks.”

The title was the fourth in program history for Cass Tech, and first since 2016, when it completed a remarkable run of three titles – and four Finals appearances – over six seasons.

“The day before check-in day, I chose to stay and play for my team and with my little brother James Johnson,” said senior receiver and defensive back Alex Graham, a Colorado commit who was at IMG Academy in Florida a year ago. “One of my goals my whole season was to win a state championship, and we got the job done. So, I’m real happy to do that.”

Dylon Pace (13) wraps up Eagles quarterback Griffin Baker.Graham had his usual stat-stuffing performance for the Technicians, who closed the season with 10 straight wins to finish 12-2. He had 54 yards and a touchdown on the ground, 57 yards on four catches through the air, and added six tackles, a forced fumble and an interception on defense. 

His fellow wideout, Corey Sadler Jr., meanwhile, had six catches for 47 yards and two TDs.

“I have Batman and Batman,” Rushing said. “Some people say they have Batman and Robin, I have Batman and Batman.”

All those catches and yards came from the hand of freshman quarterback Donald Tabron II, who finished the night 15-of-20 for 176 yards and three TDs.

“It’s a great thing to have around me. It helps me play a balanced game on offense,” Tabron said. “We can run the ball, pass the ball. When you have guys like CJ and Alex, it kind of makes it easy for me as the quarterback. I know that no matter where I put the football, they’re going to make a play.”

Cass Tech dominated the first half, and by the time Hudsonville found its footing, the hole was too deep.

The Technicians scored on their first three possessions, driving 81 yards in nine plays on their first, and taking advantage of short fields on the second two, putting Hudsonville in a tough spot early in the second quarter.

Jaylen Spates scored the first touchdown on a five-yard run, while Sadler scored the next two on passes of 16 and six yards from Tabron. Sadler’s first score followed a short Hudsonville punt, while his second came after a Cass Tech fumble recovery deep in Hudsonville territory. 

Tabron added a third TD pass late in the second quarter, hitting Will Sykes for a 19-yard score. That was also a short field, as Graham had intercepted a pass, setting Cass Tech up on the 19.

“We made some mistakes, and Cass Tech’s a really good football team,” Hudsonville coach Brent Sandee said. “They played really well, they’re very athletic. We had to play a clean game, and unfortunately we didn’t. But our kids battled the whole time and represented our school and our community real well. I’m really proud of us and the way we played. They’re great representatives of Hudsonville, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Cass Tech’s Logan Howell raises the championship trophy in the air as his teammates cheer around him. Cass Tech had a chance to add another score after recovering a fumble in Hudsonville territory with 1:10 to play in the first half, but the Hudsonville defense made a stand to keep the score 27-0.

That didn’t last long, though, as Graham scored on a 54-yard run two plays into the third quarter.

Hudsonville got on the board with a one-yard QB sneak for a touchdown by Griffin Baker. The score was set up by a 22-yard throwback to Baker from Braden VanLaecke.

The Eagles got some extra life when they recovered an onside kick following the score before exchanging turnovers near midfield – an interception for Cass Tech’s Derrick Jackson and a fumble recovery by Hudsonville’s Tyler Strick.

Bryce Fox cashed in for the Eagles, scoring on a 14-yard TD run to pull his team within three scores at 35-13 with 5:07 left in the third.

The Eagles threatened to make it even closer, getting down to the Cass Tech 6-yard line, but the Technicians’ defense held, forcing a turnover on downs.

By the time Hudsonville saw the ball again, it was trailing 42-13 – Cass Tech added a 24-yard TD run by De’Mari Hendrix – and there were fewer than four minutes remaining in the game.

Carson Dykstra ended the scoring with a 15-yard touchdown reception from Baker.

Baker finished 8-of-12 for 112 yards passing for the Eagles (12-2), with Dykstra catching four passes for 74 yards. Owen Haarsma led the Hudsonville ground game with 95 yards on 13 carries.

“I just feel like we have something special with this team, and it’s special for our community, too,” Hudsonville senior Jalen Oosting said. “I just think it’s an awesome story just to hear all the whispers, and all the talk and chatter at school. I just think it’s awesome it’s affected our community. I just loved being here with these guys.”

Click for the full box score.

PHOTOS (Top) Detroit Cass Tech’s Julian Taylor (23) works to break a Hudsonville tackle Saturday evening at Ford Field. (Middle) Dylon Pace (13) wraps up Eagles quarterback Griffin Baker. (Below) Cass Tech’s Logan Howell raises the championship trophy in the air as his teammates cheer around him. (Photos by Hockey Weekly Action Photos.)