Drive for Detroit: Semifinals Preview
November 18, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Ford Field is only one more win away for 32 teams playing in MHSAA Semifinals on Saturday.
Five of eight reigning champions are playing to get back. Twice as many teams are playing to reach the final round for the first time.
Below is a look at all 16 Semifinal games, powered by MI Student Aid. All games will be broadcast, four on FoxSportsDetroit.com and 12 on MHSAA.tv; click for the schedule. And stay connected all Saturday for scores as they come in on MHSAA.com.
Division 1
Romeo (9-3) vs. Detroit Catholic Central (12-0) at Howell Parker Middle School
Reigning Division 1 champion Romeo seemed out of the running for a return run with two losses over the first five weeks (although by just a combined three points) and then a big one in Week 8 to Macomb Dakota. But a defense that has given up more than 16 points only once since opening night has given up just 17 total over three playoff games. Leading rusher and receiver Kade Messner (617 yards/6 TDs rushing, 229 yards/1 TD receiving) averages 10 yards per carry. DCC fell to Romeo in a Regional Final last year, 40-29, but has churned out a perfect season to earn a rematch, with senior Nick Capatina (996 yards/13 TDs rushing) and junior Cameron Ryan (748/14) carrying a good chunk of the load.
Utica Eisenhower (12-0) vs. Detroit Cass Tech (12-0) at Troy Athens
The Eagles are making their first Semifinal appearance since 2011, when they fell to Cass Tech 6-3, and already have secured their winningest season since 2003. Junior quarterback Max Wittwer (1,574 yards/19 TDs passing, 768 yards/8 TDs rushing) and senior running back Jack Provencher (1,434 yards/24 TDs rushing) make it impossible for defenses to stack in trying to stop an offense that has scored at least 42 points in every playoff game. Cass Tech is more familiar with this round than most; this will be its seventh straight Semifinal. The Technicians feature some of the best-known playmakers in the state, including senior quarterback Rodney Hall (2,125 yards/22 TDs passing) and senior receiver Donovan People-Jones (889 yards/15 TDs receiving).
Division 2
Walled Lake Western (11-1) vs. Lowell (12-0) at Brighton
This is a rematch of a 2015 Semifinal won by Lowell 49-34 – and the Red Arrows also beat Western 42-35 in a 2011 Semifinal. The Warriors reaching their first MHSAA championship game since 1999 likely will rest in part on the arm of senior quarterback Johnny Tracy (2,050 yards/23 TDs passing) and senior receivers Kameron Ford (1,013 yards/12 TDs receiving) and Cody White (669 yards/9 TDs receiving, 443 yards/6 TDs rushing). Lowell also follows a talented quarterback, junior David Kruse (1,573 yards/8 TDs passing, 1,438 yards/23 TDs rushing), and his leading running back, senior Nate Stephens (1,402 yards/21 TDs.). And trust the Red Arrows are extra motivated to get back to Ford Field after watching last season’s title slip away to Detroit Martin Luther King on the final play of the game.
Birmingham Groves (11-1) vs. Detroit Martin Luther King (10-2) at Dearborn
The reigning champion Crusaders have lost only to Division 1 semifinalist Detroit Cass Tech, twice, and are playing in their fourth Semifinal in six seasons. After the sudden death of coach Dale Harvel in July, King has rallied behind new coach Ty Spencer and followed sophomore quarterback Dequan Finn (1,986 yards/33 TDs passing) with major contributions by senior running back Kevin Willis (1,003 yards/13 TDs rushing) and senior receiver Ambry Thomas (766 yards/13 TDs receiving) among many others. After making its first Regional Final since 2004, Groves is playing in its first Semifinal ever. The Falcons have given up more than 15 points only once since opening night and 25 total over three playoff games while getting balanced offensive power from senior quarterback Beau Kewley (909 yards/12 TDs passing) and senior running back Ernest Allen (924 yards/11 TDs rushing).
Division 3
Edwardsburg (12-0) vs. Muskegon (11-1) at East Kentwood
Edwardsburg will play its third Semifinal in seven seasons seeking its first championship game berth and coming off a two-point win over Chelsea, last season’s Division 3 runner-up. And this might be the most impressive team of the Eddies’ recent run. Edwardsburg gave up only 38 points over the first 10 weeks of the season before allowing 60 total over the last two; the Eddies also have run for 4,473 yards, led by juniors Nick Bradley (1,363 yards/18 TDs) and Kyle Shrider (843 yards/15 TDs). After making only the Regional Final last season, Muskegon is back in its fourth Semifinal over the last five years. The Big Reds already have set a program record with 634 points (52.8 per game) keyed by their dual quarterbacks – senior Kalil Pimpleton (714 yards/14 TDs passing, 1,314 yards/21 TDs rushing) and junior La’darius Jefferson (863 yards/9 TDs passing, 709 yards/15 TDs rushing).
Dearborn Divine Child (10-2) vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (8-4) at West Bloomfield
This is the first meeting between these Detroit Catholic League contenders since 2008. The Falcons have built their strongest effort since 1985 with a six-game winning streak after suffering back-to-back losses in Weeks 5 and 6. Divine Child avenged one of those, to Division 7 semifinalist Detroit Loyola, in Week 9, and last week handed Allen Park its only loss of the season. Junior quarterback Theo Day has thrown for 1,508 yards and 21 touchdowns to lead the way. Reigning Division 3 champion St. Mary’s advanced to its seventh Semifinal in eight seasons with a comeback win at DeWitt last week. The Eaglets move the ball with junior running backs RaShawn Allen (1,833 yards/21 TDs rushing) and Ky’ren Cunningham (860 yards/13 TDs), who both average at least eight yards a carry.
Division 4
Hudsonville Unity Christian (10-2) vs. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (11-1) at Greenville
Unity Christian’s best season ever moves on to its first Semifinal, thanks to an overtime win over previously undefeated Benton Harbor last week. The Crusaders won’t be intimidated by the annually successful Cougars after navigating the Ottawa-Kent Conference Green, one of the most competitive leagues in the state this season. They cover a lot of ground with senior running back Parker Scholten (1,353 yards/14 TDs rushing) and senior quarterback Mitchell Dykstra (924/15). GRCC is making its first Semifinal appearance since winning Division 4 in 2010. But the Cougars have a chance to do some great things next year too with juniors the top playmakers this fall. Quarterback Jack Bowen has thrown for 2,329 yards and 24 touchdowns and running back Nolan Fugate is the leading rusher with 1,359 yards and 11 scores on the ground.
River Rouge (11-1) vs. Detroit Country Day (12-0) at Hazel Park
River Rouge just missed its first MHSAA championship a year ago, falling to Grand Rapids West Catholic by six in the Final, and hasn’t really been slowed this fall. The Panthers at one point shut out seven straight opponents and eight over nine games including the first of the playoffs, and they’ve gone over 600 points for the second season in a row led by senior quarterback Jairus Grissom (1,369 yards/18 TDs rushing, 1,967 yards/23 TDs passing). Country Day is playing its fourth Semifinal in five seasons seeking its first championship game berth since 2012. The Yellowjackets are incredibly balanced on offense, with a pair of quarterbacks (senior Steven Mann and sophomore Jalen Graham) both having success. But the defense stands out most; led by senior linebacker Kolin Demens, Country Day is giving up only 8.6 points per game and has allowed more than 14 only twice.
Division 5
Frankenmuth (11-1) vs. Menominee (11-1) at Northern Michigan’s Superior Dome
The Eagles have had only four sub-.500 finishes over the last 32 seasons, and 22 playoff appearances during that time. But they broke through again for their first Semifinal berth since 1997, handing Ithaca last week its first loss not in an MHSAA Final since 2008. Senior running back Kris Roche (1,005 yards/16 TDs rushing) and senior quarterback Jared Davis (922 yards/16 TDs rushing, 1,169 yards/11 TDs passing) give Frankenmuth multiple threats. As it has done for decades, Menominee is again trampling opponents, although lead back Keifer Rasner (1,372 yards/20 TDs rushing, 410 yards/3 TDs passing) was reportedly hurt two weeks ago and isn’t expected to play. Ethan Mileski (584 yards/5 TDs rushing, 1,066 yards/14 TDs passing) is another offensive standout to watch.
Algonac (11-1) vs. Grand Rapids West Catholic (10-2) at Battle Creek Harper Creek
Algonac’s best two seasons in program history have been this one and last, and they’ve taken the next step with their first Semifinal appearance. Senior quarterback Brendan Piper is a two-way threat, throwing for 1,086 yards and 13 touchdowns this fall and running for a team-high 903 yards and 14 scores. Three-time reigning champion West Catholic has had to play three road games this playoff run, but outscored those opponents by a combined 78-20. Veteran duo David Fox and Gaetano Vallone are again big reasons why; the senior running back sometimes quarterback Fox had thrown for 1,286 yards and 17 touchdowns and run for 689 yards and eight scores, while junior quarterback Vallone has thrown for 889 yards and seven TDs.
Division 6
Leroy Pine River (9-2) vs. Maple City Glen Lake (10-2) at Traverse City Thirlby Field
Pine River’s first run to a Semifinal has included a ninth win for the second time ever and first time since 1999. Senior quarterback Mason Powell has had quite a final campaign, bringing the Bucks back from 4-5 last season by throwing for 1,047 yards and 15 touchdowns and running for 1,259 yards and 17 scores. The Lakers have had a little more recent success but still are making their first Semifinal appearance since 1996. Junior running back Nick Apsey carries a lot of the load offensively and has scored 22 times. But the defense also has been outstanding, giving up more than 14 points only twice and 112 points total this fall.
Jackson Lumen Christi (10-2) vs. Millington (11-1) at Lansing Catholic
Lumen Christi is back in the Semifinals for the first time since winning Division 5 in 2009; the Titans have won nine straight games to get here. Running back Bo Bell was the star in last week’s Regional Final win over Napoleon, and all season as well; he’s run for 2,200 yards and 29 touchdowns. Quarterback Troy Kutcha has added 1,313 yards and 10 scores through the air and run for six touchdowns. Millington is playing in its fifth Semifinal and seeking to reach the championship round for the first time. Junior quarterback Bryce Bearss (2,212 yards/25 TDs passing) and senior running back Brady Payne (1,196 yards/14 TDs rushing) give the Cardinals a strong 1-2 punch as well.
Division 7
Ubly (12-0) vs. Pewamo-Westphalia (12-0) at Mount Pleasant
Reigning Division 7 runner-up Pewamo-Westphalia will face its third straight undefeated opponent after handing first and only losses to Saugatuck and Traverse City St. Francis the last two weeks. Senior running back Jared Smith fell short of 100 yards rushing last week for the first time since his sophomore year, but continues to inch toward the MHSAA career rushing record and now has 2,403 yards and 36 touchdowns on the ground this season and more than 8,000 yards rushing for his career. Ubly also is a recent visitor to the Finals, its last trip coming in 2008. The Bearcats have controlled the ball with a rumbling ground game as well; senior Derek Brown has run for 1,226 yards and 19 touchdowns and senior Jonathan Brandel has gained 980 yards and 15 scores rushing.
Detroit Loyola (10-2) vs. Cassopolis (11-1) at Jackson
Loyola is another regular in this round, playing in its fifth straight Semifinal. The Bulldogs have beaten a league champion every week of the playoffs this time, and Cassopolis would be the fourth. Loyola averages 34 running plays per game and brings three 1,000-yard rushers – Malcolm Mayes (1,240 yards/14 TDs), D’Anthony Robinson (1,208 yards/18 TDs) and quarterback Price Watkins (1,010 yards/8 TDs rushing, 659 yards/7 TDs passing). Cassopolis is playing in his first Semifinal after setting a program record for wins last week. The Rangers roll with a loaded backfield; senior quarterback Shane Los has thrown for 1,320 yards and 17 touchdowns, while junior Brandon Anderson has run for 956 yards and 11 touchdowns and scored six more receiving. Sophomore Tyrese Hunt-Thompson has run for 811 yards and 10 scores and is the leading receiver with 533 yards and five TDs.
Division 8
Muskegon Catholic Central (12-0) vs. St. Ignace (11-1) at Petoskey
This is a rematch both of last season’s Semifinal (33-20 MCC win) and Week 2 of this fall (Crusaders 21-6), as St. Ignace gave MCC easily its closest game this season. The Crusaders have won three straight Division 8 titles and after facing mostly bigger schools during the regular season have given up only seven points over three playoff games. Senior LaTommy Scott (820 yards/8 TDs rushing) has starred for a few seasons and is one of five who have rushed for at least 370 yards. The Saints attack in multiple ways; senior running back Mitchell Peterson has run for 1,275 yards and senior quarterback Steve Seccia has thrown for 1,530 and 23 touchdowns.
Ottawa Lake Whiteford (12-0) vs. Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary (10-2) at Dearborn Edsel Ford
Whiteford’s best two seasons also were the last two, with the Bobcats winning 10 games for the first time in 2015 and this their second straight Semifinal. Whiteford has set school records with 545 points, 222 first downs, 552 carries and 3,729 rushing yards this fall. Leading the way are running back Jessie Kiefer (1,057 yards, 27 touchdowns rushing, 287 yards/5 TDs receiving) and freshman Conner Hoogendoorn (811 yards/15 TDs). Michigan Lutheran Seminary is playing in its second Semifinal in three seasons to reach its first championship game since 1986. The Cardinals have given up only 13 points over three playoff games and force an average of two turnovers per game. Senior Casey Williams is the main scorer with 24 touchdowns, with 19 on the ground (and 1,226 yards).
Second Half’s weekly “Drive for Detroit” previews 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: Muskegon Catholic Central's LaTommy Scott (20) breaks away for a touchdown against Frankfort in last week's Regional Final. (Photo by Tim Reilly.)
Final Countdown
December 20, 2011
Ford Field, here we come.
The 37th MHSAA Football Finals need little more introduction than that. Over nearly four months, more than 600 teams were boiled down to 256, with that field then cut in half every week for a month as a fortunate few continued on in hopes of winning the top prize in Michigan high school football.
Sixteen weeks after practice began, 16 teams have that opportunity.
Eight championships will be won this weekend, four on Friday (Divisions 8, 6, 4 and 2) and four more Saturday. Mendon and Detroit Catholic Central both will attempt to win an 11th MHSAA championship to move into a third-place tie for the most football titles – and just two behind Farmington Hills Harrison. Then there are Detroit Cass Tech, Mount Pleasant and Pewamo-Westphalia, all making their first Finals appearances.
All eight games will be broadcast on Fox Sports Detroit Plus (click to find that channel in your area) or audio-only on the MHSAA Network web site. Tickets cost $10 and are good for all four games on one day. Click for a full schedule.
Here’s a look at all 16 finalists. (Rankings and all-state honors were voted upon by The Associated Press’ media panel. Statistics were provided by schools; those for Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice, Marine City, Lansing Catholic, Constantine, Ithaca, Mendon, Saginaw Nouvel and Fowler are through Semifinals, while the rest are through Regionals.)
DIVISION 1
DETROIT CASS TECH
Record/rank: 10-3, unranked
Coach: Thomas Wilcher, 14th season (93-53)
League finish: Tied for first in Detroit Public School League I
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 20-18 over Detroit Martin Luther King, 6-3 over No. 3 Utica Eisenhower (Semifinal), 6-0 over Warren DeLaSalle (Regional).
Players to watch: FB/LB Royce Jenkins-Stone, 6-1/215, sr.; WR/DB William Rembert, 6-0/175, sr.; WR/DB Terry Richardson, 5-9/162, sr.; FB/LB Laron Taylor, 6-1/215, sr.; WR/S Ruben Lile, 6-2, 180, sr.
Outlook: A defense giving up 9.5 points per game has gotten stingier as the season has gone on. Star power abounds: Jenkins-Stone and Richardson have committed to sign with Michigan this winter, Taylor and Lile will sign with Iowa and Rembert will sign with Buffalo. And junior receiver/defensive back Jordan Lewis might be the best of the next class. A point of concern might be that Cass Tech scored fewer than 10 points in six games. But if the Technicians can contain Detroit Catholic Central, they might be able to rely on a few big plays to score just enough.
DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record/rank: 12-1, No. 2
Coach: Tom Mach, 36th season (322-77)
League finish: Second in Detroit Catholic League Central
Championship history: 10 championships (most recently 2009), three runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 23-20 over No. 1 Rockford (Semifinal), 21-14 over No. 6 Canton (District), 56-6 over No. 7 Northville (Pre-District), 14-10 over Warren DeLaSalle, 21-19 over Division 2 No. 7 Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice, 21-7 over Division 3 No. 4 Orchard Lake St. Mary.
Players to watch: QB/DB Kyle Cooper, 6-7/215, sr. (56 for 104, 963 yards, nine TDs passing); OT/DT Matthew Godin, 6-5/270, sr.; RB/DE Wyatt Shallman, 6-3/260, jr. (73 carries, 397 yards, eight TDs rushing); TE/DE Matt Doneth, 6-5/245, sr. (12 receptions, 218 yards, four TDs).
Outlook: With a win Saturday, DCC would tie East Grand Rapids with the third-most MHSAA championships in the tournament’s 37-year history. The Shamrocks haven’t backed down from tough competition, with 10 games this season against teams that made the playoffs (not counting a game against an Ohio opponent). And just like for Saturday’s opponent, Cass Tech, defense has been key this fall – DCC is giving up just 8.9 points per game. Godin is a giant presence in the middle and will sign with Michigan. If the Final is as low-scoring as appears possible, keep an eye on this guy’s foot: Senior Alex Kozlowski made 43 of 47 extra-point attempts and averaged 42.8 yards per punt through the team’s first 12 games – and hit a 27-yard field goal that eventually pushed the Semifinal to overtime.
DIVISION 2
BLOOMFIELD HILLS BROTHER RICE
Record/rank: 9-4, tied for No. 7
Coach: Al Fracassa, 43rd season (404-115-7)
League finish: Fourth in Detroit Catholic League Central
Championship history: Six championships (most recently 2005), four runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 30-7 over No. 1 Farmington Hills Harrison (District), 27-26 (Quarterfinal) and 28-21 over Detroit Martin Luther King.
Players to watch: RB/DB Devin Church, 5-9/182, sr. (255 carries, 1,675 yards, 17 TDs rushing); DB James Hendrix, 6-0/180, sr. (52 tackles, five interceptions); LB/TE Jon Reschke, 6-2/223, jr. (130 tackles); OL Dylan Anderson, 6-5/270, sr.
Outlook: Rarely has a 5-4 qualifier advanced to an MHSAA Final – but Rice’s run also has been a little different than the norm. The Warriors played in a league with two more finalists (Detroit Catholic Central and Orchard Lake St. Mary), and despite finishing fourth in the Catholic League Central lost three league games by a combined four points. Passing might’ve taken over this sport at most contending schools, but the Warriors continue to win on the ground with more than 3,000 yards rushing to just 880 passing this fall. Church, who will sign with Northern Illinois, runs behind a line that averages a solid 245 pounds and is led by Anderson, a Central Michigan prospect.
LOWELL
Record/rank: 12-1, No. 2
Coach: Noel Dean, 16th season (161-28)
League finish: Second in Ottawa-Kent White
Championship history: Three championships (most recently 2009), one runner-up finish.
Best wins: 36-7 over No. 3 Muskegon (District), 42-35 (OT) over No. 9 Walled Lake Western (Semifinal), 28-7 over Division 1 No. 1 Rockford.
Players to watch: QB Gabe Dean, 5-10/195, sr. (114 for 179, 1,744 yards, 13 TDs passing; 333 carries, 1,722 yards, 25 TDs rushing); RB Josh Addington, 5-9/180, sr. (186 carries, 927 yards, 11 TDs rushing); WR/DB Blake Lyman, 5-10/170, sr. (28 receptions, 564 yards, four TDs; two interceptions).
Outlook: This will be Lowell’s third-straight MHSAA Finals appearance – the Red Arrows fell to Farmington Hills Harrison 38-28 last season after beating Inkster in the 2009 championship game. Dean ran the offense in the two previous finals as well and will cap a career that’s already put him among Lowell’s great quarterbacks. The Red Arrows' only loss was to Grand Rapids Christian, which entered the postseason ranked No. 1 in Division 3.
DIVISION 3
MOUNT PLEASANT
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Jason McIntyre, sixth season (60-11)
League finish: First in Saginaw Valley League
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 38-37 over No. 9 East Grand Rapids (Quarterfinal), 21-7 over Division 2 No. 4 Midland.
Players to watch: WR/DB Colton Odykirk, 6-2/200, sr. (45 receptions, 684 yards, six TDs; 67 tackles); LB/TE Spencer Moran, 6-0/205, sr. (118 tackles); QB/DB Ryan Elliott, 5-10/175, sr. (119 for 192, 1,685 yards, 13 TDs passing); RB/DB Michael Tweh, 5-10/195, soph. (234 carries, 1,726 yards, 24 TDs rushing).
Outlook: The Oilers have improved from 11 to 12 to now 13 wins the last three seasons, respectively, and finally got past East Grand Rapids after falling to the Pioneers two of the last three seasons. Mount Pleasant has relied mostly on a tough running game on the way to averaging 40 points and 400 yards of total offense per contest. McIntyre, a 1995 Mount Pleasant graduate, has led the team to four conference and District titles in the last five seasons.
ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY
Record/rank: 11-2, No. 4
Coach: George Porritt, 23rd season (204-57)
League finish: First in Detroit Catholic League Central
Championship history: Four championships (most recently 2000 in Division 4), five runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 14-10 over No. 3 Battle Creek Harper Creek (Semifinal), 14-13 over Division 1 No. 2 Detroit Catholic Central, 35-10 over Warren DeLaSalle, 10-9 over Division 2 No. 7 Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice, 35-0 over Division 5 No. 7 Grand Rapids West Catholic.
Players to watch: FB/LB Grant Niemiec, 6-0/210, jr. (188 carries, 1,099 yards, 15 TDs rushing); RB/OLB Spencer McInnis, 5-11/180, sr. (167 carries, 1,254 yards, 20 TDs rushing); TE/LB James Ross, 6-1/220, sr.
Outlook: The Eaglets have fallen in MHSAA Finals two straight seasons and three of the last four, all to East Grand Rapids – which didn’t advance this fall. St. Mary always is loaded with talent, but this might be one of the strongest of recent groups as evidenced by winning arguably the toughest league in the state while giving up only 11.6 points per game. Ross has committed to sign with Michigan this winter and is considered by many the top defensive player in the state. Niemiec and McInnis provide a great assist to the defense by allowing the team to eat up the clock – both are averaging at least 5.9 yards per carry.
DIVISION 4
MARINE CITY
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Tony Scarcelli, seventh season (80-7)
League finish: First in Macomb Area Conference Gold
Championship history: Won championship in 2007.
Best wins: 15-7 over No. 5 Detroit Crockett (Regional), 55-31 over No. 6 Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (District), 45-21 over No. 8 Croswell-Lexington (Pre-District), 61-38 over No. 7 Marysville, 28-13 over Division 6 No. 10 Madison Heights Madison.
Players to watch: RB/DB Anthony Scarcelli, 6-0/190, sr. (178 carries, 1,804 yards, 32 TDs rushing; 16 receptions, 383 yards, six TDs receiving); RB Jaime Salisbury, 5-8/160, sr. (129 carries, 959 yards, 11 TDs rushing); DB/WR Jack Badovinac, 6-0/165, sr. (30 tackles, six interceptions); LB/WR Aaron Loconsole, 5-9/185, sr. (109 tackles, seven sacks)
Outlook: Tony Scarcelli can cap his Marine City career – he’s announced he’ll resign after this season – with a second MHSAA championship and celebration with his son Anthony, who will sign with Central Michigan this winter. Although the Mariners’ league didn’t provide a ton of challenges during the regular season, Marine City showed it’s worthy of that top ranking against one of the toughest playoff slates faced by a finalist this fall. From the interesting stats file: Marine City has outscored opponents 179-16 in the second quarter. Once the Mariners have gotten rolling, they’ve been nearly impossible to stop.
ZEELAND WEST
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 2
Coach: John Shillito, seventh season (64-16)
League finish: First in Ottawa-Kent Green
Championship history: Won championship in 2006.
Best wins: 43-21 over No. 4 Grand Rapids Catholic Central (District), 26-21 over Zeeland East.
Players to watch: FB/DB Brad Mesbergen, 5-7/155, sr. (74 carries, 849 yards, 11 TDs rushing); HB/DB Derek Postma, 5-11/185, sr. (130 carries, 1,014 yards, 19 TDs rushing); HB/DB Kyle Kujawa, 5-10/190, sr. (114 carries, 923 yards, 14 TDs).
Outlook: Although the Dux faced only three eventual playoff teams during the regular season, the rampage has continued during the postseason – Zeeland West has won its last four games by an average of 32 points per. The Dux have crushed opponents on the ground, running for more than 4,600 yards. Senior linebacker Josh Blanton has keyed a steady defense for two seasons, but was injured in the Semifinal and is questionable according to media reports. A win would be the 220th of Shillito’s career, which has seen him also lead Comstock Park, Muskegon Orchard View and East Kentwood over 28 seasons total.
DIVISION 5
FLINT POWERS CATHOLIC
Record/rank: 9-4, unranked
Coach: Bob Buckel, first season (9-4)
League finish: Second in Big Nine Conference
Championship history: Won Division 4 championship in 2005.
Best wins: 28-7 over No. 2 Millington (District), 27-10 over No. 4 Almont (Semifinal).
Players to watch: DT Danny O’Brien, 6-3/302, sr. (59 tackles, three sacks); QB Garrett Pougnet, 6-2/179, jr. (75 for 163, 1,131 yards, nine TDs passing; 154 carries, 818 yards, nine TDs rushing); DE Idris Hobdy, 6-1/212, sr. (41 tackles, five sacks, four fumble recoveries).
Outlook: Like Brother Rice above, Powers advanced to this weekend despite entering the playoffs 5-4 – after a 1-3 start. But the Chargers come in well-prepared after a tough league schedule against much larger schools, plus games against Division 7 No. 1 Saginaw Nouvel and this weekend’s opponent, Lansing Catholic (Powers lost that Week 2 game 37-17). Buckle has won 179 games over 29 seasons total, including successful stints at Otisville-Lakeville, Flushing and Birch Run. He was named Associated Press state Coach of the Year for his respective class at both Flushing and Birch Run. O’Brien will sign with Tennessee this winter.
LANSING CATHOLIC
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Jim Ahern, third season (28-5)
League finish: First in Capital Area Activities Conference White
Championship history: Won Class C championship in 1985.
Best wins: 42-35 over No. 7 Grand Rapids West Catholic (Semifinal), 49-24 and 50-33 (District) over No. 3 Portland, 37-17 over Flint Powers, 21-19 over Division 6 No. 10 Madison Heights Madison.
Players to watch: QB Cooper Rush, 6-4/230, sr. (217 for 371, 3,714 yards, 45 TDs passing; 103 carries, 711 yards, 15 TDs rushing); WR/DB Matt Macksood, 6-0/170, sr. (88 receptions, 1,528 yards, 21 TDs receiving; 74 carries, 808 yards, 10 TDs rushing); RB/LB Dan Liesman, 6-3/225, sr. (99 tackles, 6.5 sacks).
Outlook: Rush and Macksood will graduate with their names all over the MHSAA record book for both single-season and career feats. Rush was named The Associated Press’ Division 5-6 Player of the Year on Wednesday and will sign with Central Michigan, while Macksood made the all-state team and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Two other receivers have at least 35 catches, and junior Jack Swain has scored 14 times. This could be a crowning achievement for Ahern, who is 225-133-6 in 35 seasons total, including 32 at Ithaca from 1972-2003.
DIVISION 6
CONSTANTINE
Record/rank: 11-2, unranked
Coach: Shawn Griffith, seventh season (71-14)
League finish: Tied for second in Kalamazoo Valley Association
Championship history: One championship (2004), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 42-25 over No. 5 Grass Lake (Regional), 45-44 over Ecorse (Semifinal), 28-21 and 37-30 (2 OT, District) over Schoolcraft.
Players to watch: RB/LB Payton White, 6-1/230, jr. (226 carries, 1,374 yards, 23 TDs rushing); Tommy Reed, 5-8/170, jr. (44 of 92, 787 yards, nine TDs passing; 108 carries, 504 yards, 10 TDs rushing); RB/LB Ben Mallo, 5-8/165, jr. (148 carries, 993 yards, 11 TDs rushing).
Outlook: Constantine has rolled since starting 1-2 and is perhaps most dangerous in a close game – the Falcons have won four of their last five by seven or fewer points. They’ve done it by running the ball behind big blockers like seniors Jacob Mechling (6-2/250), A.J. Cox (5-8/265) and Joe Wuthrich (5-11/240) for more than 3,900 yards. Those two losses were to Battle Creek Pennfield – No. 3 in Division 4 heading into the playoffs – and reigning Division 5 runner-up Olivet.
ITHACA
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Terry Hessbrook, eighth season (72-17)
League finish: First in Tri-Valley Conference West
Championship history: Won championship in 2010.
Best wins: 28-13 over No. 2 Montrose (District), 22-19 over No. 7 Montague (Regional), 28-0 over No. 3 Iron Mountain (Semifinal).
Players to watch: QB/DB Travis Smith, 6-1/180, soph. (144 for 209, 2,011 yards, 22 TDs passing; 136 carries, 925 yards, 23 TDs rushing); RB/LB Garrett Miniard, 5-11/210, sr. (167 carries, 1,268 yards, 16 TDs rushing; 108 tackles); WR Charles Schnetzler, 6-2/190, sr. (58 receptions, 858 yards, 12 TDs receiving); LB Lucas Slater, 6-2/215, sr. (127 tackles).
Outlook: The Yellowjackets returned most of their starters from last season’s championship team and are hoping to finish undefeated for the second straight season. The most impressive part of this run has been how the team has worked through two new starters at quarterback – 2010 Finals hero Alex Niznak graduated in the spring, and his replacement David Brown was injured on opening night. Smith has starred since, but Brown, a senior, will still be one to watch Friday – a dynamic playmaker, he ran for 129 yards and three scores at quarterback on opening night, and had his best receiving game last week with five catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Miniard was named all-state as a linebacker, and also averages nearly eight yards per carry.
DIVISION 7
PEWAMO-WESTPHALIA
Record/rank: 13-0, No. 6
Coach: Brad Weber, fourth season (35-9)
League finish: First in Central Michigan Athletic Conference
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 22-14 over No. 3 Hudson (Semifinal); 15-14 over Division 8 No. 9 Fowler.
Players to watch: QB/CB Justin Thelen, 6-2/190, sr. (39 for 81, 814 yards, 12 TDs passing; 118 carries, 740 yards, 13 TDs rushing); TB/CB Alex Thelen, 5-7/150, sr. (231 carries, 1,650 yards, 23 TDs rushing); OL/LB Gavin Smith, 6-2/202, sr.
Outlook: P-W is one of two teams from the Central Michigan Athletic Conference that have reached Detroit this weekend. Although this will be the Pirates’ first Finals appearance, they have a proud history with 16 straight winning seasons and 13 playoff berths during that string. Although there are only nine seniors, the class is loaded with talent – Smith has earned all-state recognition multiple times, Alex Thelen is a two-time 1,000-yard rusher, and Justin Thelen moved from receiver to quarterback this fall and is a speedy two-way threat.
SAGINAW NOUVEL
Record/rank: 12-0, No. 1
Coach: Michael Boyd, 12th season (116-26)
League finish: Plays as an independent.
Championship history: Two championships (most recently 2007 in Division 6), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 55-14 over Flint Powers, 48-12 and 14-3 (Semifinal) over No. 4 Traverse City St. Francis, 28-0 over No. 7 Harbor Beach (Regional).
Players to watch: RB/DB Bennett Lewis, 5-9/181, sr. (173 carries, 1,877 yards, 31 TDs rushing); QB/DB Joseph Buchalski, 5-9/161, sr. (74 for 122, 1,345 yards, 16 TDs passing; 35 carries, 514 yards, four TDs rushing; 3 TDs receiving).
Outlook: Many eyes will be on Lewis, The Associated Press’ Division 7-8 Player of the Year. He’s the main reason Nouvel is playing for its third MHSAA championship in six seasons, although hardly the only one. The Panthers are giving up only 7.5 points per game despite a strong schedule against teams from all over the Lower Peninsula and parts of Canada. Five of six regular-season opponents (Nouvel played two Canadian teams) ended up making the playoffs, including Division 5 finalist Powers.
DIVISION 8
FOWLER
Record/rank: 11-2, Tied for No. 9
Coach: Craig Koenigsknecht, second season (20-3)
League finish: Third in Central Michigan Athletic Conference
Championship history: Four championships (most recently 1998 in Class D), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 45-8 over No. 4 St. Ignace La Salle (Semifinal), 24-21 over Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (District), 34-18 over Beal City (Regional).
Players to watch: RB/LB Mitch Thelen, 5-11/185, sr. (149 carries, 1,379 yards, 17 TDs rushing), RB/LB Tyler Koenigsknecht, 5-8/175, jr. (195 carries, 1,433 yards, 13 TDs rushing; 134 tackles); OL/DE Cameron Bongard, 6-1/220, jr.
Outlook: Fowler had a few uncharacteristically tough years over the last decade, but won 11 games for the first time since 2002. Its losses were by a combined two points – and both to Division 6 teams, including finalist Pewamo-Westphalia. Tyler Koenigsknecht, Bongard and quarterback/cornerback Dustin Wirth are among a strong group of juniors who became starters last season and have helped bring the program back to elite status under Craig Koenigsknecht, who played on the 1993 championship team. Although the Eagles beat just one ranked team, they faced a number of larger schools plus 2010 Division 8 Semifinalist Fulton during the regular season, and Fulton again in the Pre-District.
MENDON
Record/rank: 13-0, Tied for No. 1
Coach: John Schwartz, 23rd season (236-39)
League finish: First in St. Joseph Valley League
Championship history: 10 championships (most recently 2007 in Division 7), one runner-up finish.
Best wins: 28-21 over co-No. 1 Muskegon Catholic Central (District), 35-10 over No. 8 Climax-Scotts (Regional), 34-13 over No. 3 New Lothrop (Semifinal), 56-7 over Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart.
Players to watch: RB/DB Tyler Harris, 5-6/140, jr. (212 carries, 1,776 yards, 32 TDs rushing); QB/DB Chance Nightingale, 6-1/180, sr. (42 for 77, 1,048 yards, 14 TDs passing; 98 carries, 993 yards, 20 TDs rushing); RB/LB Tanner Cook, 5-9/175, sr. (140 carries, 1,025 yards, 10 TDs rushing), LB/TE Cody Bingaman, 5-11/210, sr. (113 tackles, five TDs receiving).
Outlook: Mendon beat all of its regular-season opponents by at least 28 points, then took out two more top-three teams during the playoffs. Nightengale and Bingaman were named all-state earlier this week – Nightengale running an offense that averages 46 points per game, and Bingaman leading a defense giving up 7.5 per contest. With another championship.
PHOTO
Full speed ahead: Marine City and quarterback Adam Kroll hope to claim their second MHSAA championship in five seasons Friday against Zeeland West. (Photo courtesy of Port Huron Times-Herald.)