Drive for Detroit: Week 11 in Review
November 10, 2014
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
A total of 16 MHSAA football teams in Divisions 1-5 entered the postseason with playoff-point averages above 100 – an impressive number indicating those teams not only had strong records, but played plenty of tough competition as well.
Three of those 16 teams lost their playoff openers, joined by eight more over the weekend as more of the top achievers during the regular season were overtaken by those raising their games with only a few more to play.
The top playoff-point teams in Division 3 (DeWitt) and Division 5 (Marine City) both suffered their first and only losses this season, and 10 more undefeated teams saw their seasons end with lone defeats of the fall.
Read on to see some of the key results that whittled the playoff field to 68 that will play in 11-player Regional Finals and 8-player Semifinals this week.
DIVISION 1
Clinton Township Chippewa Valley 28, Macomb Dakota 27
This has been anticipated as a top Macomb County matchup for a few years – but instead, Dakota had beaten the Big Reds (8-3) in 16 straight dating back to 2004 and including six times in the playoffs. Dakota (8-3) had beaten Chippewa Valley 42-21 in Week 2 and in the playoffs both of the last two seasons. Junior Stefan Clairborne blocked a late extra-point attempt to highlight a game-changing special teams performance. Click for more from the Detroit News.
Also noted:
Clarkston 23, Lapeer 20 – The reigning champion Wolves (11-0) survived the third three-point game of their 24-game winning streak, handing Lapeer (10-1) the only loss of its inaugural season.
Hudsonville 37, Rockford 15 – The Eagles (7-4) avenged their one-point Week 4 loss to Rockford (8-3), and then some, to claim a second-straight District title.
Detroit Cass Tech 28, Dearborn Fordson 21 – One of these had to fall for the first time this season, and the Technicians (11-0) hung on to claim their fifth straight District championship while ending the best season for Fordson (10-1) since 2008.
DIVISION 2
Muskegon Mona Shores 41, Midland Dow 14
In what seemed like an instant, this one belonged to Mona Shores. The Sailors (10-1) jumped out to a 21-0 lead in handing Dow (10-1) its lone loss this season. Mona Shores quarterback Tyree Jackson was at the center of the offensive effort as usual, but this time on the ground with three rushing touchdowns. Dow hadn’t given up more than 21 points in a game. Click for more from the Muskegon Chronicle.
Also noted:
Farmington Hills Harrison 10, Walled Lake Western 9 (OT) – These former longtime rivals hadn’t played each other since 2001 and battled to 3-3 before Harrison (9-2) prevailed in part by blocking an extra-point attempt by Western (9-2).
Southfield 14, Oak Park 13 – The Bluejays (8-3) won a rematch of these teams' 2012 District Final, which was won by Oak Park (8-3) also close, 19-12.
Wyandotte Roosevelt 28, Brownstown Woodhaven 21 – Roosevelt (9-2) will play this weekend for its fourth straight season of at least 10 wins, but this time ended the best ever for Woodhaven (10-1) by handing the Warriors their only loss.
DIVISION 3
Mason 30, DeWitt 14
Few gave Mason (8-3) much chance against the reigning Division 3 runner-up Panthers (10-1), who entered the postseason with the highest playoff-point average in this division. But the Bulldogs, who entered the season with an experienced group of playmakers, have improved significantly around them after opening 1-3. DeWitt won their first meeting 25-10 in Week 3, but Mason has clamped down particularly on defense in earning this first Regional Final berth since 1995. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
Also noted:
Petoskey 20, Mount Pleasant 14 – The Northmen (9-2) earned their first Regional Final berth since 1998 by handing to Oilers (7-4) their second loss this season by six or fewer points.
Zeeland West 30, Stevensville Lakeshore 28 – Most of Friday had to be a little scary for the reigning champion Dux (11-0), who had beaten Lakeshore (8-3) in last season’s Semifinal by a much more comfortable 42-7.
New Boston Huron 44, Trenton 27 – The Chiefs (10-1) set a team record for wins and doubled last season’s total in beating Trenton (7-4) for their first District title.
DIVISION 4
Lansing Sexton 41, Saginaw Swan Valley 20
Swan Valley running back Alex Grace finished one of the most incredible three-year varsity careers in MHSAA football history with 198 more rushing yards and three touchdowns to give him 2,426 and 36 this season and 7,551 yards and 99 rushing touchdowns for his career. His career yards rank third all-time and his TDs are second. But every time Grace made a play Friday – offensively and defensively as well – the Big Reds (11-0) seemed to respond. Sexton senior Ja’Von Wray ran for 235 yards and five touchdowns as his team scored more than the Vikings (10-1) had given up in any two games combined this fall. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
Also noted:
Whitehall 41, Comstock Park 36 – Some termed the Vikings’ win “miraculous” as Whitehall (9-2) came back from 23 points down to win their first District title since 2003 and end the Panthers’ run at 6-5.
Edwardsburg 34, Vicksburg 6 – The Eddies (10-1) avenged a 16-14 loss to Vicksburg (8-3) in Week 3 to push into double-figure wins for the first time since 2010 and second time in program history; Vicksburg’s record was its best since 1993.
Eaton Rapids 20, Battle Creek Harper Creek 10 – The Greyhounds (8-3) have gone from never making the playoffs before 2013 to making their second Regional Final in a row, this time over near-annual playoff team Harper Creek (6-5).
DIVISION 5
Almont 35, Marine City 7
The run to the 2011 Semifinals makes it tough to call this the best win in Almont history – but it has to be a close second to that season's Regional Final win over Jackson Lumen Christi. Marine City was the reigning Division 4 champion, in Division 5 for this fall’s playoffs, and 23-1 over the last two seasons with more than 1,000 points scored during that time. Almont held the Mariners (10-1) to their fewest points since the 2011 Division 4 Final and has given up a meager 56 points this season. The Raiders, meanwhile, ran for 294 yards and scored the most points Marine City had given up since last season’s championship game at Ford Field. Click for more from the Port Huron Times Herald.
Also noted:
Reed City 22, Remus Chippewa Hills 21 – For the second straight week, Reed City (9-2) faced a rematch against a league rival, and Chippewa Hills (8-3) made this one much closer than the Coyotes’ 60-32 win in Week 8.
Flint Powers Catholic 19, Frankenmuth 15 – The Chargers (8-3) held on, on the road, in a rematch of the 2012 District Final in which they beat Frankenmuth (9-2) 34-0.
River Rouge 42, Ida 14 – The Panthers (10-1) reached double figure wins for the second time in three seasons and second time ever in ending the longest run for Ida (8-3) since 1990.
DIVISION 6
Madison Heights Madison 32, Flint Beecher 6
Madison eliminated Beecher (10-1) for the second straight season to earn its fourth Regional Final berth in six seasons – and the opportunity to end Ithaca’s 11-player nation-best 67-game winning streak this week. Madison (9-2) scored 20 unanswered points in the second half to pull away while grounding a Beecher offense that hadn’t been held to single digits since 2012. Click for more from the Royal Oak Daily Tribune.
Also noted:
Leroy Pine River 34, Sanford Meridian 27 – Pine River (8-3) won a combined 11 games from 2009-13 and had never won a playoff game before two weeks ago; Meridian (8-3) did finish with its best record since 2009.
Watervliet 28, Schoolcraft 21 – Last season Watervliet won 10 straight before falling to Schoolcraft 28-26 in the District Final; this time Watervliet (10-1) has won 10 straight since falling opening night and avenged that loss to the Eagles (7-4).
Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 50, Clinton 15 – The Falcons (10-1) won their sixth District title in seven seasons against last year’s Finals runner-up Clinton (10-1), which is 32-3 over the last three seasons.
DIVISION 7
Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary 46, Whittemore-Prescott 0
Offensive firepower has gotten more attention during Seminary’s best season since 1994 – and Seminary scored 40 or more points for the seventh time this season. But Seminary (10-1) also has five shutouts and has given up only 96 points, particularly impressive this time given Whittemore-Prescott hadn’t been shut out since 2010. Whittemore-Prescott (10-1) also had beaten all of its opponents by at least 10 points this fall in earning its best record since 2002. Click for more from the Saginaw News.
Also noted:
Ishpeming 20, Iron River West Iron County 7 – It had been nearly a year since a team had given Ishpeming (10-0) this much of a challenge, a positive for the Wykons (9-2) in falling to the Hematites in the District Final for the second straight season.
Pewamo-Westphalia 34, Hudson 27 – The Pirates (9-2) eliminated a league champion for the second straight week, this time Lenawee County Athletic Association power Hudson (9-2).
Bridgman 17, Cassopolis 14 – The Bees (8-2) set a program record for wins in claiming their first District title and ending Cassopolis at 7-4 for the second straight season.
DIVISION 8
Harbor Beach 39, Waterford Our Lady 21
The Pirates (11-0) are 46-4 over their last 50 games and earned their fourth straight District title against their toughest opponent this fall to date. Harbor Beach had given up only 31 points total entering Saturday’s tilt. But despite allowing a few more, the defense also came through with two touchdown returns off turnovers. Our Lady finished 9-2, one win better than last season. Click for more from the Oakland Press.
Also noted:
Munising 24, St. Ignace 6 – The Mustangs (10-1) have double-digit wins for the first time since 1980 and another highlight after handing St. Ignace (10-1) its lone loss.
Beal City 53, Johannesburg-Lewiston 27 – The Aggies (9-2) have topped 50 points in both of their playoff games and ended the season for Johannesburg-Lewiston (9-2) for the third time in five years.
Morenci 42, Ottawa Lake Whiteford 22 – The Bulldogs (10-1) continued their best run since reaching the 1996 Finals by finishing a sweep of Tri-County Conference rival Whiteford (7-4).
8-PLAYER
Cedarville 28, Rapid River 0
The Trojans (10-1) will play in their first 8-player Semifinal after eliminating rival Rapid River (10-1), last season’s 8-player runner-up and the Bridge Football Alliance champion ahead of Cedarville the last two seasons. Cedarville fell just short against the Rockets, losing 20-19 in Week 6, but came on big in the rematch with a touchdown in each quarter. Click for more from the Escanaba Daily Press.
Also noted:
Deckerville 72, Kingston 22 – Deckerville (9-2) won its second Regional title in three seasons by beating Kingston (7-4) a second time this fall; the Eagles won their first meeting only 14-8 in Week 2.
Peck 56, Morrice 8 – The Pirates (11-0) set up a Semifinal rematch with Lawrence by ending the first 8-player season for Morrice at a solid 6-5 – the Orioles’ best record since 2006.
Lawrence 50, Battle Creek St. Philip 14 – Lawrence (11-0) beat St. Philip (9-2) for the second time in three weeks and by scoring at least 50 points for the 10th time this fall.
PHOTO: Warren DeLaSalle, on offense, downed Detroit East English 21-14 in their Division 2 District Final. (Photo courtesy of Detroit Public School League.)
Drive for Detroit: Week 8 in Review
October 20, 2014
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Just when we think we’ve got this season figured out … Week 8 happens.
How are these for scores that command a double-take?
- Mattawan, fighting for a playoff berth, beats a league champion in Stevensville Lakeshore 12-10.
- Caledonia hands Lowell its first shutout in 16 years, 33-0.
- Dearborn, also fighting for a playoff berth, delivers local rival Robichaud its first loss, 28-12.
The second-to-last week of the regular season did have more happy than sad as another batch of automatic qualifiers was added and the group of possible at-large teams grew:
- Felch North Dickinson saw the longest playoff streak in MHSAA history officially end as it fell to 3-5; the team no longer can qualify for the postseason for the 24th straight season.
- But in New Boston, there was celebration as the team set a school record for wins in moving to 7-1.
- And Burton Atherton backers surely enjoyed clinching their first playoff berth ever after missing by a win two of the last four years.
Read on for details behind more of the most intriguing results to emerge from Week 8 from all over the state:
Bay and Thumb
Flint Beecher 19, Montrose 14
The long-anticipated Genesee Area Conference Red finale played to its billing, with Beecher scoring with 17 seconds left on the clock to earn its first league title since 2009. Montrose (6-2), league champs the last three seasons, could’ve forced a three-way share of this season’s title with a win – Goodrich would’ve been the third team, but finished second. Beecher can finish the regular season undefeated also for the first time since 2009 with a win over Byron on Friday. Click for more from the Flint Journal.
Also noted:
Marine City 39, Warren Woods Tower 14 – Marine City (8-0) got back the Macomb Area Conference Gold championship, keeping second-place Warren Woods-Tower (6-2) from gaining a share.
Bay City Central 26, Mount Pleasant 22 – The Wolves (4-4) can still earn a first playoff berth since 2007 after beating the Oilers (5-3) for the first time in their recent eight-game series.
Lapeer 34, Flint Carman-Ainsworth 31 (OT) – The Lightning (8-0) finished a perfect run through the Saginaw Valley Association Red, but not without some necessary extra work against Carman-Ainsworth (6-2).
Birch Run 27, Millington 21 – The Panthers (7-1) edged the Cardinals (7-1) in the final game on the Tri-Valley East Conference schedule to make those two and Frankenmuth tri-champions after Millington led by a win coming in.
Lower Up North
Whittemore-Prescott 31, Hillman 14
While not a league game, this one unofficially recognized the top team on the northeast side of the Lower Peninsula – and once again it’s Whittemore-Prescott (8-0), which is one more winnable game from its first perfect regular season since 2002. Hillman (7-1) also entered undefeated and a league champion. Click for more from the Bay City Times.
Also noted:
Traverse City West 22, Gaylord 7 – Gaylord (5-3) has been working toward its first playoff berth since 2007, but had to put its celebration off while West (4-4) kept itself in the mix for an at-large bid.
Boyne City 28, Elk Rapids 23 – The Ramblers (8-0) won their eighth game for the third straight season and need one more for a first perfect regular season since 2001; Elk Rapids (4-4) will need help to return to the playoffs.
Mancelona 30, Central Lake 22 – Mancelona (5-3) is still alive for an automatic playoff berth, while Central Lake (4-4) is not and must win this week for a chance at an at-large bid.
Charlevoix 27, Frankfort 6 – The Rayders (5-3) quietly have won three straight to set up for their first playoff appearance since 2009, while forcing Frankfort (5-2) into a must-win situation to return to the postseason after missing the last two years.
Southwest and Border
Watervliet 28, Decatur 19
Make that six straight wins for Watervliet over Decatur, this one for the Southwestern Athletic Conference South championship. The Panthers (7-1) earned a share, giving them at least part of the league title for four straight seasons and seven straight wins this fall after opening with a one-point loss at Gobles. Decatur (7-1) will have more to play for next month, having already qualified for the playoffs as well. Click for more from the St. Joseph Herald-Palladium.
Also noted:
Union City 42, Homer 19 – The Chargers (8-0) finished their second Big 8 Conference title in four years, winning big to keep second-place Homer (6-2) from earning a share.
Fennville 22, Gobles 12 – This, combined with Bangor’s upset of Saugatuck, created a three-team tie atop the SAC North standings between Saugatuck (5-3), Fennville (5-3) and Gobles (6-2).
Constantine 35, Olivet 14 – The Kalamazoo Valley Association champ Falcons (7-1) bounced back from its first loss by doubling up former league rival Olivet (6-2), the champ in the first-year Greater Lansing Activities Conference.
Edwardsburg 42, Berrien Springs 21 – The Eddies earned a share of the Wolverine B Conference West championship against second-place Berrien Springs (5-3), which will need a major upset of Edwardsburg by Coloma this week to also gain a share.
Upper Peninsula
Marquette 9, Negaunee 8
The wind and rain couldn’t distract Marquette kicker Max Bednarek, who drilled a game-winning 22-yard field goal as time ran out to push the Redmen to 7-1. Marquette trailed 8-0 and went for two unsuccessfully after scoring its lone touchdown. Negaunee has now lost three games this season by five points or fewer, and at 4-4 will need some help to earn an at-large playoff bid. Click for more from the Marquette Mining Journal.
Also noted:
Lake Linden-Hubbell 36, Felch North Dickinson 30 – The Lakes (7-1) have built their best record since 2010 with three wins by eight or fewer points, while North Dickinson (3-5) officially won’t make the playoffs for the first time since 1990 after its third loss of six points or fewer.
Bark River-Harris 44, Powers North Central 22 – The Broncos (6-2) bounced back from a disappointing loss to Mid-Eastern Football Conference champ Munising to earn its first playoff appearance since 2009.
Iron Mountain 23, Hurley, Wis. 22 – The Moutaineers (5-3) put themselves in a win-and-in playoff scenario this week in part by going for two after a late score against Hurley (7-2) to create a two-possession game, and then holding the ball until nearly the end so Hurley didn’t get another chance.
Crystal Falls Forest Park 53, Bessemer 14 – The Trojans (6-1) can’t win the Great Western Conference this time, but are undefeated in Michigan with their lone loss to Hurley; Bessemer, at 4-3 but playing only eight 11-player games, can still qualify with a win this week against Ironwood.
Mid-Michigan
Clare 30, Harrison 29
Clare (6-2) has come up with the right recipe for winning the Jack Pine Conference. For the third straight season, the Pioneers have opened 0-2 against top nonleague competition and gone on to win the league, and can clinch it outright this week against Roscommon. But Harrison gave Clare its toughest challenge of any team during this eight-season title run – Clare trailed by as many as 16, and a potential game-winning field goal for the Hornets (7-1) fell just short. Click for more from the Mount Pleasant Morning Sun.
Also noted:
Fowler 20, Pewamo-Westphalia 13 – One of the best rivalries in this region decided a league championship again; Fowler (8-0) claimed the Central Michigan Athletic Conference title, while Pewamo-Westphalia (6-2) fell to second place.
Lansing Sexton 21, Lansing Everett 12 – This was all a neighborly rivalry game should be, with Everett holding Sexton to its second-fewest points this season and the Big Reds (8-0) keeping the Vikings (5-3) to their fewest.
Haslett 43, Williamston 23 – The Vikings (4-4) looked likely to miss the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, but upsetting Williamston (6-2) helps their at-large chances significantly.
Hanover-Horton 34, Grass Lake 28 – Not only had Hanover-Horton not beaten Grass Lake (5-3) since 2005, the Comets (7-1) had scored only a combined 15 points in their last five losses to the Warriors.
West Michigan
Caledonia 33, Lowell 0
The Fighting Scots just keep piling up impressive wins. After Caledonia (6-2) lost to Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central by 12 in Week 3, there probably weren't many who would've believed the Scots would go on to beat Rockford and now Lowell by a combined 75-0. Because of that Forest Hills Central loss, Caledonia only shares first place in the Ottawa-Kent Conference White with the Red Arrows (7-1), but both can clinch a share of the title this week. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.
Also noted:
Reed City 60, Remus Chippewa Hills 32 – The Coyotes (7-1) earned a share of the Central State Activities Association Gold title while keeping Chippewa Hills (6-2) from the same.
Cedar Springs 48, Greenville 16 – The Red Hawks (7-1) earned a share of the O-K Bronze title, its first league championship since 1978, while forcing Greenville (4-4) into an at-large playoff scenario.
East Kentwood 35, Rockford 3 – The Falcons (7-1) looked capable of beating Rockford (6-2) to push both into a tie atop the O-K Red standings, but the final margin was much more unexpected.
East Grand Rapids 31, Grand Rapids Christian 7 – The Pioneers (5-3) look good for the playoffs with 1-7 Jenison up this week, and left Christian (5-3) in a tougher position with the Eagles now facing Caledonia.
Greater Detroit
Southfield 20, Oak Park 16
The Bluejays (6-2) swooped in for a share of their second straight Oakland Activities Association White championship after falling a game behind with a Week 5 loss to Farmington Hills Harrison. Oak Park (6-2) had beaten Harrison and entered Week 8 atop the league, but couldn’t break Southfield’s defense – which held the Knights 22 points below their average. Harrison ended up with a share of the league title as well with Oak Park’s loss. Click for more from the Detroit Free Press.
Also noted:
Harper Woods Chandler Park 22, Warren Michigan Collegiate 13 – Chandler Park (6-2) won this deciding game in the Charter School Conference, sending Michigan Collegiate (7-1) into second place; Chandler Park is 34-1 in league play since its start in 2009.
Farmington 24, Birmingham Groves 20 – The Falcons (7-1) finished their bounce-back from 2-7 last season to OAA Blue champs this fall by edging second-place Groves (6-2).
Ypsilanti Lincoln 28, Ypsilanti Community 27 – Lincoln (6-2) won the Southeastern Conference White outright for the second straight year despite trailing Community (5-3) at one point by three scores.
Detroit Cass Tech 19, Detroit East English 12 – The Technicians (8-0) advanced to meet Martin Luther King in the Detroit Public School League Final thanks to three fourth-quarter touchdowns by standout running back Mike Weber; East English (5-3) must win this week to guarantee an MHSAA playoff berth.
8-Player
Peck 30, Deckerville 28 (OT)
This has become arguably the best rivalry in 8-player football (the argument being against Rapid River/Cedarville). Peck (8-0) made it 21 straight wins including three straight over Deckerville, although the Eagles made it plenty tough by scoring first in overtime and also leading into the fourth quarter. The win gives Peck the North Central Thumb League title outright while dropping Deckerville (6-2) into second place.
Also noted:
Battle Creek St. Philip 48, Portland St. Patrick 0 – This battle of undefeateds didn't match up to that expectation, but these two have history of meeting again during the playoffs.
Cedarville 57, Bellaire 14 – This one too didn't necessarily match up to a matchup of teams with a combined one loss, with Cedarville dominating to match Bellaire at 7-1 overall and second place in the Bridge Football Alliance.
PHOTO: Beal City, carrying the ball, defeated McBain on Friday to claim a share of the championship in the Highland Conference. (Click to see more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com).