Drive for Detroit: Week 5 in Review
September 24, 2012
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Fall officially is upon us. And so is the home stretch of another MHSAA football regular season.
Four weeks remain before the playoffs begin, and that allows us to crunch some numbers all 596 11-player teams surely are following with interest.
So far, one team has qualified for the postseason. Another 73 can do so with a victory this week.
And that's only part of the excitement, as many still have chances at league championships hanging in the balance.
Many are mentioned below in this week's Drive for Detroit report.
Greater Detroit
Livonia Churchill 43, Canton 40
Churchill took a major stride toward its first league title since 1979. Although the teams combined for nearly 1,000 yards in total offense, the Chargers made a last stand to improve to 5-0 and 3-0 in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association South. For Canton, it’s been some tough luck – its two losses are by a combined four points. Click to read more from Mlive Detroit.
Also noted:
Orchard Lake St. Mary 13, Detroit Cass Tech 6 – Cass Tech has appeared invincible, but this victory by the reigning MHSAA Division 3 champion over the reigning champ in Division 1 re-opens the debate over the best in Michigan overall this fall.
Detroit University Prep 28, Warren Michigan Collegiate 26 – After winning one game in the Charter School Conference in 2011, University Prep is one win from clinching at least a share of the title and also equaling its most ever.
Oak Park 20, Farmington 15 – At 5-0, Oak Park has won its most games since 2007 and is off to its best start since 1998.
Milan 35, Monroe St. Mary Catholic 20 – The Big Reds are in the midst of one of the biggest turnarounds in the state this fall, now 5-0 after going 1-8 in 2011 and losing their last four to Monroe St. Mary.
West Michigan
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 43, East Grand Rapids 17
This was played in a baseball stadium, Fifth Third Ballpark, but hardly looked like a baseball game on the scoreboard. Forest Hills Central scored all 43 points in the first half and continued on what is shaping up as a special season despite the competition in the ultra strong O-K White. The Rangers improved to 4-1 and had lost seven straight to the Pioneers dating back to 2001. Click to read more from the Grand Rapids Press.
Also noted:
Grand Rapids Christian 38, Caledonia 21 – This is another one that dictates some order in the O-K White, with both of these teams still 4-1 despite the Eagles’ one-game league advantage.
Comstock Park 38, Belding 31 – The Panthers outlasted the Redskins to remain one of only two 2-0 teams atop the O-K Blue.
Montague 9, Whitehall 3 – Make that six straight wins for Montague in the battle for the “Bell” that has raged more than a century.
Muskegon Mona Shores 41, Grand Rapids Union 6 – Every week seems to bring another accomplishment for the Sailors, who are 4-1 for the first time since 1989.
Upper Peninsula
Kingsford 14, Menominee 13
Overlooked accidentally in Friday’s pregame report, this ended up as the best this weekend in the entire peninsula. Both entered 4-0 after the first week of Great Northern Upper Peninsula Conference play and with little to spare. The league again looks like a gauntlet after three of five teams made the playoffs in 2011 and a fourth finished 5-4. Click to read more from the Iron Mountain Daily News.
Also noted:
Marquette 35, Gladstone 14 – Also in the GNUPC, this keeps Marquette just a game back of the co-leaders and two from making the playoffs.
Rapid River 60, Engadine 40 – Rapid River was one of three undefeated teams atop the Bridge 8-Man Football Alliance heading into the week; now there are two.
Cedarville 42, Eben Junction Superior Central 12 – These were the other two B8FA teams that came in 4-0; Cedarville continues to look like possibly the best team in all of 8-player this fall.
Iron Mountain North Dickinson 40, Bark River-Harris 0 – The Nordics became the first team to earn an MHSAA playoff berth; they are 5-0 playing only eight regular-season games this fall.
Southwest and Border
Edwardsburg 49, Three Rivers 41
These Wolverine B Conference South foes seem to be tailor-made for the rain that fell all over the Lower Peninsula on Friday. On a night of offensive firepower, Edwardsburg supplied a little bit more by running for 485 yards and seven touchdowns. The win sets up the Eddies as Dowagiac’s biggest competition for the league title. Click to read more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Also noted:
Watervliet 41, Hartford 29 – The separation has begun in the Southwestern Athletic Conference South, and Watervliet moved to 5-0 overall.
Paw Paw 24, Vicksburg 13 – The Redskins also moved to 5-0 overall and are tied with Plainwell now atop the Wolverine B Conference North.
Portage Central 33, St. Joseph 23 – The best of the strong Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference West keep beating up on each other, with the Mustangs now just a game behind the leaders.
Stevensville Lakeshore 37, Niles 21 – Similar story from this SMAC West game, but Lakeshore is sharing first place with Mattawan, a win ahead of Central and Portage Northern.
Lower Up North
Traverse City Central 49, West Branch Ogemaw Heights 21
There’s plenty to tout with the surging Trojans. They’re 4-1, tying last season’s win total. They’re tied with crosstown rival Traverse City West atop the Big North Conference. They’re off to their best start since 1991, when the schools were still combined. And they’ve got the Titans next in arguably the biggest game of this rivalry since they split in 1997. Click to read more from the Traverse City Record Eagle.
Also noted:
Traverse City West 40, Cadillac 11 – The Titans couldn’t afford a trip-up heading into this week’s game with Central that could eventually be the decider in the Big North Conference.
Traverse City Christian 60, Big Rapids Crossroads 48 – These teams have only one win combined between them, but Christian set a school record for points and Crossroads scored its third-most ever.
Kingsley 12, Frankfort 6 – After a four-point loss to Frankfort in 2011, the Stags turned the tables to keep atop the Northwest Conference.
Boyne City 29, Traverse City St. Francis 13 – The Ramblers had lost 10 straight to St. Francis, including 28-0 in 2011.
Thumb and Bay
Lapeer West 13, Linden 10
A 23-yard field goal with five seconds to play earned Lapeer West coach Mike Smith his 100th win and handed Linden its first loss of the season. Both Flint Metro League teams have a loss and are chasing first-place Swartz Creek. Click to read more from the Flint Journal.
Also noted:
Freeland 16, Saginaw Swan Valley 14 – Another week, another Tri-Valley Conference Central re-mix at the top; now it’s Hemlock in first with these two tied for second.
Midland 41, Mount Pleasant 34 – The Chemics keep churning through close ones; they improved to 5-0 with their third win of seven or fewer points this fall.
Reese 23, Vassar 0 – This wasn’t as close as billed, perhaps, but Reese now is the sure frontrunner (again) in the Greater Thumb Conference West.
Richmond 35, Armada 33 – While Croswell-Lexington has a firm hold on first in the Blue Water Area Conference, five more teams (these two included) are either 3-2 or 2-3 overall and working toward that magic number of six wins.
Mid-Michigan
Charlotte 35, Mason 3
On one hand, it was a little early to put so much pressure on a young Mason team that indeed started 4-0, but against opponents that have combined for only two wins so far. On the other hand, few in mid-Michigan gave Charlotte much of a chance in this one – and the Orioles no doubt took that to heart. Charlotte is 3-2 and looks good to win at least three more and earn its first playoff berth since 2008. Click to read more from the Lansing State Journal.
Also noted:
Holt 21, East Lansing 14 – Despite a couple of tough losses to elite teams, Holt isn’t going away; the Rams are 3-2 and look good to double that win total after handing the Trojans their first loss this fall.
Springport 26, Union City 25 – Three losses by a combined 21 points led to a tough start this fall for the Spartans, but this helps after they lost to Union City 47-8 in 2011.
DeWitt 34, St. Johns 20 – The Panthers look like they’ve found another quarterback in Jacob Heath, and need just one more win in the Capital Area Activities Conference Red for a share of the title.
Portland 40, Williamston 7 – This sets up the CAAC White as a two-team race between the Raiders and Lansing Catholic.
Trophy Games
Each week, the MHSAA highlights trophy games around the state. Here's another to go with the Montague/Whitehall battle for "The Bell" mentioned above.
- Iosco County News-Herald and Oscoda Press (News-Press) Trophy: Oscoda hosted Tawas in this 58th meeting dating back to 1954, and won its seventh straight of the series. Final: Oscoda 22, Tawas 18.
PHOTO: Orchard Lake St. Mary junior fullback Jeff Robinson rumbles through the Detroit Cass Tech defensive during Friday's win by the Eaglets. (Click to see more at Terry McNamara Photography.)
1st & Goal: 2024 11-Player Finals Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 27, 2024
The 50th MHSAA 11-Player Football Playoffs will conclude this weekend with eight new champions and several first-time opportunities for teams making the trip to Ford Field.
Of the 16 playing in Friday and Saturday’s championship games, only Jackson Lumen Christi is back from last year’s field – and contending in Division 6 after winning Division 7 titles the last two seasons.
Half the field this weekend – eight teams total, including both in Divisions 4 and 5 – are seeking their first Finals titles. Five of those eight are playing in championship games for the first time.
Here's the full schedule for Friday and Saturday's games:
Friday, Nov. 29
Division 8 – Riverview Gabriel Richard (11-1) vs. Beal City (11-2) – 9:30 a.m.
Division 4 – Goodrich (12-1) vs. Niles (12-1) – 12:30 p.m.
Division 6 – Jackson Lumen Christi (12-1) vs. Lansing Catholic (10-3) – 4 p.m.
Division 2 – Byron Center (12-1) vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-3) – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Division 7 – Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (13-0) vs. Millington (12-0) – 9:30 a.m.
Division 3 – Zeeland West (12-1) vs. Detroit Martin Luther King (10-3) – 12:30 p.m.
Division 5 – Frankenmuth (13-0) vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (11-1) – 4 p.m.
Division 1 – Hudsonville (12-1) vs. Detroit Cass Tech (11-2) – 7 p.m.
The Division 8, 7 and 3 games will be broadcast on the FDSN primary channel, with the remaining five Finals broadcast on FDSN Extra, and all eight also will be available via the FDSN website. Additionally, all eight championship games will be available for listening from the MHSAA Network. Links to purchase tickets and more are available on the Football page.
Below is a glance at all eight matchups. Statistics are through Semifinals unless noted.
Division 1
HUDSONVILLE
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 4
Coach: Brent Sandee, seventh season (44-28)
League finish: First in Ottawa-Kent Conference Red
Championship history: Division 2 runner-up 2005 and 2000, Class A runner-up 1998.
Best wins: 27-7 over No. 6 Rochester Adams in Semifinal, 35-6 over No. 1 Howell in Regional Final, 28-21 over Rockford, 14-12 over East Lansing.
Players to watch: QB Griffin Baker, 6-2/195 sr. (1,132 yards/11 TDs passing, 650 yards/16 TDs rushing); RB/LB Bryce Fox, 5-9/175 sr. (987 yards/14 TDs rushing); WR/DB/P Braden VanLaecke, 5-11/175 jr. (5 TDs receiving); RB/LB Ethan Carter 6-1/215 sr.
Outlook: After starting this playoffs with some close rematches (25-23 over East Kentwood and 19-16 over Grandville), Hudsonville has powered through a pair of impressive performances to get back to the Finals for the first time in two decades. While Baker is a dangerous two-way threat at quarterback, Hudsonville has made its way by running the ball and not allowing the other team to do so. Junior Owen Haarsma has rushed for another 771 yards and eight touchdowns, and the Eagles are holding opponents to just 254 total yards per game – and just about 100 per game on the ground. That’s turned into just 13 points per game by opponents this season, with Hudsonville giving up more than 20 only three times and no more than East Kentwood’s 23 after the Falcons scored six the first time the teams met.
DETROIT CASS TECH
Record/Rank: 11-2, unranked
Coach: Marvin Rushing, third season (25-9)
League finish: Second in Detroit Public School League Blue
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2016, 2012 and 2011. Division 1 runner-up 2015.
Best wins: 17-14 over No. 2 Detroit Catholic Central in Semifinal, 21-14 over No. 5 Macomb Dakota in Regional Final, 30-14 over Division 3 No. 7 Detroit Martin Luther King, 20-3 over Canton McKinley (Ohio).
Players to watch: SE/DB Corey Sadler Jr., 5-10/175 jr. (780 yards/7 TDs receiving); CB/WR Alex Graham, 6-3/184 sr. (550 yards/6 TDs receiving); QB Donald Tabron II, 6-3/172 fr. (1,475 yards/14 TDs passing); OT Kalief Canty Jr., 6-5/308 jr.
Outlook: The win over DCC in last week’s Semifinal further proved what Cass Tech has shown throughout a nine-game winning streak. The Technicians lost their season opener to Rockford by seven and then by six in overtime to Detroit King in Week 4. But they avenged the King loss four weeks later in the PSL City championship game, and handed DCC its only loss a week after the Shamrocks had eliminated reigning champion Belleville. Canty made the all-state first team last season, and Sadler earned an honorable mention, and the latter has been joined by another electric playmaker in Graham who will continue next season at Colorado and also has returned two kickoffs and one punt for scores. Canty and Sadler are both major Division I prospects, and the defense includes three more players who have committed to Division I programs in linemen Logan Howell (Miami Ohio) and John Baker IV (Toledo) and defensive back Derrick Jackson III (Kent State).
Division 2
BYRON CENTER
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 5
Coach: Marc Cisco, 16th season (115-50)
League finish: Second in O-K Green
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 30-23 over No. 4 Muskegon Mona Shores in District Final, 38-17 over No. 9 Grand Rapids Northview in District Semifinal, 41-14 over East Lansing in Semifinal, 52-14 over Portage Central in Regional Final, 43-20 over East Kentwood.
Players to watch: QB/DB Landon Tungate, 5-10/185 sr. (1,784 yards/23 TDs passing, 1,407 yards/25 TDs rushing); SE/DB Isaac Lee, 6-1/175 sr. (789 yards/11 TDs receiving); SE/DB Landen Conrad, 6-0/188 sr. (80 tackles); RB/LB Kellen Payne, 5-11/212 sr. (100 tackles).
Outlook: Byron Center’s run to Ford Field has included its first Regional title, handing Northview its only defeat, and the avenging of the Bulldogs’ lone loss, which came against Mona Shores 14-12 in Week 4. Tungate has been unstoppable – six of his touchdown runs came in the Semifinal win over East Lansing – and he’s joined in the backfield in part by sophomore Cam Payne (580 yards/5 TDs rushing). Lee and senior running back/linebacker Luke Laska (335 yards/3 TDs rushing, 72 tackles) are the team’s two-way starters. Cisco is the son of Marc Cisco Sr., who won 242 games over nearly 50 seasons at Monroe Jefferson, with a run to the Class BB championship in 1994.
ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S
Record/Rank: 10-3, unranked
Coach: Jermaine Gonzales, third season (18-15)
League finish: Fourth in Catholic High School League Central
Championship history: Eight MHSAA titles (most recent 2016), six runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 28-27 (OT) over No. 1 Birmingham Groves in Semifinal, 27-3 over No. 8 Gibraltar Carlson in Regional Final, 50-19 over Portage Northern.
Players to watch: WR/S Bryson Williams, 6-2/217 sr. (575 yards/9 TDs receiving); RB/LB Darrin Jones, 5-11/195 sr. (1,100 yards/11 TDs rushing); QB Axel Newell, 6-4/200 sr. (1,271 yards/11 TDs passing); LB/WR Charles White, 6-2/193 sr. (110 tackles).
Outlook: St. Mary’s has made a tremendous improvement under late 1990s star quarterback Jermaine Gonzales, returning to the Finals for the first time since 2016 and after posting sub-.500 records three of the last four seasons including 3-6 just a year ago. Williams, White and senior tight end Jayden Savoury (275 yards/3 TDs receiving) all have committed to Michigan State and are among several playmakers, including also senior running back Richard Goike III (10 TDs rushing); sophomore quarterback Jabin Gonzales (517 yards/10 TDs passing), junior defensive tackle Ryan Harrington (10 sacks) and senior defensive back Kareem Pruitt (6 interceptions). The Eaglets’ losses came to Division 1 No. 2 Detroit Catholic Central (27-22), Division 2 No. 10 Warren De La Salle Collegiate (38-28) and Toledo Central Catholic (7-6), which will play in an Ohio semifinal this weekend.
Division 3
ZEELAND WEST
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 4
Coach: John Shillito, 20th season (184-44)
League finish: Second in O-K Gold
Championship history: Four MHSAA titles (most recent 2015).
Best wins: 33-20 over No. 1 DeWitt in Semifinal, 36-20 (Regional Final) and 28-7 over No. 6 Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, 42-0 over No. 3 St. Joseph in District Final, 60-43 over Whitehall.
Players to watch: FB/DB Keaton Hendricks, 6-0/165 sr. (1,477 yards/19 TDs rushing, 4 interceptions); QB/DB Trey Sloothaak, 6-0/181 sr. (651 yards/10 TDs passing, 484 yards/4 TDs rushing); RB/LB Isaac VanderZwaag, 6-1/195 sr. (675 yards/9 TDs rushing, 6 TDs receiving, 77 tackles); OT/DL Noah VanderVelde, 6-0/230 sr.
Outlook: Zeeland West defeated the reigning Division 3 champion (for the second time) and then the top-ranked team at the end of the regular season to earn this return to Ford Field. Shutting down DeWitt’s offense reinforced that West’s defense is tough to break, and the Dux have allowed only 269 yards and 16 points per game this fall. Sloothaak made the all-state first team last season at defensive back and is one of seven two-way starters. As a team, Zeeland has 14 interceptions and will work to get pressure up front with senior Brody Maas (six sacks) leading the charge. The traditionally-powerful T offense is up to 3,666 yards and 50 touchdowns rushing this fall, with junior Jonah Leslie adding 12 scores.
DETROIT MARTIN LUTHER KING
Record/Rank: 10-3, No. 7
Coach: Terel Patrick, first season (10-3)
League finish: First in Detroit PSL Blue
Championship history: Six MHSAA titles (most recent 2022), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 35-14 over Mason in Semifinal, 34-0 over River Rouge in Regional Final, 18-12 (OT) over Detroit Cass Tech, 25-21 over Cleveland Heights (Ohio).
Players to watch: LB Willie Fletcher Jr., 6-2/230 sr.; RB Michael Dukes, 6-0/185 jr.; QB Darryl Flemister, 5-11/170 soph.; DL/TE Xavier Newsome, 6-6/230 sr. (Statistics not submitted).
Outlook: Although Patrick is closing his first season as head coach, he’s been on staff as offensive coordinator and assistant coach over 14 seasons, with King this weekend playing in its seventh championship game over the last decade. Flemister earned an all-state honorable mention as a freshman and directs a skill position group that includes Dukes but also four seniors. Fletcher and Newsome are joined up front on defense by junior tackles Richard Stewart (5-11/280) and Gregory Keller (6-1/285), and that unit might be the key for a defense that’s given up 13.6 points per game this fall and posted five shutouts include two during the playoffs.
Division 4
GOODRICH
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 4
Coach: Tom Alward, 32nd season (209-117)
League finish: First in Flint Metro League Stars
Championship history: Division 4 runner-up 2022.
Best wins: 28-14 over No. 5 Harper Woods in Semifinal, 42-13 over Haslett in Regional Final, 27-21 over No. 8 Freeland in District Final, 42-3 over Division 3 No. 9 Fenton.
Players to watch: WR/DB Max Macklem, 6-0/190 sr. (583 yards/6 TDs receiving through Regional); QB/DB Tanner Mazich, 5-10/165 jr. (931 yards/11 TDs passing through Regional); RB/LB Chase Burnett, 6-0/200 sr. (1,463 yards/25 TDs rushing); OL/DL Benjamin Sennabaum, 5-10/200 sr.
Outlook: Goodrich is returning to Ford Field for the second time in three seasons, and has only three losses over the last two seasons – the Martians have avenged last year’s against Corunna and Harper Woods, and their only defeat this fall was to Division 5 finalist Frankenmuth. Burnett and Macklem were among contributors on the 2022 team as well, and the Goodrich offense as a whole benefits from a powerful line that averages 6-foot-1, 250 pounds. Sennabaum earned an all-state honorable mention on the defensive line last season and is part of a unit that has given up only 10.5 points per game and no more than 22 all season. Macklem will continue next year at Central Michigan.
NILES
Record/Rank: 12-1, unranked
Coach: Scot Shaw, fourth season (33-12)
League finish: First in Wolverine Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 62-30 over Grand Rapids South Christian in Semifinal, 37-34 over No. 10 Portland in Regional Final, 21-0 (District Final) and 21-14 over Edwardsburg, 42-14 (District Semifinal) and 21-0 over No. 9 Paw Paw.
Players to watch: RB/DB Peyton Gordon, 5-6/165 sr. (834 yards/15 TDs rushing); RB/LB Paul Hess, 5-9/210 sr. (1,202 yards/14 TDs rushing); RB/LB Sam Rucker, 5-9/175 sr. (1,100 yards/20 TDs rushing); OL/DL Jordan Cunningham, 6-0/230 sr.
Outlook: Niles also is enjoying its longest playoff run, including a first Regional championship, but Shaw has been to this stage before having led Three Rivers to the Division 4 championship in 2003. He enters this weekend with an overall 243-119 record over 35 seasons that also included stops at Grandville and two Indiana schools. Hess at running back and Rucker at linebacker both earned all-state honorable mentions last season as Niles finished 10-2 to build toward this campaign. The Vikings are giving up 10.4 points per game with six shutouts and their only opponents to score more than 14 coming the last two weeks and in a season-opening loss to Division 3 St. Joseph.
Division 5
FRANKENMUTH
Record/Rank: 13-0, No. 2
Coach: Phil Martin, 12th season (128-19)
League finish: First in Tri-Valley Conference Red
Championship history: Division 5 runner-up 2022 and 2020.
Best wins: 42-35 over No. 7 Grand Rapids Catholic Central in Semifinal, 37-7 over No. 8 Belding in District Final, 21-20 over Division 4 No. 8 Freeland, 22-0 over Division 4 No. 4 Goodrich.
Players to watch: OL/DL Derrick Simmons, 6-4/275 sr. (44 tackles, 20 tackles for loss); QB/DB Lleyton Hoard, 6-3/180 sr. (600 yards/11 TDs rushing, 433 yards/4 TDs passing); RB/DB Kobbi Ke, 5-9/190 sr. (888 yards/5 TDs rushing); QB/DB Aidan Labissoniere, 5-9/160, sr. (500 yards/9 TDs rushing, 364 yards/4 TDs passing).
Outlook: Frankenmuth has reached the Semifinals five straight seasons and now Ford Field three of those five after turning back a challenge from reigning champion Grand Rapids Catholic Central last week. Simmons is committed to Michigan State and a powerful presence on a defensive line that also includes senior leading tackler Logan Diener (90 tackles, 22 tackles for loss); additionally, Simmons made the all-state first team on the offensive line in 2023. With 65 total touchdowns, including 56 rushing, the Eagles are approaching MHSAA record book lists for both and with 12 players contributing to one or both of those totals. Senior running back Hagan Wascher is the team’s leading receiver averaging 18.9 yards per catch and has 11 touchdowns total averaging nine yards per carry as well.
PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP
Record/Rank: 11-1, No. 1
Coach: Pat Fox, 11th season (77-34)
League finish: Does not compete in a league.
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 49-7 over Flat Rock in Semifinal, 45-19 over No. 4 Armada in Regional Final, 56-7 over No. 5 Corunna in District Final, 42-0 over No. 7 Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 57-26 over Division 6 No. 6 Reed City, 28-24 over Division 6 No. 1 Jackson Lumen Christi.
Players to watch: RB/DB Billy Collins, 5-9/165 sr. (1,156 yards/8 TDs rushing, 573 yards/8 TDs receiving); RB/DE Drew Heimbuch, 6-0/195 sr. (433 yards/18 TDs rushing, 85 tackles/28 tackles for loss); QB/LB Sam Stowe, 6-5/200 jr. (2,458 yards/33 TDs passing, 7 TDs rushing); WR/DB Joseph Decasas, 6-2/165 sr. (1,126 yards/18 TDs receiving, 7 interceptions).
Outlook: Notre Dame Prep also won its first Regional title on the way to this Finals debut, and during the regular season defeated the reigning Division 5 (GRCC) and Division 7 (JLC) champions. The Fighting Irish’s only loss came Week 9, 43-28 to Hudsonville Unity Christian, which was top-ranked in Division 4 at the end of the regular season. Heimbuch made the all-state first team last season as a defensive lineman, and his 20 touchdowns total include one apiece on interception and fumble returns. Junior linebacker Brody Sink (127 tackles/22 tackles for loss) and senior linebacker Luca Gasperoni (90 tackles) are two more of several standouts on a defense. Fox is 201-115 total with head coaching stops as well at Ortonville Brandon, Berkley, Ann Arbor Pioneer and Milford.
Division 6
JACKSON LUMEN CHRISTI
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 1
Coach: Herb Brogan, 45th season (420-96)
League finish: First in CHSL AA
Championship history: 13 MHSAA titles (most recent 2023), three runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 35-6 over No. 4 Marine City in Semifinal, 42-6 over Constantine in Regional Final, 49-28 over Ida in District Final, 39-21 over Kalamazoo United, 35-7 over Division 7 No. 8 Traverse City St. Francis.
Players to watch: RB Kadale Williams, 6-1/180 sr. (1,941 yards/34 TDs rushing); QB Timmy Crowley, 6-3/180, sr. (1,149 yards/8 TDs passing, 5 TDs rushing) FB/LB Isaac Rehberg, 5-9/195 sr. (92 tackles, 437 yards/6 TDs rushing); TE/DE Charlie Saunders, 5-9/190 sr.
Outlook: Lumen Christi has won the last two Division 7 championships and opted up to Division 6 this fall. The lone loss came in Week 2 to Notre Dame Prep, by only four points, and no other opponent got within 17 points of catching the Titans. Williams made the all-state first team last season and was committed at one point to Central Michigan but has reopened his recruitment. Senior receiver Kash Kalahar gives Crowley a nice option to complement the running game; he’s caught a team-leading 32 passes for 712 yards and five touchdowns. Brogan is third on the all-time coaching wins list, 10 from second place and 23 from tying the record.
LANSING CATHOLIC
Record/Rank: 10-3, unranked
Coach: Jim Baker, fourth season (33-17)
League finish: Tied for third in Capital Area Activities Conference White
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 2021), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 36-29 over No. 8 Chesaning in District Semifinal, 49-36 over No. 5 Newaygo in Regional Final, 34-22 over Boyne City in Semifinal, 31-28 over Ovid-Elsie in District Final, 35-34 over Pewamo-Westphalia.
Players to watch: QB/OLB Alex Fernandez, 6-3/230 sr. (2,898 yards/31 TDs passing, 1,000 yards/18 TDs rushing, 82 tackles); WR/S Benjamin Rabideau, 5-8/170 sr. (957 yards/10 TDs receiving, 387 yards/4 TDs rushing, 98 tackles/6 interceptions); WR/OLB Xavier Luea, 6-3/195 sr. (1,048 yards/10 TDs receiving); OL/DL Josh Pritzlaff, 6-4/295 sr.
Outlook: Lansing Catholic emerged from a league that included top-10 teams in Divisions 4 and 6 and then defeating two top-10 teams, including an undefeated opponent to open the playoffs. Rabideau made the all-state second team as a receiver last season and is one of three this fall with at least 30 catches as Fernandez has joined him in putting up monster numbers on both sides of the ball. Senior Chris Sims is another two-way standout, starting on the offensive line and making 97 tackles at linebacker. Lansing Catholic’s losses were to No. 7 Olivet, Division 4 No. 10 Portland and another solid Division 4 team in Lansing Sexton.
Division 7
MONROE ST. MARY CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record/Rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Adam Kipf, 10th season (80-32)
League finish: First in Huron League
Championship history: Four MHSAA titles (most recent 2019), four runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 38-7 over Schoolcraft in Semifinal, 55-18 over Leslie in Regional Final, 51-30 (District Final) and 22-14 over No. 10 Clinton, 37-14 over Flat Rock, 34-15 over Riverview.
Players to watch: QB/DB Ian Foster, 6-0/165 sr. (640 yards/15 TDs passing, 424 yards/7 TDs rushing); RB/DB Drew Harris, 5-6/165 sr. (1,348 yards/21 TDs rushing); QB/RB/DB Brady Hines, 6-2/205 jr. (443 yards/7 TDs rushing); OL/DL Jimmy Rostash, 6-3/260 jr. (Statistics through Regional Final.)
Outlook: St. Mary made a jump this fall after two straight 6-6 finishes, impressing on both sides of the ball as they’ve pursued their first undefeated season since 1991. The defense is giving up just 9.6 points per game and has allowed more than 18 only once – in the rematch with Clinton. The offense is averaging 39 points per game as no team has come closer than 19 to catching the Falcons since an eight-point season-opening win over Clinton. Harris brought a 10.3 yards-per-carry average into last week’s Semifinal. Through 12 games, sophomore Cole Reinhardt had scored eight touchdowns (four rushing, three receiving, one on kickoff return), and junior Lukas Linzell had run for six scores and scored on kickoff and interception returns.
MILLINGTON
Record/Rank: 12-0, No. 5
Coach: Jason Germain, third season (34-3)
League finish: First in Big Thumb Conference White
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 35-28 over North Muskegon in Semifinal, 28-0 over Pewamo-Westphalia in Regional Final, 34-7 (District Final) and 34-6 over Cass City.
Players to watch: RB/LB Dallas Walsh, 5-10/193 sr. (1,411 yards/17 TDs rushing); RB/LB Landon Russell, 5-9/183, sr. (735 yards/10 TDs rushing, 3 TDs receiving); QB/DB Truk Terbush, 5-11/152 sr. (1,420 yards/21 TDs passing, 520 yards/11 TDs rushing); TE/DL Brevin Hendricks, 6-3/220 sr. (7 TDs receiving).
Outlook: This was the seventh time since 1994 that Millington reached the Semifinals, and the Cardinals broke through for their first Finals trip thanks in part to a powerful running game that is balanced out nicely by Terbush’s work throwing the ball. He has only two interceptions to go with his 21 touchdowns through the air, with three receivers with at least 15 catches topped by senior Bryce Martin (25 receptions/511 yards/6 TDs receiving). The defense has given up just 8.4 points per game, keeping opponents to single digits nine times and allowing more than 14 only twice. Walsh, Russell and senior Landon Germain provide a sturdy linebacker group in the middle of that effort.
Division 8
RIVERVIEW GABRIEL RICHARD
Record/Rank: 11-1, unranked
Coach: Mark Shea, first season (11-1)
League finish: Second in CHSL Intersectional #1
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 36-30 over No. 5 Decatur in Semifinal, 44-26 over No. 10 Manchester in Regional Final, 40-18 over Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard, 15-10 over Division 7 No. 9 Montrose.
Players to watch: QB/S Nick Sobush, 5-11/165 sr. (1,597 yards/20 TDs passing); WR/CB Derek Lesko, 6-0/160 jr. (873 yards/7 TDs receiving); RB/S Antonio Sobush, 5-10/160 sr. (711 yards/9 TDs rushing, 451 yards/1 TD receiving); RB/LB Joey Calhoun, 6-3/207 sr. (1,140 yards/16 TDs rushing). (Statistics through Regional Final.)
Outlook: Gabriel Richard reached the Semifinals last season for the first time and has taken another sizable step this fall. The only loss came Week 7, 30-22 to Macomb Lutheran North, which won their league and went on to claim a Division 4 District title as well. The offense has jumped its average more than seven points to 40 per game during the playoffs, an indication of the strength of regular-season competition the Pioneers faced as they took on several larger opponents. Shea previously served as head coach at Allen Park Cabrini from 2010-13 and most recently was an assistant Hazel Park after also assisting at Detroit Loyola during its 2014 Division 7 championship run and 2013 and 2016 runner-up finishes.
BEAL CITY
Record/Rank: 11-2, No. 9
Coach: Brad Gross, 10th season (85-29)
League finish: Second in Highland Conference
Championship history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 2009), seven runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 17-16 over No. 1 Fowler in Semifinal, 14-7 over No. 3 Iron Mountain in Regional Final, 21-14 over No. 7 Maple City Glen Lake in District Final, 51-6 over Evart.
Players to watch: RB/DB Drew Block, 5-9/170 sr. (800 yards/12 TDs rushing); RB/DB Owen Mckenny, 5-10/175 sr. (825 yards/10 TDs rushing/3 TDs receiving); QB/DB Cuyler Smith, 5-7/150 soph. (1,177 yards/13 TDs passing); OL/LB Wyatt Wilson, 5-7/185 soph. (Statistics through Regional Final.)
Outlook: It’s impossible to argue with the run Beal City has put together to return to Ford Field for the first time since 2021 and third time in six seasons. The Aggies’ only losses this fall were both by four points, to Division 6 No. 6 Reed City in Week 9 and Division 7 McBain in Week 3. They’ve given up only 37 points over four playoff wins, and just 9.4 per game for the season with a 47-0 win over Frankfort kicking off this run four weeks ago. Only McBain scored more than 18 against them. Senior Austin Small has been another major contributor in the backfield with 565 yards and nine touchdowns rushing through the Regional Final. Receiver/defensive end Aaron Locke and lineman Drew Gross join Wilson as sophomore two-way starters.
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