A Game for Every Fan: 11-Player Semis
November 22, 2013
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
There are probably only a few surprises left as MHSAA 11-player football teams head into the second-to-last weekend of the season.
But there is plenty for us to tell about the 32 teams that have made it to Saturday's Semifinals.
See below for details on all 16 games, including some of the stories behind their runs and the players to watch for each.
All will be played Saturday. Click for a full schedule including times, and make sure to follow @MHSAA on Twitter for in-game updates all day Saturday.
Division 1
Flint Carman-Ainsworth (11-1) vs. Clarkston (11-1) at Lake Orion
Carman-Ainsworth is headed to its first Semifinal thanks in part to a defense allowing only nine points a game, but also on the legs of dynamic playmaker Jevonte Alexander. The senior quarterback/receiver/defensive back has run for 901 yards and nine touchdowns, thrown for 390 yards and five scores and returned two interceptions, a kickoff and a punt for scores as well. Clarkston has made four Semifinals over the last 15 seasons, but is playing for its first championship game berth. Balance has been key – junior quarterback D.J. Zezula has thrown for 2,156 yards and 17 scores and senior running back Ian Eriksen has run for 1,055 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Detroit Catholic Central (10-2) vs. Detroit Cass Tech (12-0) at Troy Athens
This is a rematch of the last two Division 1 championship games – both Cass Tech wins. Familiar faces will abound for those who saw those matchups. Cass Tech has some of the state’s top playmakers in quarterback Jayru Campbell, running backs Michael Weber and Deon Drake and receiver Damon Webb. Seniors Zach Bock and Dylan Roney are two-way standouts in the DCC backfield and on defense. Senior Connor Holton sees the ball most, with 975 of the team’s 3,107 rushing yards plus 11 scores.
Division 2
Muskegon (11-1) vs. Portage Central (12-0) at East Kentwood
The reigning runner-up Big Reds certainly have more experience at this stage as they hope to play for a fourth MHSAA title over the last decade. Senior quarterback Deshaun Thrower has been magnificent in keeping them in the hunt running for 1,575 yards and 24 touchdowns and throwing for 1,110 yards and 12 scores. Portage Central would be a deserving finalist as well; the Mustangs are scoring 43 points per game during their best season ever and first run to the Semifinals since 1977. A pair of senior running backs has carried the team to more than 4,000 yards rushing – Jerrod Davis has gained 1,586 yards with 26 touchdowns on the ground and Jacob Allan has run for 1,367 yards and 21 scores.
Birmingham Brother Rice (12-0) vs. Detroit Martin Luther King (10-1) at Wayne State University
This might beat out Cass Tech/DCC as the most anticipated Semifinal in the Greater Detroit area. Brother Rice is the reigning Division 2 champion and has been challenged only a few times during the final two months of longtime coach Al Fracassa’s final season after earning three wins by nine or fewer points during the first five weeks of the fall. Junior quarterback Alex Malzone is one of the most exciting at his position in the state, with 2,339 yards and 19 TDs through the air. Detroit King is having its best season since winning the MHSAA title in 2007 and has two of the state’s top two-way standouts in Avonte Maddox and Jalen Embry.
Division 3
Zeeland West (11-1) vs. Stevensville Lakeshore (9-3) at Vicksburg
Up in Division 3 for the second straight season, Zeeland West is in position to reach Ford Field for the second time in three years after winning Division 4 in 2011. The Dux grind down opponents with the run, rushing for 4,739 yards this season led by senior Danny Bauder’s 1,585 yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground. Lakeshore will be playing its fourth Semifinal seeking its first trip to an MHSAA championship game and is battle-tested against a strong league that includes Division 2 semifinalist Portage Central. Senior quarterback Mike Adams leads the way with 1,032 yards and 18 touchdowns running and 888 yards and 14 scores through the air.
DeWitt (12-0) vs. St. Clair (11-1) at Goodrich
The stories of these two vary considerably despite their similar successes this fall. St. Clair is making its first Semifinal trip, while DeWitt is playing in its ninth over the last 13 seasons and seeking its first trip to the Finals since 2004. Where they are alike is in their offensive prowess – both are led by strong dual-threat quarterbacks who direct strong rushing attacks. St. Clair senior quarterback Jared Tobey has run for 1,327 yards and 22 touchdowns and thrown for 886 yards and 16 touchdowns, with senior running back Bo Meldrum adding another 1,310 yards and 13 scores on the ground. DeWitt junior quarterback Jake Johnson missed time with an injury but has returned and total thrown for 1,644 yards and 28 scores and run for 471 more yards. Junior running back Ben Heinritz is averaging 8.8 yards per carry in gaining 1,291 total with 15 scores on the ground.
Division 4
Comstock Park (12-0) vs. Grand Rapids South Christian (11-1) at Rockford
South Christian junior quarterback Jon Wassink missed out on last season’s championship game win because of an injury, but he’s come back to lead another surge with 2,507 yards and 22 touchdowns passing and 1,002 yards and 20 touchdowns rushing. Junior running back Geff Plasman has added another 1,091 yards and 14 scores to the running attack. Comstock Park is in its third straight Semifinal, having fallen in the last two to the eventual MHSAA champion. But this also is the first the Panthers have entered undefeated, with a good deal of credit going to sophomore quarterback Pat Naughton (2,233 yards, 15 TDs passing) and senior running back Jake Bush (1,361 yards and 24 TDs rushing, 467 yards and four TDs receiving).
Lansing Sexton (12-0) vs. Marine City (11-1) at Ortonville Brandon
Sexton’s best season ever now will include its first Semifinal since 1989. The defense has been impressive against a tough set of opponents, giving up only 11.3 points per game. But the speedy offense has been equally difficult to stop keyed by an incredible group of junior playmakers – quarterback Malik Mack has thrown for 1,552 yards and 15 touchdowns, running back Avonte’ Bell has run for 1,033 yards and 18 scores and running back JaVon Wray has rushed for 1,222 yards and 18 scores (although Wray missed the Regional Final with an injury). This will be Marine City’s fourth Semifinal in seven seasons, and the Mariners come in with a similar attack. Junior quarterback Alex Merchant has thrown for 1,582 yards and 15 scores, while senior running back Tait Sapienza has run for 1,077 yards and junior Jarrett Mathison has run for 1,068.
Division 5
Menominee (12-0) vs. Muskegon Oakridge (11-1) at Northern Michigan University
An 18-year playoff streak has been capped by Menominee’s best run since winning its last MHSAA title in 2007. The Maroons’ always-prolific offense has been its best ever with a school-record 572 points, led by junior quarterback Justin Brilinski (1,073 yards/13 TDs rushing, 1,330 yards/13 TDs passing). Oakridge is looking to return to the Finals for the first time since its last championship in 2008 and despite losing its leading runner Dan Shoop for the playoffs with an injury. Senior quarterback Austin Wright has run for 894 yards and seven scores and thrown for 1,499 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Grand Rapids West Catholic (8-4) vs. Livonia Clarenceville (12-0) at Battle Creek Harper Creek
After just missing on last season’s Division 5 championship – losing 12-9 to Portland in the Final – West Catholic nearly missed the playoffs at 5-4 and made it only after a one-point win in Week 9. But back are senior running back Andy Corey (713 yards, 13 TDs rushing) and junior quarterback Travis Russell (518 yards/9 TDs rushing, 2,177 yards/18 TDs passing) to try to finish what they started a year ago. Standing in the way is Clarenceville’s first Semifinalist team since 2001. The Trojans are giving up only 11.9 points per game while riding the attack led by junior quarterback Jacob Kubiak (1,230 yards/16 TDs passing) and senior running back Jalen Bryant (1,199 yards/14 TDs rushing).
Division 6
Ithaca (12-0) vs. Montrose (12-0) at Midland
This is the fourth season in a row these two have met in the playoffs, and Ithaca is hoping for the same result as it goes for its fourth straight MHSAA title at 55th straight win. Senior quarterback Travis Smith has been incredible in trying to get his team back to Detroit with 2,773 yards and 35 touchdowns passing (completing 73 percent of his throws) and 475 yards and nine scores rushing. Montrose is keyed by a talented quarterback as well – senior Riley Warren has run for 730 yards and 10 scores and thrown for 1,485 yards and 19 touchdowns, with senior Malik Taylor catching 14 scoring passes and gaining 1,049 receiving yards (plus 782 yards and 11 TDs rushing). But senior Tyler Doyle might be the key to keeping Ithaca’s offense off the field. He’s run for 1,166 yards and 17 scores.
Shelby (11-1) vs. Clinton (12-0) at Middleville Thornapple-Kellogg
Shelby bounced back quickly from its lone loss, in Week 9, to reach its second straight Semifinal. Clinton is in its first since 1990, and both are seeking their first championship game berth. Shelby will try to get there in part with two senior running backs averaging more than 10 yards per carry – Devin Mussell has gained 1,223 yards and 17 touchdowns total on the ground, and Tony Guerra has added 961 yards and 12 scores. Clinton’s backfield is similarly loaded; senior Collin Poore has run for 1,509 yards and 18 touchdowns, while junior quarterback T.J. Baker has thrown for 1,868 yards and 23 scores and run for 641 yards and 16 TDs. The leading receiver is sophomore fullback Mathew Sexton with 33 catches for 1,059 yards (32.1 yards per catch) and 15 scores.
Division 7
Ishpeming (12-0) vs. Harbor Beach (11-1) at Northern Michigan University
This is a matchup of last season’s champion, Ishpeming, against reigning Division 8 champ Harbor Beach. They have just one loss between them this fall, but the Pirates fell only to Division 5 Semifinalist Menominee. Harbor Beach senior quarterback Eli Kraft caught plenty of eyes during last season’s run and has followed up with 1,248 yards and 24 touchdowns rushing and 1,770 yards and 19 scores passing while also starring at linebacker. Ishpeming senior quarterback Alex Briones made a similar impression last fall, and during this regular season he ran for 814 yards and 13 scores and threw for 1,050 yards and 13 scores without an interception.
Homer (11-0) vs. Detroit Loyola (12-0) at Chelsea
It’s tough for any MHSAA finalist to bounce back like Loyola has after losing its two best players from last season’s runner-up team. But the Bulldogs have been even more impressive with wins over Detroit Country Day and Detroit East English among others. Loyola is still running strong, with junior Marvin Campbell gaining 1,262 of the team’s 3,553 rushing yards. Homer has advanced to its first Semifinal by outscoring opponents on average 27-5 during the first half with perhaps the most balanced offense left in the playoffs. Homer has run for 2,051 yards and thrown for 2,374, led by seniors Chaz Hopkins (1,400 yards/21 TDs rushing) and quarterback Alex White (2,333 yards/30 TDs passing).
Division 8
Crystal Falls Forest Park (12-0) vs. Beal City (12-0) at Northern Michigan University
The Trojans had to survive some close calls to reach their eighth Semifinal in 10 seasons, but few statewide are more familiar with the pressure that goes along with this late date on calendar. One of those that does understand is Beal City, last season’s Division 8 runner-up, which is making its fifth Semifinal appearance in seven seasons. Forest Park junior running back Lee Graff is in the mold of the team’s typical load carrier with 1,401 yards and 29 touchdowns rushing as one of two backs averaging at least eight yards per carry. But a defense giving up 9.9 points per game must lock down the second-highest scoring offense in MHSAA history. The Aggies are averaging 57.6 points per game on the strength of a running game that’s gained more than 3,500 yards and is led by seniors Ty Rollin (1,140 yards/23 TDs rushing) and Hayden Huber (813 yards/19 TDs).
Muskegon Catholic Central (10-2) vs. New Lothrop (12-0) at Greenville
This will be, incredibly, Muskegon Catholic Central’s 18th Semifinal appearance over the 39 years of the playoffs, and the Crusaders are playing for their first trip to Detroit since 2008. Rather, they are running for the Finals led by junior quarterback Nick Holt (1,051 yards/21 TDs rushing, 777 yards/10 TDs passing) and senior Alex Lewandoski (1,068 yards/18 TDs rushing). This will be New Lothrop’s third Semifinal in eight seasons, and the Hornets prepared for this type of game by loading their nonleague schedule with the likes of Traverse City St. Francis and Pewamo-Westphalia. Senior Amari Coleman might be the most dangerous offensive player on the field – he’s averaging 19.4 yards per carry (for 987 with 18 TDs) and 16.1 per catch, and also has returned five punts and a kickoff for scores.
PHOTO: Lansing Sexton’s Avonte’ Bell turns the corner while a Saginaw Swan Valley defender gives chase during last week’s Regional Final win over the Vikings. (Click to see more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)
Drive for Detroit: Week 7 in Review
October 12, 2015
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Every game night provides the opportunity for teams and athletes to make history. From 11-player to 8, Week 7 saw its share of those moments.
In last week's preview, we noted at least 20 leagues with games that had immediate championship implications. As we now review, we touch on a number of those below.
Bay & Thumb
Algonac 21, Almont 7
Algonac continued its history-making run, clinching a share of the Blue Water Area Conference title, its first league championship since 1972. The Muskrats (7-0), also celebrating a first winning season and playoff berth since 2005, grabbed the title share against an Almont team that had won 17 straight league games and hadn’t been held to single-digit scoring since Week 3 of 2012. Almont (6-1) is now tied for second place with Richmond, Algonac’s opponent this week. Click for more from the Port Huron Times-Herald.
Also noted:
Vassar 36, Unionville-Sebewaing 24 – The Vulcans (6-1) clinched a share of the Greater Thumb Conference West title by outlasting second-place USA (5-2) and moved to 8-0 against the Patriots since they’ve been in the same league.
Marysville 48, Sterling Heights 21 – The Vikings (5-2) turned the Macomb Area Conference Gold race into a three-team battle with a league game to play by handing Sterling Heights (5-2) its first league loss; those two are tied with Marine City for first place.
Lapeer 49, Midland 21 – The Lightning (7-0) remains perfect for the regular season over its two-year history and earned a share of the Saginaw Valley League Red title by downing the second-place Chemics (6-1).
Sanford Meridian 30, Harrison 8 – The Mustangs (7-0) can clinch a share of the Jack Pine Conference title this week now that they’ve beaten both second-place teams, Clare and Harrison (5-2).
Greater Detroit
Plymouth 31, Canton 20
Plymouth broke a two-game losing streak to the rival Chiefs (5-2) to close out an outright championship in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association South, and after trailing Canton 20-10 at halftime. This was the eighth straight game between the two decided by 12 points or fewer, and earned Plymouth (6-1) the opportunity to host Northville in this week’s KLAA Kensington title game. Click for more from Observer & Eccentric.
Also noted:
Farmington Hills Harrison 13, Farmington 12 – Harrison (6-1) edged one neighbor, Farmington (4-3), to earn a share of the Oakland Activities Association White title, and can finish the run against another, North Farmington, this week.
Birmingham Groves 47, Berkley 14 – A 6-0 start for Groves last season turned into a 1-4 finish beginning with a three-point loss to Berkley (5-2), but the 2015 meeting was all Groves (7-0) as it earned a share of the OAA Blue title.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 14, Detroit Catholic Central 7 – The Shamrocks (5-2) and Warren DeLaSalle meet this week to figure out the rest, but those two and St. Mary’s (6-1) are all in the Prep Bowl mix.
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 33, River Rouge 30 – Notre Dame Prep’s bounce-back from 3-6 last season to 6-1 this fall has included four wins by seven points or fewer including this one over previously-undefeated River Rouge (6-1).
Mid-Michigan
Brighton 14, Howell 11
These KLAA West rivals both played without key contributors and traded their share of momentum-stopping fumbles and interceptions before Brighton (6-1) closed out the win to earn a share of the division championship. The teams have split their last six games. Brighton also clinched a playoff spot, and Howell (5-2) remains alive for what would be a first playoff berth since 2012. Click for more from the Livingston Daily.
Also noted:
Hartland 30, Grand Blanc 27 (OT) – The Eagles (5-2) earned the other share of the KLAA West title by outlasting last season’s champion, Grand Blanc (4-3), and thanks to a win over Brighton two weeks ago also will play for the Lakes Conference title.
DeWitt 49, St. Johns 21 – It’s time to stop talking about DeWitt (7-0) being inexperienced and under the radar after it clinched an outright Capital Area Activities Conference Red title over three others still alive for playoff berths, including the Redwings (5-2).
East Lansing 14, Lansing Sexton 8 – The Trojans (4-3) are staying alive for the playoffs after going 1-8 only a year ago, although they face undefeated Grand Ledge next; Sexton (1-6) suffered its fifth loss by eight points or fewer.
Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 48, Vestaburg 7 – The Irish’s win-out campaign to make the playoffs after an 0-3 start now includes claiming a share of the Mid-State Activities Conference title with this win over second-place Vestaburg (5-2) that put Sacred Heart at 4-3 overall.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Frankfort 27, Harbor Springs 7
The Panthers quietly are putting up one of the most impressive defensive stands in the state this fall. Since giving up 10 points on opening night in a four-point loss to Maple City Glen Lake, Frankfort (6-1) hasn’t given up more than one score in a game and 32 more points total. This win allowed the Panthers to equal their total for all of last season and got them within another of clinching the Northern Michigan Football League Legends title, while dropping fourth-place Harbor Springs to 4-3. Click for more from the Benzie County Record Patriot.
Also noted:
McBain 34, Lake City 13 – McBain (5-2) closed out a share of the Highland Conference championship with Beal City by downing third-place Lake City (3-4)
Whittemore-Prescott 30, Rogers City 22 – The Cardinals (4-3) are North Star Big Dipper champions for the second straight season but must beat Little Dipper champ Hillman this week to keep on track for an automatic playoff berth.
Hillman 46, Oscoda 39 – The Tigers (6-1) just survived Oscoda (4-3) to earn a playoff appearance for the 10th straight season.
Johannesburg-Lewiston 48, Lincoln Alcona 22 – Another impressive run continues for Johannesburg-Lewiston, which downed Alcona (5-2) thanks to two touchdown runs and 225 yards (plus 17 tackles) by Logan Huff and four scoring runs by cousin Brandon Huff.
Southeast & Border
Ypsilanti Community 34, Chelsea 24
The third-year Ypsilanti Community program, which emerged from the former Ypsilanti High, has beaten Chelsea all three times the teams have met – although this might be the best win in the young Grizzlies’ history. After opening 0-3 this fall, Community has won four straight and with this victory clinched a shared Southeastern Conference White championship with the Bulldogs (6-1). Click for more from AnnArbor.com.
Also noted:
Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 41, Milan 14 – The Falcons (7-0) clinched a share of the Huron League by winning this matchup of first-place teams, with Milan (5-2) needing help from Monroe Jefferson this week to also earn a share.
Homer 44, Quincy 18 – This win, combined with Concord’s overtime loss to Springport, gave Homer (6-1) the outright championship in the Big 8 Conference.
Saline 28, Monroe 0 – The Hornets (7-0) closed out an outright title in the Southeastern Conference Red while pushing Monroe (3-4) into the pool of those hoping to make the playoffs with an at-large bid.
Ottawa Lake-Whiteford 34, Morenci 6 – The Bobcats (6-1) nearly reversed last season’s 49-0 loss to Morenci (5-2) to move into second place in the Tri-County Conference with first-place Clinton coming up in Week 9.
Southwest Corridor
Benton Harbor 10, Stevensville Lakeshore 7 (OT)
Benton Harbor (4-3) can’t win the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference West title and is tied for third place. But many statewide eyes have turned toward the Tigers, who are in pursuit of their first playoff berth and went 0-18 over the last two seasons – and 4-68 over the last eight. Benton Harbor held Lakeshore (4-3) scoreless to start overtime, then won on a 22-yard field goal. Click for more from the St. Joseph Herald-Palladium.
Also noted:
Mattawan 21, Battle Creek Central 18 – This turned the SMAC East into a three-team battle with one league game left to play; Mattawan, Central and Battle Creek Lakeview all are tied for first and none play each other the rest of the way.
Watervliet 56, Delton Kellogg 35 – The Panthers (6-1) won this matchup of first-place teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Lakeshore and earned an outright title; Delton (5-2) now must beat an undefeated team over the next two weeks to earn a first playoff berth since 2001.
Dowagiac 16, Sturgis 7 – The Chieftains (4-3) gave Wolverine B Conference leader Edwardsburg a hand, handing second-place Sturgis (5-2) a second loss that resulted in the Eddies gaining a share of the league title.
Schoolcraft 41, Gobles 12 – The Eagles (7-0) are enjoying their move to the new SAC Central; they earned the title outright with this win and gave up a total of 30 points over five league games. Gobles (4-3) was one of two opponents to put up more than one score.
Upper Peninsula
Ishpeming 22, Negaunee 16
The numbers got more incredible for Ishpeming: 38 wins over its last 39 regular-season games, three straight Mid-Peninsula Conference titles and only 49 points given up in six games this fall. The Hematites (6-0) earned a share of the league title and ended Negaunee’s final drive with an interception to run their latest string of success against the Miners (6-1) to six wins in their last seven meetings.
Also noted:
Kingsford 14, Iron Mountain 12 – The Flivvers (5-2) moved a win closer to returning to the playoffs after missing last season, while Iron Mountain (4-3) must now win out to ensure a second straight bid.
Calumet 34, L’Anse 14 – The Copper Kings (5-2) guaranteed a share of the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference title for the second time in four seasons by downing second-place L’Anse (4-3).
Munising 19, Bark River-Harris 12 – Munising (6-1) must beat Crystal Falls Forest Park this week to guarantee a piece of the Mid-Eastern Conference title, but earned the opportunity by handing Bark River-Harris (5-2) its second straight loss.
Lake Linden-Hubbell 46, Houghton 34 – The Lakes (7-0) continue to cruise, with this win equaling last season’s total and setting the team up to earn its best finish since 2010 with another victory.
West Michigan
Grand Rapids West Catholic 42, Comstock Park 35
This didn’t clinch the Ottawa-Kent Conference Blue for West Catholic (5-2), but it did give the Falcons a one-win lead and victories over both second-place teams, Comstock Park (5-2) and Allendale. West Catholic trailed by two touchdowns during the first half and then withstood a fourth-quarter blitz by the Panthers. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.
Also noted:
East Kentwood 30, Rockford 29 – After two straight losses, the Falcons (5-2) bounced back to stay out of must-win territory while forcing Rockford (4-3) to win out to guarantee extending a 20-year playoff streak.
Caledonia 52, Grand Rapids Christian 31 – Considering the Fighting Scots (3-4) have lost to East Grand Rapids, Muskegon Mona Shores, Rockford and Lowell, beating Grand Rapids Christian (4-3) seems like less of an upset.
Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian 47, Wyoming Godwin Heights 6 – The Mustangs (7-0) earned a share of the O-K Silver title after finishing second each of the last two seasons, while sending Godwin Heights (4-3) into second place after the two entered tied for first.
Hesperia 47, Lakeview 20 – Hesperia’s best season since 2002 now includes a Central State Activities Association Silver championship and first winning record since 2007, and after the team finished just 1-8 a year ago; a win by Lakeview (4-3) would’ve split the title three ways.
8-Player
Stephenson 76, Rapid River 38
Suddenly it’s Stephenson (5-2), not Rapid River (5-2), that stands as Powers North Central’s top competition in the Western Upper Peninsula Conference. Eight-player football appears to be to the Eagles’ liking; they finished 1-8 a year ago in 11-player and appear to be reclaiming the success they enjoyed in the former format during the 1990s and 2000s. Click for more from the Escanaba Daily Press.
Also noted:
Battle Creek St. Philip 55, Waldron 16 – The Tigers (7-0) have won three straight Southern Michigan League Titles and every league game since falling to Waldron (6-1) in 2012.
Cedarville 29, Bellaire 28 – A week after falling by two to Posen, Cedarville (5-2) bounced back to edge rival Bellaire (4-3) in Bridge Alliance play.
PHOTO: DeWitt defenders swarm a St. Johns ball-carrier during Friday's league title-clinching victory. (Click for more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)