Search Begins Again for 'Greatest Game'
August 27, 2016
By Ron Pesch
Special for Second Half
There really is no place I’d rather be than in the stands of a high school football stadium on a Friday night. As summer fades to autumn, and leaves begin to fall, the smile on my face grows. It’s football weather. The days shorten and the hue of the evening sky deepens; the air turns crisp; hoodies come out; hot dogs and popcorn bring more joy than a finely catered meal. As the season progresses, hot chocolate becomes a drink to be cherished and appreciated.
As I’ve aged, my interest in the professional game has faded. My fascination with the college game continues to dwindle in direct relation to the increasing prices for a ticket to a game, the marketing hype generated by the changing of brands for overpriced athletic apparel and the escalating dollars involved in signing a coach.
The prep season presents the chance to step outside to enjoy my favorite part of the calendar. I’ll sit beneath lights, watching high school kids struggle with, then grasp, the components of the game. On some nights, I’ll again witness pure athleticism shred the defense of an unprepared squad. On others, I’ll watch a finely schooled team dismantle superior size and speed.
From those prep stands, I’ll continue to see moments where the underdog defeats the favorite; where the ordinary achieves the extraordinary; where tension and excitement erupts into a roar. I’ll stand and cheer as the high school band, enjoying its share of the spotlight, takes the field to play the national anthem and showcase its skills at halftime.
And again this season, I’ll settle in with hopes of finding the game I can call the greatest in state high school history.
My criteria is stringent, perhaps more stringent than the conditions held by others.
1) The margin should be close, ideally through most of the 48 minutes that comprise a contest. I’m really no fan of overtime.
2) The stakes should be high. Hence, this may favor late-season contests, where playoff implications and/or league championships are involved.
3) There should be history, where past battles between the schools have helped to establish a palatable dislike for the other, when the teams line up for a contest. Cross-town rivalries, where bragging rights and perhaps a trophy, are involved, enhance the value in my eyes. At the same time, playoff rivalries, where defeat is balanced between each, or where dominance by a single school is suddenly shattered, augment the importance of such a contest.
4) Weather conditions and controversy should not be a factor.
Over the years, I’ve watched or read about amazing comebacks, decisive thrashings, contests played under vicious weather conditions and marathon overtime battles. Each, some might argue, are challengers to the crown.
But I have yet to find a replacement for the current title-holder – a game played before my birth.
The reigning champ was christened as such by an authority. I’ve seen a small segment of that 1945 season-ending battle between Muskegon High School and Muskegon Heights High School, as captured by a home movie camera. In addition, I’ve viewed a series of amazing still photographs that portray the drama.
I’ll let the legendary Hal Schram set the stage.
“Seldom has one city dominated Michigan high school football as completely as Muskegon does this week,” stated the Detroit Free Press writer later known as “The Swami” for his tongue-in-cheek “all-knowing” ways when it came to predicting high school sports outcomes.
Schram’s Tuesday, November 6 column in the Free Press included his Class A Top Ten rankings. The Top Ten, used to identify the state’s best team based on enrollment classification, win-loss record and strength of schedule, was a relatively new approach to identifying the state’s best. The approach is still in use today.
“One month ago, Muskegon High occupied second place in the Top Ten while Muskegon Heights ranked sixth,” said Schram. “Today, Coach Leo Redmond’s Big Reds with a 16-game winning streak, and the Heights, with the best defensive record in state Class A football, rate first and second respectively.”
A week later, Schram’s ranking in the Free Press reflected the same result in Class A, heading into the season’s final week.
“Twenty-thousand Muskegon fans will watch their high school giants – Muskegon and Muskegon Heights – battle for a mythical Michigan championship Saturday. Only the limited seating capacity of the city’s Hackley Stadium prevents the attendance from reaching 30,000. Reserve seat tickets have been completely sold out for three weeks.
“Muskegon, with its 17-game winning streak, clings to its No. 1 rating among Michigan high schools for the third straight week, but the difference between the Big Reds and the Heights is infinitesimal.
“The Big Reds have scored 191 points to 38 for eight opponents while Muskegon Heights has rolled up 185 points to 37. Both have played almost exactly the same opponents and under identical conditions …
“The Heights will be gunning for its first triumph since 1943 over Muskegon, when the Tigers won, 7-0. The victor will also lay claim to the Southwestern Conference championship.”
It would take 30 years before the MHSAA created a playoff system to determine football state champions. Until that time, state titles were dispensed by the media, and hence were referred to as mythical, since they weren’t settled in a series of head-to-head contests played between contenders.
A total of 18 Big Reds and 23 Tigers would appear in their interscholastic football uniform for the final time. Eight seniors and three juniors would start the game for each team.
While the overall series dating back to 1922 favored Muskegon, in games played since 1930, the two teams were exactly even with each team having six victories and two ties over those previous 14 games. Coach Redmond had led the Big Reds since 1925. Oscar E. “Okie” Johnson took charge of the Heights in 1927 and would guide the Tigers until retirement following the 1963 season. The two coaches had been football teammates at Western State Normal School (today, Western Michigan University). Each coach had led their team to mythical state crowns in years past.
Statewide coverage of the pending heavy-weight battle enticed many from around the state to attend the game. A crowd of 13,500 – still the largest ever to visit Hackley – packed nearly every square inch of the stadium, bleachers and field. Countless others tuned in to the radio broadcast.
Servicemen, recently returned from World War II, helped hoist the flag during pregame ceremonies. The combined marching bands from each school opened the 2 p.m. program with the national anthem, and each entertained the crowd at halftime.
Muskegon won the toss and kicked off. The Heights unleashed their power early. Behind the running of Ed Petrongelli and backfield mate Paul Hulka, the Tigers rolled across mid-field, before a Petrongelli pass was picked off by Bob Clark on the Muskegon 15. The Big Reds were held on downs, and were forced to kick. Muskegon’s Bob Sikkenga, who averaged 30 yards on five punts during the day, gained a mere nine yards on his first kick of the afternoon, allowing the Heights to take control at the Muskegon 27. Petrongelli pounded ahead for four yards to the 23 before Jim Howell skirted the left side on the end around for the first score of the contest. Dorr Grover's placement was accurate, and Okie Johnson's Tigers led 7-0.
Muskegon bounced back, scoring midway through the second quarter of play. Starting at their own 35-yard line, Coach Redmond's backfield of Percy Moore, Bob McNitt and Howard Peterson alternated carries, pushing the ball to the Heights 31-yard line. Facing a 3rd-and-1 situation, Don Ohs replaced McNitt, and broke through off right guard for a first down on the Tiger 14. A Heights penalty advanced the ball to the 9. A pair of plays eked out only a yard, then McNitt was nailed behind the line on third down for a six-yard loss. Facing a 4th-and-goal, Peterson shot a pass toward McNitt at the goal line. Nearly intercepted by Ray McLean of the Tigers, the ball bounced into the waiting hands of the Muskegon back, and the Big Reds were a point away from a tie. But Tom Carr's kick went wide and low, and the Tigers clung to a one-point lead when the teams broke for the halftime intermission.
Much of the third quarter was played in Muskegon territory, with the Heights dominating. Still, neither team scored. As the teams entered the final quarter, a single point still separated victory from defeat.
Midway through the fourth, opportunity knocked for the Tigers as Jim Dotson recovered a Muskegon fumble on the Big Red 43. The Heights fans roared in approval as the Tiger offense lined up for action. But the momentum changed quickly as the Big Reds' Bob Anderson pounced on a Heights' fumble at the Tiger 48 on the first play from scrimmage.
Redmond's squad went to the air. An incomplete pass was followed by a six-yard gain by Ted Barrett around left end. Another incomplete pass brought fourth down before Peterson found Bob Lintjer at the 30 yard line and he raced to the Heights 9, securing the first down.
The Big Reds were hit for a five-yard penalty on a substitution, so the squad lined up for a 1st-and-goal from the 14. Barrett quickly made up for the penalty, battling to the 4 yard line. On 2nd and goal, Muskegon again went to Barrett, who picked up three yards. Injured on the play, the halfback exited the game with the ball resting on the 1 yard line.
"On (the) last two plays rode the hopes of 13,500 fans, for or against the success of the attacking Big Reds," wrote Muskegon Chronicle sports editor, James F. Henderson. "On those two plays rode both State and Southwestern titles."
McNitt charged the center of the line on third down, but was stopped three inches from the end zone. Redmond's squad huddled to discuss its final play.
“We decided to go with a quarterback sneak on fourth," recalled Peterson years later. "I decided to use a long, variable, cadence count, in hopes of drawing them offside, in case we needed another shot. To their credit … neither line moved."
"When Jim Dotson, Everett Grandelius, Dick Ghezzi and Gene Hilliard stopped the forward motion of Howard Peterson, the air went dark with the applause of the Heights fans, and the groans of Muskegon's," wrote Henderson. "The ball, three inches from the goal line when play started, still was an inch from the line when it was set down."
“For the second straight year the mythical state high school football title belongs to greater Muskegon, penned Schram following the game. “No longer does the bunting fly over Muskegon High, but it is on display only a few miles away, at Muskegon Heights High. The Tigers laid claim to the title after conquering Muskegon 7 to 6”
As was tradition, following the game the Heights band marched back to its school, leading a victory parade of students celebrating a great day for football.
Seven players from the teams received all-state honors according to The Associated Press. Petrongelli and Dotson from the Heights, and Clark from Muskegon were all named to the first-team squad. Tigers Ghezzi and Howell and Big Reds Barrett and Anderson each earned mention on AP’s second or third all-state teams.
This July, after a long, distinguished career and blessed retirement, Tom Carr, the kicker for the Big Reds, passed away.
As a college student, I had the privilege to meet Carr. Signed to play baseball by the Chicago White Sox out of high school, Carr later earned his Master’s degree at Western Michigan University. Following graduation, he ascended to associate vice president of operations for the University. On the day of our meeting, he smiled, shook my hand, and greeted me with the words, “Hi, I’m Tom Carr – the guy who missed the extra point.”
Long ago, a friend stated that the main difference between male and female athletes is that the boys will carry the agony of defeat into manhood, and it will stay with them until the day they die. While it might have taken years to accept, the game would ultimately become a point of pride for all involved.
Among the crowd of spectators that day was Dick Kishpaugh, who served the MHSAA as high school historian for 50 years. Kishpaugh had come up from Southwest Michigan to attend the game. It was, in the opinion of my mentor, the greatest high school football game ever played in Michigan.
While I wasn’t in attendance, I still share his opinion.
Since that time, 70 years ago, I’d estimate more than 200,000 high school football games have been played in Michigan.
As we kick off another season of high school athletics, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject, as well as your candidates for honor of greatest game.
Ron Pesch has taken an active role in researching the history of MHSAA events since 1985 and began writing for MHSAA Finals programs in 1986, adding additional features and "flashbacks" in 1992. He inherited the title of MHSAA historian from the late Dick Kishpaugh following the 1993-94 school year, and resides in Muskegon. Contact him at [email protected] with ideas for historical articles.
PHOTOS: (Top) Muskegon's Tommy Carr attempts an extra point against Muskegon Heights during their history-making matchup. (Middle) The game program from 1945. (Below) Heights stops Muskegon during its final goal line stand; Big Reds quarterback Howard Peterson is number 19. (Photos provided by Ron Pesch.)
Drive for Detroit: 11-Player Finals Preview
November 21, 2017
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
This weekend’s MHSAA 11-Player Football Finals are teeming with stories just waiting to be told by all 16 teams as Friday and Saturday’s games play out.
Edwardsburg, Saginaw Swan Valley and West Bloomfield will be making the championship game trip for the first time, and Livonia Franklin will play in its first title game since the first year of the MHSAA playoffs. Ottawa Lake Whiteford is making its second trip ever after finishing runner-up in Division 8 a year ago, while Saugatuck also is seeking its first title and Muskegon is back as well after missing out on winning Division 3 in the closing seconds in 2016.
Speaking of the Big Reds, the state’s winningest program takes on the all-time winningest coach and the program with the most MHSAA football titles in Farmington Hills Harrison. Oakland Activities Association Red rivals West Bloomfield and Clarkston meet in a rematch, but this time with the Division 1 title on the line. Like Clarkston, Warren DeLaSalle and Saginaw Nouvel are seeking to reclaim glory they enjoyed earlier this decade. Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Grand Rapids West Catholic and Pewamo-Westphalia are all aiming to repeat, West Catholic for the fifth straight season. Jackson Lumen Christi is hoping to add a second straight championship as well, but faces powerhouse Ithaca in what might be the game of the weekend.
See below for a look at all of the finalists taking the field, powered by MI Student Aid. Tickets cost $10 and are good for all four games on one day; cash only will be accepted at the door. Click for a full schedule. The MHSAA Playoffs are sponsored by the Michigan Army National Guard.
The first two Friday and Saturday games will be broadcast live on FOX Sports Detroit’s primary and PLUS channels (check cable/satellite box listings for your specific channel) with the third game both days and the fourth game Saturday available live on FOX Sports Detroit PLUS only. Friday night’s Division 4 Final will be broadcast tape delayed at 11:30 p.m. on PLUS but can be viewed live on FOXSportsDetroit.com and on the FOX Sports Go! app. The games will also re-air Sunday on the following schedule: Division 8 – 10 a.m., Division 2 – Noon, Division 6 – 2 p.m., Division 4 – 4 p.m., Division 7 – 6 p.m., Division 1 – 8 p.m., Division 5 – 10 p.m. and Division 3 – Midnight. Audio broadcasts will be available on the MHSAA Network website live both days.
Rankings below were voted on by The Associated Press’ media panel – teams that were ranked in different divisions for the regular season are noted. Statistics are current, also unless noted.
Division 1
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Record: 11-2, honorable mention
Coach: Ron Bellamy, eighth season (47-34)
League finish: Tied for first in Oakland Activities Association Red.
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 9-7 over No. 3 Detroit Cass Tech in the Semifinal, 28-25 over No. 1 Utica Eisenhower in the Regional Final, 41-7 over No. 6 Waterford Mott in the District Final, 17-16 over No. 8 Rochester Adams, 37-15 over honorable mention Clarkston, 49-26 over Division 2 No. 10 Birmingham Groves.
Players to watch: QB Bryce Veasley, 6-4/225 sr. (3,273 yards/24 TD passing, 467 yards/14 TD rushing); WR Taj Mustapha, 6-0/185, sr. (816 yards/5 TD receiving); RB/DB Collin Heard, 5-10/180 sr. (994 yards/11 TD rushing); WR AJ Abbott, 6-2/190 sr. (1,043 yards/8 TD receiving).
Outlook: West Bloomfield is enjoying its finest season even as it’s had to navigate an OAA Red and playoffs filled with ranked opponents – and now must see a league rival again in the championship game. The Lakers started this season 0-2 and avenged that second defeat, to Bloomfield Hills, in the Pre-District. Veasley is committed to sign with Bowling Green and is surrounded by playmakers, including as well 6-2 junior receiver Tre Mosley (828 yards/10 TDs receiving). But the defense has been arguably the most significant difference maker in the playoffs, holding four opponents to a combined 45 points despite three of them being ranked among the top six teams in Division 1 – including reigning champion Cass Tech. West Bloomfield also can rely on the sharp kicking of senior Nick O’Shea, who has made 55 of 57 extra point tries and 12 of 16 field goal attempts including three for all of the team’s points last week.
CLARKSTON
Record: 11-2, honorable mention
Coach: Kurt Richardson, 31st season (244-86)
League finish: Third in OAA Red.
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2014 and 2013.
Best wins: 29-22 over honorable mention Holland West Ottawa in the Regional Final, 28-0 over No. 7 Davison in the District Final, 27-7 over Detroit Catholic Central in the Semifinal, 23-13 over Farmington Hills Harrison (Division 2 honorable mention for the regular season).
Players to watch: QB Nathan Uballe, 5-10/165 sr. (1,225 yards/10 TD passing); RB/DB Michael Fluegel, 6-1/175 sr. (814/9 TD rushing); RB Joshua Cantu, 5-9/176 sr. (1,478 yards/23 TD rushing); OG Noah Nicklin, 6-4/290 sr. (Uballe's statistics do not include Semifinal totals.)
Outlook: The Wolves are headed back to Ford Field after two years away and can even get a little bit of vengeance after falling to West Bloomfield in league play earlier this season. The Lakers were the only opponent to score more than 22 on Clarkston, and the defense has shined especially during the playoffs in giving up 36 points over four games. Fluegel and Cantu are the latest in a long line of strong Wolves backs – they combined for 200 yards rushing in the Semifinal win over Detroit Catholic Central, last season’s Division 1 runner-up. Aside from West Bloomfield, the only other loss this season came by seven to Rochester Adams, which was ranked No. 8 in Division 1 heading into the postseason.
Division 2
WARREN DELASALLE
Record: 11-2, No. 6
Coach: Mike Giannone, second season (15-7)
League finish: First in Detroit Catholic League Central.
Championship history: Division 2 champion 2014, two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 14-13 over No. 1 Detroit Martin Luther King in the Semifinal, 14-7 over No. 8 Oak Park in the Regional Final, 50-0 over honorable mention Port Huron Northern in the District Final, 46-0 over honorable mention Ferndale in the Pre-District, 35-14 and 20-6 over Detroit Catholic Central, 52-14 over Division 3 honorable mention Dearborn Divine Child.
Players to watch: QB Luke Pfromm, 6-6/225 sr. (1,546 yards/13 TD passing, 11 TD rushing); RB Cordell Tannyhill III, 5-9/205 sr. (873 yards/6 TD rushing); WR/DB Jacob Badalamenti, 5-9/150 sr. (546 yards/6 TD receiving); LB Devin Campbell, 6-1/190 jr. (82 tackles).
Outlook: The Pilots made a big wave by eliminating two-time reigning champion King in the Semifinal, but DeLaSalle likely wasn’t receiving enough credit for winning a Catholic League Central that produced three playoff teams. The only losses this fall were opening weekend against Lowell and by 10 to Pennsylvania power Erie Cathedral – and aside from that pair, no other opponent has scored more than 14 points. Including a pair of wins over eventual Division 1 semifinalist DCC, DeLaSalle has given up only 40 points over its last six games. Junior defensive backs Jacob Dobbs and Josh DeBerry are among additional playmakers on that side of the ball; Dobbs has 80 tackles, five sacks and four fumble recoveries and DeBerry has six interceptions. Giannone is 173-58 over 20 seasons coaching overall and led Macomb Dakota to Division 1 titles in 2006 and 2007.
LIVONIA FRANKLIN
Record: 11-2, unranked
Coach: Chris Kelbert, 17th season (87-83)
League finish: Second in Kensington Lakes Activities Association Gold.
Championship history: Class A champion 1975.
Best wins: 20-0 over No. 9 Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central in the Semifinal, 35-28 over No. 5 Walled Lake Western in the Pre-District, 35-21 over Livonia Stevenson, 21-19 over Livonia Churchill in the District Final, 31-29 over Flushing in the Regional Final.
Players to watch: QB Jacob Kelbert, 6-4/190 sr. (1,101 yards/9 TD passing); RB Isaac Moore, 6-0/201 sr. (1,598 yards/14 TD rushing); RB Julius Simmons, 6-0/180 jr. (870 yards/12 TD rushing); LB Jacob Mass, 6-4/215 sr. (111 tackles). (Kelbert/Mass statistics do not include Semifinals).
Outlook: Franklin was the first Class A champion in MHSAA football history and broke through for another title opportunity last week in its second trip to the Semifinals over the last three seasons. This fall also has included losses to neighbors Stevenson and Churchill during a 2-2 start, and then the avenging of both defeats – and the Patriots also have had to gut out a series of close playoff wins to make it this far. Forest Hills Central was averaging nearly 38 points per game before Franklin’s shutout last week, and a strong rushing game helps that defense – Jacob Kelbert threw only six passes in the Semifinal with Moore and Simmons carrying the load.
Division 3
MUSKEGON
Record: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Shane Fairfield, eighth season (86-18)
League finish: First in Ottawa-Kent Conference Black.
Championship history: Five MHSAA titles (most recent 2008), four runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 42-0 over No. 4 Battle Creek Harper Creek in the Semifinal, 49-0 over No. 5 DeWitt in the Regional Final, 55-20 over honorable mention Zeeland West in the District Final, 35-24 over Division 2 No. 4 Muskegon Mona Shores.
Players to watch: QB La’darius Jefferson, 6-2/215 sr. (1,850 yards/29 TD rushing, 1,205 yards/21 TD passing); SL/DB Clinton Jefferson, Jr., 6-1/180 sr. (463 yards/10 TD receiving, 786 yards/10 TD rushing); RB/LB Lonnie Clark, Jr., 5-7/165 sr. (877 yards/13 TD rushing); OT A.J. Reed, Jr., 6-6/215/sr. (Clinton Jefferson’s rushing yardage does not include Semifinal.)
Outlook: Muskegon’s season has been memorable, to say the least. After seeing last season’s Division 3 title slip away on an Orchard Lake St. Mary’s score with four seconds left in the Final, the Big Reds are back after rolling through most of the first 13 games. This time they’ve got the fifth highest-scoring offense in MHSAA football history and a defense that hasn’t given up a point in two weeks and only 78 all season. Quarterback La’darius Jefferson may be the toughest player to stop in all of Michigan, and he’s running behind a line that averages 6-foot-3 and 297 pounds led by Penn State recruit Reed. Only Mona Shores in Week 8 stayed within striking distance, and another win would give the Big Reds one of the most impressive seasons in this state in some time.
FARMINGTON HILLS HARRISON
Record: 10-3, honorable mention*
Coach: John Herrington, 48th season (435-106-1)
League finish: Tied for first in OAA White.
Championship history: Thirteen MHSAA titles (most recent 2010), four runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 21-0 over Riverview in the Semifinal, 34-21 over honorable mention Linden in the Regional Final, 17-14 over Division 2 No. 8 Oak Park.
Players to watch: LB/TE Ovie Oghoufo, 6-4/215 sr. (479 yards/5 TD receiving); WB/DB Roderick Heard, 6-0/160 jr. (1,477 yards/23 TD rushing); QB/DB Noah Hendricks, 6-3/195 sr. (1,205 yards/13 TD passing); OL/DL Chris Rexroth, 6-6/275 sr. (Oghoufo and Hendricks’ statistics do not include Semifinals.)
Outlook: Just when it looks like Muskegon might be unbeatable, enter Harrison with the best narrative possible going up against such an opponent. This is the second-to-last season of Hawks football before the school closes, and earlier this fall Herrington become the winningest coach in Michigan high school history. This championship game appearance will give Harrison a record 18 – it’s currently tied with Detroit Catholic Central atop the list – and the Hawks also have the most championships in MHSAA history at 13. But this team has a lot more going for it than a potential storybook ending. Oghoufo will continue his career at Notre Dame and Heard is making a lot of noise carrying the offensive load behind a sizable line. (*Harrison was part of The Associated Press’ Division 2 for the regular season.)
Division 4
GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Todd Kolster, sixth season (64-11)
League finish: First in O-K Blue.
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 2016), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 24-0 over No. 10 Escanaba in the Semifinal, 45-34 over No. 2 Wyoming Kelloggsville in the District Final, 32-26 over Hudsonville Unity Christian in the Pre-District, 35-33 over Division 5 No. 2 Grand Rapids West Catholic, 57-50 over Comstock Park.
Players to watch: QB Jack Bowen, 6-1/180 sr. (1,629 yards/20 TD passing); WR/OLB Nathan Trudeau, 6-1/170 sr. (532 yards/6 TD receiving); RB Nolan Fugate, 6-1/210 sr. (2,650 yards/32 TD rushing), OL/DL Jalen Mayfield, 6-6/270 sr.
Outlook: The reigning Division 4 champion has lost only one game in two years – to reigning Division 5 champ West Catholic midway through 2016 – and survived some close calls including two to start these playoffs. But the Cougars keep coming up big with Fugate in particular stacking up yardage – his rushing total stands 17th on the single-season list already – as he continues to run behind a line featuring University of Michigan recruit Mayfield. Bowen also started as GRCC won last season’s championship, and he’s capable of bringing some balance to the offense when needed – although again, Fugate has been one of his top targets with five scoring passes.
EDWARDSBURG
Record: 12-1, No. 6 in Division 3*
Coach: Kevin Bartz, 23rd season (159-73)
League finish: First in Wolverine Conference.
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 32-21 over River Rouge (No. 7 in Division 3 for the regular season) in the Semifinal, 52-30 over Lansing Sexton in the Regional Final, 30-12 over No. 8 Three Rivers in the District Final, 44-20 over honorable mention Plainwell.
Players to watch: RB/DB Nick Bradley, 5-9/160 sr. (1,313 yards/12 TD rushing, 3 TD receiving); RB/LB Chase Sager, 6-0/190 jr. (780 yards/16 TD rushing); RB/DE Kyle Shrider, 6-2/215 sr. (806 yards/11 TD rushing); RB/DB Caden Goggins, 5-8/160 jr. (670 yards/11 TD rushing).
Outlook: In its fourth straight season of double-digit wins and fifth over the last eight years, Edwardsburg finally broke through to make its first MHSAA championship game. The Eddies long have been dominant in the southwestern corner of the Lower Peninsula; in fact, they lost their first league game this season since 2012 but avenged that defeat to Three Rivers a month later. Their charged-up running attack broke 600 points for the first time, regardless that it’s no secret what’s coming – Edwardsburg had attempted only 31 passes heading into last weekend. (*Edwardsburg was part of Division 3 for The Associated Press’ rankings during the regular season.)
Division 5
SAGINAW SWAN VALLEY
Record: 12-1, No. 4
Coach: Kevin Gavenda, second season (18-6)
League finish: First in Tri-Valley Conference Central.
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 29-14 over T-No. 8 Reed City in the Semifinal, 48-14 over T-No. 8 Muskegon Oakridge in the Regional Final, 36-19 over Division 4 No. 10 Alma.
Players to watch: QB/S Alex Fries, 6-2/180 jr. (1,532 yards/21 TD passing, 486 yards/8 TD rushing); RB/DB Emmett Boehler, 5-8/195 sr. (1,553 yards/16 TD rushing); DL/OL Cameron Toth, 6-1/235 sr. (88 tackles/14 sacks); RB/LB Chase Mendoza, 5-8/195 jr. (521 yards/9 TD rushing).
Outlook: Swan Valley is making its first appearance at the Finals after tying the program’s single-season wins record. The Vikings are finally healthy just in time as well after playing without Boehler and leading receiver/defensive back Terryon Liddell at times during the playoffs. They haven’t lost since opening weekend to Zeeland East, and they haven’t let an opponent within seven points since Week 4. Junior linebacker Matt Pike (135 tackles) anchors the middle of a defense that has given up more than 14 points in a game only once since Week 2.
GRAND RAPIDS WEST CATHOLIC
Record: 11-2, No. 2
Coach: Joe Hyland, second season (23-4)
League finish: Second in O-K Blue.
Championship history: Five MHSAA titles (most recent 2016), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 25-21 over No. 1 Frankenmuth in the Semifinal, 28-26 over No. 3 Portland in the Regional Final, 17-6 over Division 3 honorable mention Zeeland West.
Players to watch: QB Gaetano Vallone, 5-10/170 sr. (2,480 yards/29 TD passing, 867 yards/14 TD rushing); WR/DB Nick Dorato, 5-11/165 jr. (816 yards/13 TD receiving); RB/DB Alex Fortier, 5-10/165 sr. (741 yards/3 TD rushing); LB/RB Zack Lee, 6-0/210 sr. (728 yards/13 TD rushing). (Fortier’s stats do not include Semifinal totals.)
Outlook: West Catholic has tested itself against the best as it goes for a fifth straight Division 5 championship. In addition to eliminating two of the other major favorites the last two weeks, West Catholic took a two-point loss from reigning Division 4 champ Grand Rapids Catholic Central and a three-pointer from 2016 Division 6 winner Jackson Lumen Christi. Vallone will be capping his career with a third championship game appearance, while a number of others including senior defensive back Connor Bolthouse have contributed last season or before that as well. Senior Liam Putz also will be kicking in his third Final and has been one of the state’s best.
Division 6
ITHACA
Record: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Terry Hessbrook, 14th season (152-19)
League finish: First in Tri-Valley Conference West
Championship history: Five MHSAA titles (most recent 2015), one runner-up finish.
Best wins: 27-0 over Traverse City St. Francis (No. 2 in Division 7 for regular season) in the Semifinal, 33-23 over No. 2 Montague in the Regional Final, 38-14 over Division 5 No. 8 Clare.
Players to watch: QB/FS Joey Bentley, 6-2/185 sr. (1,904 yards/27 TD passing, 1,567 yards/26 TD rushing); WR/DB/K Adam Culp, 6-3/175 sr. (497 yards/10 TD receiving, 96 XP/8 FG); WR/OLB Seth Davis, 5-10/170 sr. (576 yards/5 TD receiving, 79 tackles/6 interceptions). LB/RB Zach Hessbrook, 6-2/215 sr. (154 tackles).
Outlook: What Ithaca has accomplished over the last nine years is astounding. The Yellowjackets haven’t lost a regular season game since 2009, and they are a combined 118-4 over that span. They made six straight Finals before falling in the Regional championship game a year ago, but they’re back trying to win a sixth MHSAA title in eight seasons. They’re doing it with another star quarterback in Bentley, who will play at least Division II college football as he follows a long line of Ithaca signal-callers who have gone on to the next level. The Yellowjackets have outscored four playoff opponents by a combined 159-30, and Montague with 23 points was the only opponent this year to score more than 16.
JACKSON LUMEN CHRISTI
Record: 11-1, No. 3
Coach: Herb Brogan, 38th season (340-79)
League finish: Second in Interstate 8 Athletic Conference.
Championship history: Nine MHSAA titles (most recent 2016), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 44-12 over No. 8 Warren Michigan Collegiate in the Semifinal, 44-22 over No. 4 Watervliet in the Regional Final, 27-24 over Division 5 No. 2 Grand Rapids West Catholic.
Players to watch: RB Sebastion Toland, 5-10/170 sr. (1,944 yards/22 TD rushing); QB Troy Kutcha 6-2/200 sr. (1,287 yards/16 TD passing); FB/LB Kyle Minder, 6-1/210 sr. (809 yards/17 TD rushing), DB Bobby Willis, 6-0/175 jr.
Outlook: Lumen Christi is seeking to repeat as champion led by the fifth-winningest coach in MHSAA history and a rushing attack that has gained more than 3,300 yards a year after graduating a 2,600-yard rusher. That Toland and Minder-led ground game will be especially key in keeping Ithaca’s high-powered offense off the field, and as the Titans’ defense plays perhaps the most important role in the repeat attempt. Lumen Christi hasn’t allowed more than 24 points in a game despite facing a few of the state’s most explosive offenses this fall; Watervliet, for example, was averaging 52 per game before scoring only 22 two weeks ago. The only loss was by a point in league play to Battle Creek Harper Creek, which finished 12-1 after falling in Division 3 last week.
Division 7
PEWAMO-WESTPHALIA
Record: 12-1, No. 3
Coach: Jeremy Miller, fifth season (59-7)
League finish: First in Central Michigan Athletic Conference
Championship history: Division 7 champion 2016, two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 51-8 over Lake City (No. 9 in Division 6 regular season) in the Semifinal, 34-0 over No. 4 Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker in the Regional Final, 35-14 over No. 1 New Lothrop in the District Final, 32-11 over Laingsburg.
Players to watch: QB/DE Jimmy Lehman, 6-4/215 sr. (1,569 yards/19 TD passing, 637 yards/15 TD rushing); RB/LB Bryce Thelen, 6-0/180 sr. (517 yards/10 TD rushing, 520 yards/6 TD receiving); RB/LB Hunter Wirth, 5-9/175 soph. (641 yards/8 TD rushing); OL/DL Isaiah Schafer, 6-2/265 sr. (Wirth’s rushing and Thelen’s receiving yards do not including Semifinal totals.)
Outlook: In some ways, P-W looks a lot like last year’s champion – and in some ways it’s a little different and tougher to stop. Any surprise that the Pirates are back at the Finals after graduating Michigan high school’s second all-time leading rusher Jared Smith has worn off. The Pirates are still running hard, led by the dynamic Thelen and Wirth. But they also are relying on one of their finest dual threat quarterbacks in some time in Lehman, who threw for 127 yards and two scores in last year’s championship game on eight attempts. The lone loss this fall – and over the last two seasons – was by seven on opening night to Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, and P-W eliminated three of the most serious contenders by big scores the last three weeks. No opponent since opening night has scored more than 14 points, with Lehman actually earning all-state on that side of the ball as an end. Junior Alec Thelen (along with Lehman and honorable mentions Bryce Thelen and Schafer) also earned all-state recognition as the second-team kicker.
SAUGATUCK
Record: 10-3, unranked
Coach: Bill Dunn, 15th season (102-51)
League finish: Second in Southwestern Athletic Conference Lakeshore
Championship history: Division 8 runner-up 2010.
Best wins: 14-7 over Madison Heights Madison (No. 6 in Division 6 for regular season) in the Semifinal, 7-6 over No. 7 Cassopolis in the Regional Final, 14-8 over Vermontville Maple Valley in the District Final.
Players to watch: RB/DB Bradley Dunn, 6-0/165 jr. (956 yards/10 TD rushing, 594 yards/9 TD receiving); QB/DB Jackson Shriver, 6-4/180 sr. (1,147 yards/15 TD passing, 251 yards/6 TD rushing); RB/LB Jacob Stewart, 5-7/155 jr. (684 yards/5 TD rushing); LB/OL Reece Schreckengust, 6-1/205 sr. (132 tackles)
Outlook: Similar to P-W, Saugatuck also graduated one of the leading rushers in state history in the spring, Blake Dunn, and has taken the next steps with some new contributors helping carry the load. Bradley Dunn – Blake’s brother – and Schreckengust both made the all-state first team as Saugatuck tied its program record for wins in a season. Character and perseverance have shown through; three victories during the playoffs have been by seven points or fewer, and the Indians bounced back to make this run after seeing their league title hopes fade with a Week 9 loss. The defense has been especially impressive during this Ford Field run, giving up only 42 points over four games. Bradley Dunn is dangerous on special teams as well, with two punt return touchdowns.
Division 8
SAGINAW NOUVEL
Record: 13-0, No. 4
Coach: Mike Boyd, 18th season (168-42)
League finish: Independent
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 2011), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 17-14 over No. 9 Iron River West Iron County in the Semifinal, 27-26 over No. 6 Harbor Beach in the District Final, 35-0 over honorable mention Clarkston Everest Collegiate.
Players to watch: QB/CB Tate Hausbeck, 6-3/204 sr. (2,446 yards/26 TD passing, 643 yards/14 TD rushing); WR/OLB Kenneth Kujawa, 5-8/156 sr. (601 yards/7 TD receiving); WR/OLB Peter Snyder, 6-4/198 sr. (692 yards/7 TD receiving); ILB/RB Alex Wrobel, 5-11/211, sr.
Outlook: Nouvel has survived two nail-biters during the playoffs to get back to its first championship game since winning Division 7 under Boyd in 2011. Hausbeck is the leading passer and rusher for an offense that has more than doubled its scoring from a year ago when it reached the District Finals – six players have scored at least six touchdowns. Nouvel outlasted a physical West Iron front last week and 6-2, 274-pound senior Kyle Allen could be especially key again as a starting tackle on both sides of the ball. The Panthers have been strong defensively, giving up more than 14 points only three times. Hausbeck and Wrobel (at linebacker) both made the all-state first team.
OTTAWA LAKE WHITEFORD
Record: 13-0, No. 2
Coach: Jason Mensing, sixth season (60-13)
League finish: First in Tri-County Conference
Championship history: Division 8 runner-up 2016.
Best wins: 50-21 over No. 3 Mendon in the Semifinal, 60-20 over honorable mention Clarkston Everest Collegiate in the Regional Final, 52-21 over Clinton, 51-8 over Morenci.
Players to watch: QB Thomas Eitniear, 5-7/160 sr. (1,260 yards/17 TD passing, 790 yards/13 TD rushing); LB/WB Logan Murphy, 6-0/190 jr. (1,747 yards/24 TD rushing, 4 sacks); LB/WB Zach Bertz, 5-8/170 sr. (706 yards/21 TD rushing, 58 tackles); OT/DT Lucas Tesznar, 6-5/285, sr.
Outlook: Despite graduating its two leading rushers from last season’s first-time MHSAA finalist, Whiteford has stormed back behind an offense that’s put up 695 points – which already ranks fourth all-time in MHSAA history. Eitniear also was the quarterback last fall and has led the two highest-scoring teams in program history. The 50 put up last week tied the most defensively well-reputed Mendon had given up since 1977. And don’t forget Whiteford’s defense; the Bobcats haven’t given up more than 22 points in a game all season, with junior defensive back Ty Eitniear (seven interceptions) among playmakers on that side of the ball. Another to watch is leading receiver Bradyn Clark-Gilmore: the junior has 677 yards and 10 touchdowns through the air and averages 29.4 yards per catch. Tesznar made the all-state first team, while Murphy made the second and Thomas Eitniear earned honorable mention.