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Preview: Classic Clashes and Broken Records Expected

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

June 5, 2021

The attention that will be paid to one of the Lower Peninsula Boys Track & Field Finals on Saturday will go past usual interest in just a local school or single division.

Many eyes will be turned to the Division 1 meet, featuring among many Ann Arbor Skyline senior Hobbs Kessler, who has made national news over the last few weeks by setting the national high school record in the 1,500 (3:34.36) and qualifying for the Olympic Trials in the event.

But he’ll be facing some familiar competition in his distance races at East Kentwood – including Hartland junior Riley Hough, who edged Kessler by two seconds in the Division 1 cross country final this past fall.

Their matchup is just one of many stories worth tuning in for this weekend. Events at all four sites begin at 10 a.m. (EDT) and tickets to attend can be purchased online only at GoFan. The meets also will be broadcast on MHSAA.tv and viewable with subscription. Click to watch each division: LPD1 | LPD2 | LPD3 | LPD4. 

Below is a glance at team contenders and individuals to watch in all four divisions.

Division 1 at East Kentwood

Top Regional scores: Macomb Dakota 160, Traverse City West 145½, Northville 136, Novi 136.

Team forecast: East Kentwood won the last three championships before COVID, with Ann Arbor Pioneer finishing runner-up in both 2018 and 2019. Dakota is an interesting possibility this time with qualifiers throughout the meet. Fenton has top-three seeds in six events, and Zeeland West is another team with scoring opportunities in a variety of events.  

Trey Gardette, Ann Arbor Huron: The senior sprint star has taken amazing strides over the last two years and may be on the verge of an unforgettable finish to his high school career. Gardette’s top-seed 10.5 in the 100 is a blink faster than the LPD1 Finals record of 10.53, and he’s second-seeded in the 200 and also will run on the 400 relay.

Riley Hough, Hartland: The I-96 corridor has been the center of distance running this school year, and Hough hopes to follow his Division 1 cross country championship in the fall with titles in the 1,600 and 3,200. He’s seeded first in the former with a 4:13.93.

Hobbs Kessler, Ann Arbor Skyline: He’s slated to run the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 and on the top-seeded 3,200 relay (7:53.30) Saturday. He won all three of those open races at his Regional, and so while he isn’t top-seeded in any that likely means little as he could drop major time.

Tamaal Myers II, Detroit Cass Tech: The Technicians standout junior has the top 110 hurdles seed time (14.06) by nearly a second and is tied for the top seed time in the 300 (39.32). He’ll also run the 400 and on the 1,600 relay.

Brandon Miller, Fenton: He finished fifth in the 200 as a sophomore in 2019, but he can take a massive leap Saturday as his top seed time in that race (21.25) is five hundredths of a second off the meet record. He’s also the second seed in the 100 with a seed time of 10.60 that is seven hundredths of a second off that meet record. And he’ll also run on contending 400 and 800 relays.

Division 2 at Zeeland

Top Regional scores: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 216½, Dearborn Divine Child 186, Frankenmuth 164.

Team forecast: Four teams have won this championship over the last four seasons. Flint Powers Catholic is a possibility to make it five as it runs for its first team title led by sprint standouts and relays. Frankenmuth with top qualifiers in the sprints, relays and field events is another to watch in what lines up to be a low-scoring team race. A total of 10 schools won championships in this division over the previous 11 seasons before 2020 was canceled.

Ryan Brenner, Frankenmuth: The senior Eagles hurdler is the top seed in the 300 with a time of 40.1 and also will run on the top-seeded 1,600 relay (3:28.44) and high jump.

Jamal Hailey, Berrien Springs: The standout junior sprinter has the top seed time in the 100 (11.04) and the third-fastest in the 200, and he’ll also run on the second-seeded 400 relay.

Austin Hamlin, Flint Powers Catholic: The Chargers sophomore would play a major role in any team title pursuit, entering with the top seed in the 200 (22.5), third-fastest in the 100 and as part of the top-seeded 400 relay (43.3) and fourth-seeded 800 relay. That 400 relay time is a second off the meet record.

Alex Mansfield, Monroe Jefferson: The junior thrower is another who has made a major move over the last two years. He enters Saturday with the top seed in the shot put (56-3) by two feet and the top seed in the discus (163-11) by nearly 10.

Luke Stowasser, Edwardsburg: The junior Eddies jumper also is top-seeded in both of his events, with a 22-6½ in the long jump and 6-10 in the high jump. That high jump is six inches better than the field and two off the meet record. He was the high jump runner-up as a freshman.  

Division 3 at Jenison

Top Regional scores: Grass Lake 132, Caro 129, Pewamo-Westphalia 126 1/3.

Team forecast: Grass Lake will be pursuing its first team title since 1970 and has six top-four seeds leading the way. Figuring the next few contenders is difficult with points looking to be spread among a number of teams.

Brennan Bargesser, Grass Lake: A drive for the team championship would include significant points from Bargesser, who is seeded first in the 200 (21.98) and 400 (49.34) and second in the 100 for his final high school meet. He’ll also run on the top-seeded 400 relay (44.14) – that seed time is one second off the meet record.

Hunter Jones, Benzie Central: The sophomore standout has two Division 3 cross country championships to his credit and will make his Track Finals debut as the top seed in the 3,200 (9:37.42) and a likely contender in the 1,600 and 800 as well.

Josh Jones, Harrison: He’ll close his high school career running the 800, 1,600 and 3,200, with his 1,600 seed time (4:19.84) topping that event list.

Brenden Quackenbush, Chesaning: He’s set to establish himself in both throws at this level Saturday, with the top seed in the discus (143-0) by nearly two feet and the third seed in the shot put.

Derrick Voltz, Carrollton: A qualifier in the 100 as a freshman in 2019, he could cap his junior season as a two-event champion. He’s seeded first in the long jump (23-2) by nearly a foot with that leap only five inches off the meet record. He’s also the top seed in the 100 (11.11) just ahead of Bargesser.

Division 4 at Hudsonville

Top Regional scores: Lutheran Westland 171, Reading 170, Carson City-Crystal 147.

Team forecast: Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep was the back-to-back champion before COVID, and Saugatuck was the Division 3 runner-up in 2019 but is back in Division 4. Saugatuck won’t run a relay this weekend but has favorites in the hurdles and distance events, and Breckenridge’s strengths in the sprints and relays should make it a team title contender as well as it seeks its first championship.

Coleman Clark, Carson City-Crystal: The lone returning champion in this division won the 3,200 as a sophomore in 2019 and will run that race along with the 800 and 1,600 and as part of the top-seeded 3,200 relay (8:19.40).

Benny Diaz, Saugatuck: The junior sprint/hurdles standout could make a run at four individual titles Saturday or next season. He’s the top seed in both hurdles races this time (15.01 in the 110 and 40.59 in the 300), and the fourth seed in the 200 and seventh in the 100. He was third in Division 3 in the 300 as a freshman.

Zane Forist, Carson City-Crystal: He was the runner-up in the discus and eighth in the shot put as a freshman two years ago, and he’s aiming for much more this time. His top-seed throws of 196-8 and 64-4, respectively, would both set LPD4 championship meet records – both by roughly six feet.

Nik Pettinga, Saugatuck: A top distance runner in cross country the last few seasons, he is looking to finish as a champion in his last high school meet and enters as the top seed in the 1,600 (4:26.99) and second seed (to junior teammate Max Sharnas) in the 3,200.

Charlie Steinhaus, Breckenridge: The speedy senior would help lead any charge for a team championship, entering as the top seed in the 100 (11.01) and second in the 200. He’ll also run on the top-seeded 400 relay (44.51) and second-seeded 800 relay.

PHOTO: Carrollton’s Derrick Voltz, right, breaks across the finish line during the 100-meter preliminaries at his Division 3 Regional at Shepherd last month. (Click for more from High School Sports Scene.)

Drive for Detroit: Playoff Week 2 Review

November 11, 2019

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

You can stop trying to predict what’s going to happen in the MHSAA Football Playoffs this month.

The first two weeks have showed us that’s pretty much a futile endeavor – and that’s what could make these playoffs some of the most memorable of this decade soon to end.

A couple of observations quickly can be pulled from this weekend’s results. For starters, 12 teams ended their seasons with their first and only loss. Also, there were 16 rematches from the regular season – and 10 teams that lost the first meeting won this time around.

Sure, many of the heavy pre-playoff favorites are still around. But they might now be faced with stopping a few surprise contenders that have found their strides at the right time.

Below is a glance at some of the most notable District Final results from every division of 11-player, plus a thought on all eight 8-player Regional Finals. "Drive for Detroit" is sponsored by MI Student Aid.

11-Player

Division 1

HEADLINER Davison 42, Lapeer 21 Although Lapeer (9-2) did defeat Davison two weeks ago to win the Saginaw Valley League Blue title, the Lightning won that meeting only 24-21 – and the Cardinals more than flipped that result two weeks later. Davison (9-2) locked up its first District title since 2008 by overcoming a Lapeer defense that was giving up only 10.8 points per game and hadn’t surrendered more than 21 (also against Davison) this season. Click for more from the Flint Journal and see highlights below from State Champs Sports Network.

District Digest Utica Eisenhower 27, Lake Orion 20 The Eagles (9-2) have won eight straight and their third District title in four seasons, while Lake Orion (9-2) ended its most successful season since 2012 and with both defeats this fall by just seven points apiece. Belleville 67 Brownstown Woodhaven 14 The Warriors (10-1) led into the second quarter before Belleville (11-0) scored 61 straight points over the final three to repeat as a District champion. Sterling Heights Stevenson 38, Macomb Dakota 35 A week after Dakota shocked reigning Division 1 champion Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, Stevenson (7-4) avenged its 40-14 Week 4 loss to the Cougars (6-5) to win its first District title since 2009.

Division 2

HEADLINER Birmingham Seaholm 42, Birmingham Groves 7 While Groves (8-3) has become a playoff regular and made the Division 2 Semifinals last season and in 2016, Seaholm is two seasons removed from a 1-8 finish and had lost seven straight to the rival Falcons – including in last year’s playoff opener. This season’s defeat was only three weeks ago, 35-14, but the Maples (8-3) avenged by holding a Groves offense averaging 30 points per game to its lowest output of the fall. The District title was Seaholm’s first since 2001. Click for more from the Oakland Press.

District Digest Muskegon Mona Shores 35, Midland Dow 12 The Sailors (9-2) finished their sweep of SVL Red co-champions by holding Dow (7-4) to its second-fewest points and scoring the second-most the Chargers gave up this fall. Detroit U-D Jesuit 11, Farmington 10 The Cubs (8-3) added a first District title since 2013 to their league championship, ending the Falcons’ season at 8-2 and with both losses by a combined five points. Walled Lake Western 49, Fenton 21 The Warriors (10-1) clinched their fourth District title in five seasons by handing the Tigers (9-2) their first loss since opening night.

Division 3

HEADLINER Edwardsburg 16, Zeeland West 2 – The Eddies – last year’s Division 4 champs – passed a major Division 3 test, and did so holding West (9-2) to its fewest points since the 2014 Semifinals. Granted, Edwardsburg (11-0) also scored way under its usual output, but put up enough while bringing down its defensive average half a point to giving up just 6.9 per game this season. The District title was the Eddies’ fourth straight, continuing a streak that began in Division 3 in 2016 before the team played in Division 4 the last two seasons. Click for more from the Edwardsburg Argus.

District Digest East Grand Rapids 41, Byron Center 14 The Pioneers (8-3) locked up their first District title since 2015 by handing Byron Center (10-1) its only loss during a rebound season that saw the Bulldogs bounce back from two straight sub-.500 finishes. Chelsea 28, Coldwater 21 The Bulldogs (11-0) won their fifth District title in six seasons with their second seven-point victory in two weeks. Coldwater finished 9-2 after going 3-6 a year ago. Allen Park 42, Riverview 26 The Jaguars (9-2) won their fourth District title in five seasons by eliminating Riverview (8-3) for the second straight.

Division 4

HEADLINER Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 54, Ortonville Brandon 40 As an independent during the regular season, Notre Dame Prep (10-1) faced a variety of opponents from a variety of leagues. So it’s gone a little unnoticed that the Fighting Irish are enjoying what has now tied their most successful season ever (with the 2011 team that finished 10-1). This District title was the program’s first since 2004. Brandon (8-3) ended its third season in four with at least eight wins. Click for more from the Oakland Press.

District Digest Cadillac 21, Sault Ste. Marie 6 The Vikings (7-4) keep adding highlights to their first winning season since 2016, with this their first District title since 2013. The Blue Devils (7-4), meanwhile, concluded their winningest season since 2013. Grand Rapids Catholic Central 33, Sparta 7 The Cougars (10-1) reached double-digit wins for their fourth-straight season by winning their fourth-straight District title, this time ending the winningest season for Sparta (9-2) since the start of the playoff era in 1975. Milan 56, Romulus Summit Academy North 22 Both of these teams set program records for wins this season, Milan (11-0) reaching 11 for the first time and the Dragons in finishing 8-3.

Division 5

HEADLINER Kingsley 51, Muskegon Oakridge 34 The Stags have been charging since the return of coach Tim Wooer before the 2018 season, and they’re up to a combined 21-2 with two District titles over the last two years after handing Oakridge (10-1) its lone loss of the fall. The Eagles hadn’t given up more than 20 points in a game this season and not 50 since a Semifinal loss in 2013. Kingsley’s offensive performance raised its scoring average this fall to just under 46 points per game. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle and see highlights below from MI Sports Now.

District Digest Almont 22, Marine City 20 The Raiders (11-0) have put together arguably the most impressive playoff runs so far with two wins over rivals on the road, and with the Mariners (10-1) also unbeaten entering the night. A Marine City offense averaging nearly 44 points per game was stopped just enough by an Almont defense still giving up just 9.9 per contest. Lansing Catholic 21, Portland 0 The Cougars (10-1) won their first District title since 2015 by ending a six-game losing streak to the rival Raiders (8-3), the only team that had beaten Lansing Catholic over the last two seasons. Saginaw Swan Valley 21, Frankenmuth 7 The closest win of the Eagles’ perfect league title run was a three-pointer over Swan Valley in Week 5, and the Vikings (8-3) clinched their third-straight District title by taking the rematch. Frankenmuth finished 9-2.

Division 6

HEADLINER Montague 20, Ravenna 13 (OT) Another rematch reversal was as close as anticipated, with Montague avenging its 17-7 Week 6 loss. Ravenna (8-3) scored all of its points during the fourth quarter to send this game to overtime, but the Wildcats (9-2) scored the only points of the extra period. The District title was the third straight for the reigning Division 6 runner-up. Click for more from the Muskegon Chronicle.

District Digest Onsted 35, Grass Lake 21 The Wildcats (9-2) extended their first playoff season since 2014 with their first District title since 2007, while ending Grass Lake’s season also at 9-2. Calumet 39, Menominee 14 The Copper Kings (10-1) have 10 wins for the third time and a District title for the second in four seasons, and earned another home game as they seek their first Regional title. Menominee finished 7-4 after going 2-7 a year ago. Hillsdale 20, Constantine 14 League champion Hillsdale (11-0) joined Onsted as District champs from the Lenawee County Athletic Association, and now they will meet again. Constantine (8-3) ended its season with three defeats all by six points or fewer.

Division 7

HEADLINER New Lothrop 42, Beaverton 7 The legend of New Lothrop continues to grow. The Hornets (11-0) ran their winning streak to 16 going back to last year’s playoff run by handing Beaverton (10-1) its only loss – and scoring nearly half of the 100 points the Beavers gave up all season. New Lothrop has scored at least 40 points in 13 straight games dating back to last year’s Semifinals (and not counting a Week 8 forfeit this fall). Click for more from the Flint Journal.

District Digest Schoolcraft 47, Lawton 10 The Eagles (10-1) repeated as District champs and have now outscored two playoff opponents by a combined 104-16. Lawton (10-1) concluded a great turnaround after two straight 3-6 seasons. Cass City 28, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker 2 Playing in its third-straight District Final, Cass City (10-1) made history winning its first championship during the opening round and getting to double-digit victories for the first time. Laker ended its sixth playoff season in seven years at 7-4. Traverse City St. Francis 14, McBain 6 The Gladiators (8-3) have played in four games decided by eight or fewer points, and this win pushed their record to 3-1 in those games as they got past McBain (6-5) for a sixth-straight District title.

Division 8

HEADLINER Reading 28, Cassopolis 6 A rematch of their 2017 Division 7 District Final – won by Cassopolis – was played out two years later, with Reading adding to its contender status as it looks to return to Ford Field after winning Division 8 last year. Cassopolis had given up more than 16 points only two other times over the last three seasons – and the last team to score 16 was Reading when Cassopolis won the 2017 matchup. Reading’s defense also did its part in this meeting, slowing way down a Cassopolis offense that was averaging 40 points per game. Click for more from the Hillsdale Daily News.

District Digest Ubly 34, Harbor Beach 20 The Bearcats (9-2) had lost to Harbor Beach five times over the last three seasons including 29-14 in Week 5 and in District games the last two years. The Pirates finished 10-1 and were a combined 21-3 over the last two seasons. Saginaw Nouvel 46, Breckenridge 28 The Panthers (7-4) clinched their second District title in three seasons by handing reigning Division 8 runner-up Breckenridge (9-2) its first loss since the season opener. Beal City 33, Johannesburg-Lewiston 20 The Aggies (10-1) are another team extending a great turnaround season after they finished 2-7 a year ago. The District title was their first since 2014 and ended another great run for Johannesburg-Lewiston (10-1), which hadn’t given up more than 21 points in a game this fall.

8-Player


Division 1

HEADLINER Morrice 50, Deckerville 24 The reigning Division 1 champion Orioles (10-1) hadn’t been discussed much since seeing a 20-game winning streak end in Week 8 against Crystal Falls Forest Park. But they’re a big part of the conversation again after handing Deckerville (10-1) its only loss, scoring 50 of the 134 points the Eagles gave up this season and stopping an offense that was averaging 46 points per contest. Click for more from the Owosso Argus-Press.

Regional Roundup Suttons Bay 36, Gaylord St. Mary 30 The Norsemen (11-0) ended up with a Week 6 win over Gaylord St. Mary after the Snowbirds (5-6) had to forfeit that 48-47 victory. But Suttons Bay will play in the Semifinals for the first time since 2006 after holding off a late St. Mary’s comeback attempt in this rematch. Kingston 50, Mio 48 The Cardinals (9-2) are headed to the Semifinals for the first time since 1996 after finally overtaking Mio (9-2) late in the fourth quarter. Colon 56, Martin 12 The Magi (11-0) actually saw their average margin of victory fall in defeating the previously unbeaten Clippers (10-1). Colon is winning by 48 points per game with no opponent getting closer than 34.  


Division 2

HEADLINER Pickford 22, Powers North Central 14 The Panthers (10-1) avenged their only loss, a 20-14 defeat to the Jets (10-1) in Week 3, to earn a spot in the Semifinals for the fourth straight year and fourth in five seasons playing 8-player. Pickford, last season’s Division 1 runner-up, scored the go-ahead points during the final minute and held off the Jets’ final attempt to pull even. Click for more from the Sault Ste. Marie Evening News.

Regional Roundup Hillman 48, Cedarville 44 Playing in its 14th straight playoffs, Hillman (10-1) has advanced to its first Semifinal by avenging last season’s 44-6 first-round loss to the Trojans (6-5). The Tigers also reached double-digit wins for the first time. Climax-Scotts 34, Onekama 22 The Panthers (9-2) will play in their first Semifinal since 2007 after eliminating last season’s Division 2 runner-up Portagers (7-4), whose four losses all came to teams still alive in the playoffs. Portland St. Patrick 51, Kinde North Huron 16 The Shamrocks (11-0) are headed back to the Semifinals for the third straight season after denying the Warriors (7-4) an opportunity to get back for the second time in three years.

Second Half’s weekly “Drive for Detroit” previews are powered by MI Student Aid, a part of the Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning located within the Michigan Department of Treasury. MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s 529 college savings programs (MET/MESP), as well as scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Connect with MI Student Aid at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.

PHOTO: Ishpeming offensive linemen Victavian Hansen (77), Ben Pruett (14), and Dawson Delongchamp (17) make a hole for quarterback John Corkin (40), who gains several yards. (Photo by Cara Kamps.)