#SocialStudies v11.0
April 26, 2012
April is coming to a close and we're catapulting into the final full month of the 2012 sports year.
Let's dive right into a few video bits -- shall we?
1.Spring in his step
Spring college football doesn't involve a lot of technical tackling or hard-hitting, but that doesn't make this feat any less impressive. When was the last time you saw a ball carrier run full tilt into a jump-stop and then front-flip over a defender? And stick the dismount ... errrrr "landing' ... well enough to keep gaining yards?
Prior to watching this clip from Lincoln (Mo.) University, my answer was never.
2. GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!
It's a bit out-of-season, but I had to share this clip between Saint-John and Chicoutimi (Quebec Junior Hockey League) -- won in OT by a player who needs some recognition for being, in my recollection, the first to celebrate a goal in such fashion.
The French announcers are a bit obnoxious, but trust me here: The Frozen Worm this kid busts out after the goal is epic.
3. The agony of ...
Earlier this month, SB Nation online voters were tasked with selecting the best animated sports GIF of All-Time -- and it should be noted that a clip from the mitten made the Finals.
Wolverine fans, even you have to appreciate the sheer awesomeness of this mortified punter face. In his defense, I'm pretty sure this is exactly how I would look in the Big House if I was in his cleats. (Click on photo for link to clip.)
4. One more look at two of Michigan's finest
To finish off this week: we bring you the recently-compiled highlights from the 2011-12 Team Wrestling Finals in Battle Creek this winter. Clips include a close-up of Taylor Massa's championship win for St. Johns in Division 2 and Student Advisory Council member Kevin Beazley's pin in the Division 1 Final for Detroit Catholic Central.
As always, shoot us your favorite internet gems anytime -- you might just see them on #SocialStudies.
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Division 2 Final: 'Anything is Possible'
November 29, 2011
DETROIT – That was the motto of Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice’s football team this season.
And the Warriors had to believe it in order for Friday’s dream finish to become possible.
Brother Rice qualified for the Division 2 playoffs at 5-4 last month and after finishing just fourth in the Detroit Catholic League Central. But riding the legs of senior running back Devin Church, the Warriors finished this season with a 24-14 win over Lowell at Ford Field to earn their seventh MHSAA championship and first since 2005.
Church, who ran for more than 900 yards during the playoffs, piled up 244 and three touchdowns rushing in the Final.
“We did it to make Coach proud,” Church said. “We kept the tradition going.
“That’s everybody’s dream, to win a state title. To walk away with a ring, that’s a blessing.”
“Coach” is Al Fracassa, who finished his 43rd season by winning his 405th high school game. But this run provided a new experience for the longtime leader.
Playing in a conference that also includes Division 1 finalist Detroit Catholic Central, Division 3 finalist Orchard Lake St. Mary and playoff qualifier Warren DeLaSalle, the Warriors lost three league games by a combined four points. Brother Rice (10-4) picked up its fourth loss in Week 8 against Cincinnati LaSalle.
But wins over strong teams – Detroit Martin Luther King and Ann Arbor Pioneer among them – likely gave Brother Rice the playoff points boost it needed to get into the postseason.
“We were worried about making the playoffs again. You get down, but the kids, they taught me a lesson. They came out and they worked their tails off,” Fracassa said. “We had a motto before our season started. … Anything is possible. This motto really personifies this football team. Anything is possible, and they’re going to remember it the rest of their lives.”
Church – who will sign with Northern Illinois in February – ran the ball 33 times. His yards were the sixth-most in an MHSAA Final ever. And they were followed by some flattering comparisons from Lowell coach Noel Dean.
“I don’t want to belittle their team by making it about one player; they have a great team,” Dean said. “(Church) is a fantastic football player. One of the better ones I’ve seen. And I’ve coached against some pretty good running backs in my day. The Grady brothers and the Ducketts, I’ve seen some pretty good ones. He’s fantastic.”
Fracassa added: “He’s done that all year, for the last three years. This is not only his good game he played. He’s played good in every game he’s played.”
And while Church ran wild, the Warriors were able to contain Lowell all-state quarterback Gabe Dean, who was making his third straight appearance in the Division 2 Final. A senior now, he led the Red Arrows to a championship game win in 2009
Dean did throw for 190 yards and two touchdowns, but was able to get free for just 34 yards on the ground as Lowell (12-2) attempted to catch up, and catch Church, most of the afternoon.
“The veer offense, we learned how to shut it down this week in practice. And we did a great job in the game,” Brother Rice junior linebacker Jon Reschke said. “We got them out of the veer and into a shotgun formation, the spread offense, which they didn't want to be in, which helped us.”
Senior linebacker Mark Doman had a team-high 13 tackles for Brother Rice, and Reschke had 10. Junior linebacker Reed Stormzand had 20 to lead Lowell, followed by sophomore linebackers Garrett Stehley and Jake Stehley with 14 and 12, respectively.