1st & Goal: 2023 11-Player Semifinals Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 20, 2023
Of 16 teams that earned trips Saturday to this weekend’s MHSAA 11-Player Football Finals, eight will be returning to Ford Field for at least the second season in a row – with a repeat Division 8 championship game leading off the upcoming lineup.
Notable as well, four schools earned an opportunity to play on the season’s final day for the first time – and those are just some of the storylines to catch up on during a quick week that will conclude the MHSAA’s 2023 Fall season.
We’ll be back with a preview of all eight championship games Wednesday evening. For now, see all 16 Semifinals at a glance:
(Note: Highlights from Saturday's 8-Player Finals will be included in a final football championship "Review" next week.)
Division 1
HEADLINER Belleville 63, Davison 21 At 38 straight games, Belleville’s winning streak is up to the seventh-longest in MHSAA history and fourth-longest among streaks taking place entirely during the playoff era. The Tigers (13-0) earned the opportunity to play for a third-straight Division 1 title by scoring more than 60 points for the second time in three weeks, and despite giving up a season-high 21 points to the Cardinals (12-1). Click for more from MLIVE-Detroit.
Congratulations to Belleville on their win over Davison in the Division 1 Semifinal! Mr. Football candidate Bryce Underwood showed off his skills with 3 touchdowns, while Anvil Award candidate Jeremiah Beasley and Colbey Reed also made contributions to secure the victory.… pic.twitter.com/1HE58D3alV
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 19, 2023
HEADLINER Southfield Arts & Technology 40, West Bloomfield 35 Quarterback Isaiah Marshall scored the game-winning touchdown on the final play to send A&T (12-1) to its first Final in this sport. The win also avenged the Warriors’ 31-20 loss to West Bloomfield (10-3) in Week 8. Click for more from the Oakland Press.
Intense game, incredible victory! Watch as our Mr. Football candidate and Kansas commit, Isaiah "Zeke" Marshall, leads Southfield A & T to a thrilling win with a walk-off QB sneak. The Warriors advance to the Division 1 Final against Belleville.
Delivered by @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/9YXgITttW5
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 18, 2023
Division 2
HEADLINER Muskegon 42, East Lansing 7 Running back Jakob Price was the biggest star this time as Muskegon (11-2) broke away to earn a return trip to the Finals after finishing Division 3 runner-up a year ago. East Lansing (10-3) capped its winningest season since 2001. Click for more from the Muskegon Chronicle.
Muskegon is moving on thanks in large part to the legs of Jakob Price and the defense of Da'Carion Taylor.
The Big Reds defeat East Lansing 42-7 and are Ford Field bound.
S/o to @ian_kress for the highlights.@OnMuskegon @TDJake04 @dtsquad123 @13OYSL pic.twitter.com/J8p9ky8MPz
— Mark Skol, Jr. (@markskoljrTV) November 19, 2023
HEADLINER Warren De La Salle Collegiate 45, Waterford Mott 19 The two-time reigning Division 2 champion is heading to the Finals for the fourth-straight season after extending its winning streak to nine this fall. The Pilots (11-2) opened up a 21-7 halftime lead on the way to advancing, and ended Mott’s longest playoff run and winningest season at 10-3. Click for more from the Macomb Daily.
Warren De La Salle is returning to Ford Field once again for the Division 2 Finals, making it their 4th consecutive year. Their victory against Waterford Mott with a score of 45-19 was fueled by Anthony Bitonti's two rushing touchdowns. Sante Gasperoni also contributed with three… pic.twitter.com/EJ27Z85tcl
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 19, 2023
Division 3
HEADLINER Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 18, Zeeland West 14 The Rangers (12-1) also will be making a return trip to Ford Field after finishing Division 2 runner-up last season and thanks to a go-ahead touchdown during the final minutes after the teams traded scores during the fourth quarter. West finished 9-4, those losses by a combined 20 points. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.
Forest Hills Central falls behind early but comes back with a few 2nd half touchdowns to take down Zeeland West in the semis.
The Rangers are now going back to Ford Field in D3! https://t.co/4CgdP9NZK8 pic.twitter.com/Nz7IQFr1kc
— FOX 17 Blitz (@FOX17Blitz) November 19, 2023
HEADLINER Mason 26, Detroit Martin Luther King 20 Mason (13-0) is off to its first Final, and after falling to the Crusaders in Semifinals the last two seasons. King (7-6) led 13-10 at halftime, but after the teams traded scores to start the second half Mason eventually went ahead for the final time in the fourth quarter to get past the two-time reigning champ. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
After an intense showdown with Detroit King, Mason emerges victorious 26-20 to secure their spot in the Football State Finals! 👏 Now, they're gearing up to face off against Forest Hills Central in the D-3 @MHSAA Final on November 26th at 12:30 p.m. at Ford Field
🎥 WILX-TV pic.twitter.com/CzExEPE7ld
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 20, 2023
Division 4
HEADLINER Grand Rapids South Christian 21, Portland 6 South Christian (10-3) earned an opportunity to repeat as Division 4 champion after limiting a Portland offense that averaged nearly 41 points per game entering the day. The Raiders (12-1) also shined on that side of the ball, holding South Christian to its second-lowest output of the season. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
South Christian is going back to the state championship game after an impressive 21-6 dub over Portland.@SCsailorFB @carsonvis1 @jake_vermaas @Cbattley23 @13OYSL pic.twitter.com/pJ2nnGUp1Z
— Mark Skol, Jr. (@markskoljrTV) November 19, 2023
HEADLINER Harper Woods 35, Goodrich 24 Harper Woods (10-3) will play in its first championship game in this sport after ending another long run for the reigning Division 4 runner-up Martians. Harper Woods tied the score at 21 all just before halftime, then pulled away during the second half while holding Goodrich (11-2) to just a field goal over the final two quarters. Click for more from MLIVE-Detroit.
In State Semi-Finals, @AdGoodrich and @DavCardFootball looked to punch their ticket to Ford Field as Davison faced Belleville and Goodrich faced Harper Woods
🏈 Davison fell to the 2-time defending champs 63-21
🏈 Goodrich came up short against Harper Woods 35-24@WNEMTV5news… pic.twitter.com/ISvPTH6AbA
— Austin Szumowicz (@AustinSzumowicz) November 19, 2023
Division 5
HEADLINER Grand Rapids Catholic Central 35, Frankenmuth 0 After a year away from Ford Field, GRCC (12-1) is heading back for its fourth Final over the last five seasons after shutting down an offense that averaged 46 points per game entering the weekend. Connor Wolf threw three touchdown passes and Kellen Russell-Dixon scored three times including twice rushing for the Cougars. Frankenmuth (11-2) was playing in its fourth-straight Semifinal and is a combined 47-5 over those seasons. Click for more from MLIVE.
Check out the highlights from the Division 5 Semi-Final! Grand Rapids Catholic Central took home the victory 35-0 over Frankenmuth! 🔥 GRCC will play Corunna on November 26th at 4:00 PM! @CorunnaCavsFB
📹 WXMI-TV@Mhsaa pic.twitter.com/9W3CWEFtgs— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 20, 2023
HEADLINER Corunna 49, Flat Rock 0 Corunna (13-0) is headed to its first championship game in this sport after posting its fourth shutout this season and against an offense that averaged nearly 39 points per game during the regular season but 47 over three playoff wins. Flat Rock finished its first Semifinal run since 1976 at 9-4. Click for more from the Owosso Argus-Press.
Division 6
HEADLINER Kingsley 37, Reed City 7 Kingsley (11-2) added to its season-opening win over the Coyotes, this time to reach the Finals for the first time since 2005. Skylar Workman scored four times for the Stags, who held Reed City (9-4) to its two lowest scoring outputs of the season. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Highlights of Kingsley beating Reed City in the Division 6 Semifinal on November 18th, 2023. Kingsley will play Almont in the Division 6 @MHSAA Football Final on November 24th.
🎥 WPBN-TV pic.twitter.com/v58gfdBUYA
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 19, 2023
HEADLINER Almont 45, Ovid-Elsie 21 Almont is headed to Ford Field for second time in five seasons after building a big first-half lead and carrying it through the second. The Raiders (12-1) scored on the first play with Chase Battani breaking away for a long run, one of his three rushing touchdowns. Ovid-Elsie finished its first Semifinal season since 2008 at 8-5. Click for more from the Port Huron Times Herald.
Division 7
HEADLINER Menominee 32, North Muskegon 21 The Maroons (11-2) earned a return to the Finals for the first time since 2016 by handing North Muskegon (12-1) its only loss – scoring the most points the Norsemen gave up this fall. Menominee jumped out to a 20-0 lead and held off the comeback attempt. Click for more from the Eagle Herald.
The Division 7 Football Semifinal was a real nail-biter! Check out the highlights from the Menominee 32-21 win over North Muskegon! Menominee will play Jackson Lumen Christian on November 26th! 🤯
📹 WXMI-TV@MHSAA pic.twitter.com/jsO3SooOAs
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 20, 2023
HEADLINER Jackson Lumen Christi 35, Millington 7 The Titans (12-1) earned an opportunity to play for a repeat championship this weekend by handing Millington (12-1) its lone loss this season. It was the ninth time Lumen Christi had held an opponent to single-digit scoring. Click for more from the Jackson Citizen Patriot.
Division 8
HEADLINER Ubly 24, Beal City 6 For the fifth-straight season, these two met with a trip to Ford Field on the line – and for the second straight Ubly (13-0) will be making it. Record-setting kicker Brett Mueller caught two touchdown passes and also booted a 54-yard field goal for the Bearcats. Beal City finished 11-2 and is a combined 33-5 over the last three seasons. Click for more from the Huron Daily Tribune.
"Last year, he said in the locker room ... 'Hey guys, I want to go back one more time.'"
Ubly defeats Beal City, 24-6, in the D8 state semis, setting up a rematch between the Bearcats and Ottawa Lake Whiteford next Saturday.
Eric Sweeney will coach his final game at Ford Field. pic.twitter.com/JPMhsNRfzx
— Yousef Nasser (@YousefNasserTV) November 19, 2023
HEADLINER Ottawa Lake Whiteford 35, Riverview Gabriel Richard 6 Reigning Division 8 champion Whiteford ran its winning streak to 27 games in earning its Ford Field return, also holding an opponent to single digits for the ninth time this season. Gabriel Richard finished its longest tournament run at 8-5. Click for more from the Monroe News.
Ottawa Lake Whiteford is heading back to Ford Field after they beat Riverview Gabriel Richard 35-6 in the Division 8 Semifinal on November 18th, 2023. Whiteford will play Ubly in the D-8 State Final on November 25th.
Powered by @LawrenceTechU. Visit https://t.co/Uq6Fmk66eG pic.twitter.com/PTckAZCl2q
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 19, 2023
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PHOTO Belleville blockers including Damon Denny (57) create running room during Saturday's 63-21 Division 1 Semifinal win over Davison. (Photo by Terry Lyons.)
1st & Goal: 2021 Week 1 in Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
August 30, 2021
Michigan high school football has been ripe for a fresh start after a COVID-rattled 2020 (and into 2021) season.
Win or lose this past weekend, nearly 600 varsity football teams across the state should continue to have plenty to look forward to this fall – and of course, some have a few more reasons for early excitement.
Four of last season's champions fell, which meant big headlines for Rochester Adams, Edwardsburg, Jackson Lumen Christi and Niles Brandywine. Three showcase events further fed anticipation as top teams gave us first looks at what we can expect over the next three months.
Below is our look back at Week 1 and some of the results that could matter most as we start another 14-week championship chase.
Bay & Thumb
HEADLINER Grand Blanc 40 East Lansing 34 The premier matchup of the Vehicle City Gridiron Classic pitted two of the highest-regarded teams in the state, and didn’t disappoint. The Bobcats emerged with Elijah Jackson-Anderson and kicker Dylan Hertzberg providing plenty of offense – Hertzberg had four field goals – while in defeat Brevin Jackson (396) and receiver Mason Woods (212) set Trojans single-game school records for passing and receiving yardage, respectively. Click for more from the Flint Journal.
Grand Blanc kicker Dylan Hertzberg (@dhh7204) kicked 4 field goals (40, 32, 45, and 30) against East Lansing. He’s the 12th ranked kicker and 5th ranked punter in the country according to https://t.co/qknt4m7MgX @PatMcAfeeShow #ForTheBrand#StateChamps X @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/AxvQpjbvJy
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) August 29, 2021
Watch list Millington 42, Cass City 19 The Cardinals are carrying the longest current streak of winning seasons (32) in the state, but doubling up a Cass City team that came within two points of making last season’s Division 7 championship game has to be one of Millington’s best opening wins during that streak.
Remember this one Hemlock 33, Breckenridge 8 Hemlock’s Huskies are looking to take another step after three-straight eight-win seasons and only one loss a year ago, and downing Breckenridge’s Huskies in this fashion is a notable.
More shoutouts Freeland 24, Clare 14 The Falcons enjoyed another great start after making the Semifinals last season, against a Clare team that lost only in the playoffs. Saginaw Nouvel 21, Sandusky 6 The Panthers also enjoyed a solid start against a Sandusky team coming off a one-loss season.
Greater Detroit
HEADLINER Clinton Township Chippewa Valley 45, Detroit Catholic Central 20 This Xenith Prep Kick Off Classic matchup featured two are sure to be counted among Division 1 title contenders in two months, and Chippewa Valley’s start is especially impressive coming off a 3-4 finish a year ago. Cephus Harris scored four touchdowns as one of many standouts for the Big Reds, while DCC QB Declan Byle made some big-play throws that surely will have defenses on notice. Click for more from the Macomb Daily.
Ryan Schuster (@ryanschuster_10) with the screen pass again to Cephus Harris (@Cephus_harris3) and he goes in for another TD in the 1st half as Chippewa Valley went on to beat Detroit Catholic Central 45-20 at the Prep Kickoff Classic. @CVBigReds @detpkc
#StateChamps X @MHSAA pic.twitter.com/Er902A3u9W
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) August 27, 2021
Watch list Rochester Adams 35, West Bloomfield 17 The memory of last season’s 3-4 finish for Adams should be drifting away after the Highlanders downed the reigning Division 1 champion, avenging a 37-0 defeat and breaking a four-game losing streak against the Lakers.
Remember this one Clarkston 29, Davison 26 Both lost just once last season – Davison in the Division 1 championship game and Clarkston in a District Semifinal – and it would hardly be shocking to see them meet up again in November. This time, Davison led at halftime and Clarkston came back and then held off a late rally.
More shoutouts Dearborn Fordson 38, Canton 23 The Tractors also earned an impressive win over a team that lost just once last season – and Antonio Gates Jr. was just fun to watch with two touchdown catches and two interceptions. Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 35, Macomb Dakota 21 Two traditional powers, another big-time opener – and this one saw Rice take a 21-0 lead, Dakota tie it in the fourth quarter and Rice then pull away.
Mid-Michigan
HEADLINER DeWitt 47, Traverse City Central 27 With a star quarterback and two college-bound receivers back from last season’s Division 3 championship team, DeWitt’s offense wasn’t going to sneak up on anyone. But the Panthers’ playmakers were among the most impressive of Battle at the Big House performers as quarterback Tyler Holtz connected with three receivers for six touchdown passes total, including four to Bryce Kurncz. Central had given up only 18.7 points per game last season in reaching the Division 2 Semifinals. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
VIDEO: Our Mr. Football Candidate Ty Holtz (@tyholtz_) connects with Bryce Kurncz (@bkurncz) from 38 yards out as DeWitt (@DeWitt_Panthers) went on to beat Traverse City Central at the Batttle at the Big House
#StateChamps X @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/HIVgG56nAf— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) August 27, 2021
Watch list Williamston 43, Croswell-Lexington 20 The Hornets reached the Division 4 Semifinals last season, and they rolled out of the gate again with this road win over a Croswell-Lexington team that lost to only one opponent (twice) in 2020.
Remember this one Charlotte 49, Olivet 40 Olivet has been the more football successful of these neighbors for going on two decades, and they only started playing each other last season for the first time at least in recent history. But Charlotte won’t be forgetting this one any time soon after winning two games a year ago and falling to the Eagles 28-14 in that 2020 meeting.
More shoutouts Grand Ledge 36, Coldwater 14 The Comets also may have set the stage for a big season with a strong road win against a Coldwater program that regularly is among contenders in its league. Lansing Eastern 36, Flint Hamady 0 The Quakers didn’t play at all last season, and their two wins in 2019 were also their only two over a five-season stretch. But Eastern came out big against a Hamady team that hasn’t finished less than .500 since 2014.
Northern Lower Peninsula
HEADLINER Cadillac 18, Reed City 14 The reigning Division 4 runner-up Vikings should make a run at being the top team from the northern Lower Peninsula, and this victory should be a pretty strong catalyst with Traverse City West and Central looming in league play. Cadillac held the Coyotes scoreless over the second half, and the defeat was only the fifth for Reed City during the regular season over the last seven years. Click for more from the Cadillac News.
Watch list East Jordan 36, Johannesburg-Lewiston 12 The Red Devils are seeking their first winning season since 2016 and have come close over the last two. Defeating the Cardinals is an incredible way to start again as Johannesburg-Lewiston reached the Division 8 Semifinals last season.
Remember this one Traverse City West 35, Midland 28 The Titans won’t be forgetting an impressive comeback including a go-ahead 82-yard punt return touchdown at U-M.
More shoutouts Maple City Glen Lake 35, Houghton Lake 6 Both had winning records and close playoff defeats to end last season, and the Lakers’ offense looks to be humming again. Lake City 30, Beaverton 21 The Trojans had a tough go in 2020, finishing just 2-5 after three winning seasons in a row, but they could be on the move again after edging a Beaverton team coming off a fifth-straight winning campaign.
Southeast & Border
HEADLINER Jackson Lumen Christi 27, New Lothrop 14 The southeastern section of the Lower Peninsula was loaded with notable finishes, but Lumen Christi toppling the reigning Division 7 champion made the biggest statewide wave. The Titans broke away for the game’s final two scores and stopped a Hornets offense that scored at least 36 points per game in going 11-0 last fall. Click for more from the Jackson Citizen Patriot.
Watch list Ottawa Lake Whiteford 52, Blissfield 21 Whiteford always is in the title mix in the Tri-County Conference, and downing the reigning Lenawee County Athletic Association champ is a great way to prep for another run.
Remember this one Hudson 59, Ithaca 14 Last year’s matchup between the programs owning the longest winning streaks in MHSAA history wasn’t played due to the late season start. But Hudson stormed back to even the recent series after losing to Ithaca in 2019 – a major win as the Tigers go for their first winning season since 2017.
More shoutouts Napoleon 27, Brooklyn Columbia Central 14 The Pirates already have equaled last season’s win total, and in the process broke a five-game opening-night losing streak against the Golden Eagles. Saline 34, Hudsonville 30 The Hornets stopped Hudsonville just short of the goal line on the final play at Michigan Stadium.
Southwest Corridor
HEADLINER Niles Brandywine 38, Centreville 32 The Bobcats have been a playoff team for most of the last decade and went 9-1 in 2019. This opening win certainly could spur more big things this fall. Centreville gave up 29 points total in going 11-0 and winning the Division 8 championship last season. Click for more from the Niles Daily Star.
Watch list Edwardsburg 38, Montague 0 Few have slowed down the Eddies’ offense over the last eight years – they scored more than 400 points in all of them – and this seems a strong indicator that things will continue along that track. The defense also deserves plenty of credit for shutting out the reigning Division 6 champ.
Remember this one Stevensville Lakeshore 26, Portage Central 22 The season is just getting started, but a Lakeshore go-ahead touchdown with 10 minutes to play could mean a lot in the final Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference standings.
More shoutouts Battle Creek Central 12, Portage Northern 6 This is a huge start for the Bearcats. Northern had won the last seven matchups between the two, including last season’s by 40, and went undefeated in league play in 2020 although the SMAC didn’t award a champion because of the abbreviated regular season. Cassopolis 20, Schoolcraft 19 After four straight double-digit win seasons, the Rangers fell back to 2-5 last fall. But defeating a Schoolcraft team coming off a Division 7 Semifinals trip may have begun a fast rebound.
Upper Peninsula
HEADLINER Iron Mountain 14, Negaunee 12 These Western Peninsula Athletic Conference rivals had to take a year off from their annual game because of the shortened 2020 season, but they continued what’s become a series of close finishes – this the third straight decided by three points or fewer. Iron Mountain has won all three, which in this case again means a significant start to the Copper division season. Click for more from the Iron Mountain Daily News.
Watch list Gladstone 26, Calumet 20 (OT) The Braves won their season opener for the fifth year in a row, and the timing of this big victory couldn’t be better – four straight league games are up next.
Remember this one Ishpeming 22, Manistique 6 The Hematites didn’t play a game last season, but they returned with a victory by the identical score of their 2019 opener against Manistique.
More shoutouts Bark River-Harris 28, Gwinn 6 Bark River-Harris closed last season winning five of its last six and making a Division 8 District Final, and they may be back in stride. Ishpeming Westwood 52, Houghton 8 The Patriots extended their winning streak against Houghton to four, setting up this week’s league showdown with the Mountaineers.
West Michigan
HEADLINER Grand Rapids Catholic Central 43, Lapeer 21 The reigning Division 5 champion opened the season for the whole state with a noon Thursday kickoff at the Battle at the Big House, and looked like they’d just left Ford Field in January. QB Joey Silveri threw for two scores and ran for two more, and Nolan Ziegler caught three touchdown passes. Click for more from FOX 17.
VIDEO: Check out Ronin Russell-Dixon (@Ronin_Dixon) with the long touchdown run as Grand Rapids Catholic Central (@GRCC_CougarsFB) beat Lapeer on Thursday afternoon at the Battle at the Big House. #StateChamps X @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/436VWiY3SD
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) August 27, 2021
Watch List Zeeland West 44, East Grand Rapids 27 The Dux have won eight straight season openers and now have an open week before beginning play in what might be the toughest league in the state this season, the Ottawa-Kent Conference Green.
Remember this one Caledonia 41, Holt 14 The Rams are expected to be one of the Lansing area’s best this fall – which means this could turn out to be an even more impressive start for Caledonia.
More shoutouts Muskegon Mona Shores 56, Lowell 14 The Sailors opened their pursuit of a third-straight Division 2 championship with a new quarterback but same offensive output. Ravenna 21, Beal City 20 The Bulldogs held on as the Aggies scored 13 fourth-quarter points.
8-Player
HEADLINER Marion 42, Merrill 12 The Eagles quietly have strung together five winning seasons in a row and made an impression in their first game since last season’s Division 2 Semifinal loss to eventual champion Powers North Central. Merrill was one of the best 8-player Division 1 teams in its first season playing the format in 2020. Click for more from the Cadillac News.
Watch list Pickford 36, Gaylord St. Mary 6 One game is merely that, but if history holds this would seem to indicate Pickford is a team to watch again in Division 1.
Remember this one Genesee 56, Mayville 52 The Wolves ended last season with a 48-20 playoff-opening loss to Mayville.
More shoutouts Blanchard Montabella 54, Bellevue 18 The Mustangs made a late move to 8-player this offseason and are three students too large to qualify for the playoffs – but their 8P debut will be remembered regardless if they continue to rebound from last year’s 1-5 finish in 11-player. Rogers City 14, Brethren 8 The Hurons won five games total over their last two seasons of 11-player, but debuted in 8-player with a win over a solid Brethren program coming off a third-straight finish at .500 or better.
PHOTOS: (Top) Niles Brandywine’s Ivory McCullough works to break the grasp of Centreville’s Xander Frederick during Thursday’s win. (Middle) Plainwell won its 120th meeting with Otsego, 21-6. (Below) Alpena's Joseph Blewett (21) and Mason Mumford (15) aren't able to get to Marquette's Justin Jurmu in time as Jurmu pulls in a pass from quarterback Austin Ridl to score their team’s first touchdown Thursday. (Top photo by Michael Caterina/South Bend Tribune, middle by Gary Shook, and below by Cara Kamps.)