1st & Goal: 2024 11-Player Finals Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 27, 2024
The 50th MHSAA 11-Player Football Playoffs will conclude this weekend with eight new champions and several first-time opportunities for teams making the trip to Ford Field.
Of the 16 playing in Friday and Saturday’s championship games, only Jackson Lumen Christi is back from last year’s field – and contending in Division 6 after winning Division 7 titles the last two seasons.
Half the field this weekend – eight teams total, including both in Divisions 4 and 5 – are seeking their first Finals titles. Five of those eight are playing in championship games for the first time.
Here's the full schedule for Friday and Saturday's games:
Friday, Nov. 29
Division 8 – Riverview Gabriel Richard (11-1) vs. Beal City (11-2) – 9:30 a.m.
Division 4 – Goodrich (12-1) vs. Niles (12-1) – 12:30 p.m.
Division 6 – Jackson Lumen Christi (12-1) vs. Lansing Catholic (10-3) – 4 p.m.
Division 2 – Byron Center (12-1) vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-3) – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Division 7 – Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (13-0) vs. Millington (12-0) – 9:30 a.m.
Division 3 – Zeeland West (12-1) vs. Detroit Martin Luther King (10-3) – 12:30 p.m.
Division 5 – Frankenmuth (13-0) vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (11-1) – 4 p.m.
Division 1 – Hudsonville (12-1) vs. Detroit Cass Tech (11-2) – 7 p.m.
The Division 8, 7 and 3 games will be broadcast on the FDSN primary channel, with the remaining five Finals broadcast on FDSN Extra, and all eight also will be available via the FDSN website. Additionally, all eight championship games will be available for listening from the MHSAA Network. Links to purchase tickets and more are available on the Football page.
Below is a glance at all eight matchups. Statistics are through Semifinals unless noted.
Division 1
HUDSONVILLE
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 4
Coach: Brent Sandee, seventh season (44-28)
League finish: First in Ottawa-Kent Conference Red
Championship history: Division 2 runner-up 2005 and 2000, Class A runner-up 1998.
Best wins: 27-7 over No. 6 Rochester Adams in Semifinal, 35-6 over No. 1 Howell in Regional Final, 28-21 over Rockford, 14-12 over East Lansing.
Players to watch: QB Griffin Baker, 6-2/195 sr. (1,132 yards/11 TDs passing, 650 yards/16 TDs rushing); RB/LB Bryce Fox, 5-9/175 sr. (987 yards/14 TDs rushing); WR/DB/P Braden VanLaecke, 5-11/175 jr. (5 TDs receiving); RB/LB Ethan Carter 6-1/215 sr.
Outlook: After starting this playoffs with some close rematches (25-23 over East Kentwood and 19-16 over Grandville), Hudsonville has powered through a pair of impressive performances to get back to the Finals for the first time in two decades. While Baker is a dangerous two-way threat at quarterback, Hudsonville has made its way by running the ball and not allowing the other team to do so. Junior Owen Haarsma has rushed for another 771 yards and eight touchdowns, and the Eagles are holding opponents to just 254 total yards per game – and just about 100 per game on the ground. That’s turned into just 13 points per game by opponents this season, with Hudsonville giving up more than 20 only three times and no more than East Kentwood’s 23 after the Falcons scored six the first time the teams met.
DETROIT CASS TECH
Record/Rank: 11-2, unranked
Coach: Marvin Rushing, third season (25-9)
League finish: Second in Detroit Public School League Blue
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2016, 2012 and 2011. Division 1 runner-up 2015.
Best wins: 17-14 over No. 2 Detroit Catholic Central in Semifinal, 21-14 over No. 5 Macomb Dakota in Regional Final, 30-14 over Division 3 No. 7 Detroit Martin Luther King, 20-3 over Canton McKinley (Ohio).
Players to watch: SE/DB Corey Sadler Jr., 5-10/175 jr. (780 yards/7 TDs receiving); CB/WR Alex Graham, 6-3/184 sr. (550 yards/6 TDs receiving); QB Donald Tabron II, 6-3/172 fr. (1,475 yards/14 TDs passing); OT Kalief Canty Jr., 6-5/308 jr.
Outlook: The win over DCC in last week’s Semifinal further proved what Cass Tech has shown throughout a nine-game winning streak. The Technicians lost their season opener to Rockford by seven and then by six in overtime to Detroit King in Week 4. But they avenged the King loss four weeks later in the PSL City championship game, and handed DCC its only loss a week after the Shamrocks had eliminated reigning champion Belleville. Canty made the all-state first team last season, and Sadler earned an honorable mention, and the latter has been joined by another electric playmaker in Graham who will continue next season at Colorado and also has returned two kickoffs and one punt for scores. Canty and Sadler are both major Division I prospects, and the defense includes three more players who have committed to Division I programs in linemen Logan Howell (Miami Ohio) and John Baker IV (Toledo) and defensive back Derrick Jackson III (Kent State).
Division 2
BYRON CENTER
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 5
Coach: Marc Cisco, 16th season (115-50)
League finish: Second in O-K Green
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 30-23 over No. 4 Muskegon Mona Shores in District Final, 38-17 over No. 9 Grand Rapids Northview in District Semifinal, 41-14 over East Lansing in Semifinal, 52-14 over Portage Central in Regional Final, 43-20 over East Kentwood.
Players to watch: QB/DB Landon Tungate, 5-10/185 sr. (1,784 yards/23 TDs passing, 1,407 yards/25 TDs rushing); SE/DB Isaac Lee, 6-1/175 sr. (789 yards/11 TDs receiving); SE/DB Landen Conrad, 6-0/188 sr. (80 tackles); RB/LB Kellen Payne, 5-11/212 sr. (100 tackles).
Outlook: Byron Center’s run to Ford Field has included its first Regional title, handing Northview its only defeat, and the avenging of the Bulldogs’ lone loss, which came against Mona Shores 14-12 in Week 4. Tungate has been unstoppable – six of his touchdown runs came in the Semifinal win over East Lansing – and he’s joined in the backfield in part by sophomore Cam Payne (580 yards/5 TDs rushing). Lee and senior running back/linebacker Luke Laska (335 yards/3 TDs rushing, 72 tackles) are the team’s two-way starters. Cisco is the son of Marc Cisco Sr., who won 242 games over nearly 50 seasons at Monroe Jefferson, with a run to the Class BB championship in 1994.
ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S
Record/Rank: 10-3, unranked
Coach: Jermaine Gonzales, third season (18-15)
League finish: Fourth in Catholic High School League Central
Championship history: Eight MHSAA titles (most recent 2016), six runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 28-27 (OT) over No. 1 Birmingham Groves in Semifinal, 27-3 over No. 8 Gibraltar Carlson in Regional Final, 50-19 over Portage Northern.
Players to watch: WR/S Bryson Williams, 6-2/217 sr. (575 yards/9 TDs receiving); RB/LB Darrin Jones, 5-11/195 sr. (1,100 yards/11 TDs rushing); QB Axel Newell, 6-4/200 sr. (1,271 yards/11 TDs passing); LB/WR Charles White, 6-2/193 sr. (110 tackles).
Outlook: St. Mary’s has made a tremendous improvement under late 1990s star quarterback Jermaine Gonzales, returning to the Finals for the first time since 2016 and after posting sub-.500 records three of the last four seasons including 3-6 just a year ago. Williams, White and senior tight end Jayden Savoury (275 yards/3 TDs receiving) all have committed to Michigan State and are among several playmakers, including also senior running back Richard Goike III (10 TDs rushing); sophomore quarterback Jabin Gonzales (517 yards/10 TDs passing), junior defensive tackle Ryan Harrington (10 sacks) and senior defensive back Kareem Pruitt (6 interceptions). The Eaglets’ losses came to Division 1 No. 2 Detroit Catholic Central (27-22), Division 2 No. 10 Warren De La Salle Collegiate (38-28) and Toledo Central Catholic (7-6), which will play in an Ohio semifinal this weekend.
Division 3
ZEELAND WEST
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 4
Coach: John Shillito, 20th season (184-44)
League finish: Second in O-K Gold
Championship history: Four MHSAA titles (most recent 2015).
Best wins: 33-20 over No. 1 DeWitt in Semifinal, 36-20 (Regional Final) and 28-7 over No. 6 Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, 42-0 over No. 3 St. Joseph in District Final, 60-43 over Whitehall.
Players to watch: FB/DB Keaton Hendricks, 6-0/165 sr. (1,477 yards/19 TDs rushing, 4 interceptions); QB/DB Trey Sloothaak, 6-0/181 sr. (651 yards/10 TDs passing, 484 yards/4 TDs rushing); RB/LB Isaac VanderZwaag, 6-1/195 sr. (675 yards/9 TDs rushing, 6 TDs receiving, 77 tackles); OT/DL Noah VanderVelde, 6-0/230 sr.
Outlook: Zeeland West defeated the reigning Division 3 champion (for the second time) and then the top-ranked team at the end of the regular season to earn this return to Ford Field. Shutting down DeWitt’s offense reinforced that West’s defense is tough to break, and the Dux have allowed only 269 yards and 16 points per game this fall. Sloothaak made the all-state first team last season at defensive back and is one of seven two-way starters. As a team, Zeeland has 14 interceptions and will work to get pressure up front with senior Brody Maas (six sacks) leading the charge. The traditionally-powerful T offense is up to 3,666 yards and 50 touchdowns rushing this fall, with junior Jonah Leslie adding 12 scores.
DETROIT MARTIN LUTHER KING
Record/Rank: 10-3, No. 7
Coach: Terel Patrick, first season (10-3)
League finish: First in Detroit PSL Blue
Championship history: Six MHSAA titles (most recent 2022), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 35-14 over Mason in Semifinal, 34-0 over River Rouge in Regional Final, 18-12 (OT) over Detroit Cass Tech, 25-21 over Cleveland Heights (Ohio).
Players to watch: LB Willie Fletcher Jr., 6-2/230 sr.; RB Michael Dukes, 6-0/185 jr.; QB Darryl Flemister, 5-11/170 soph.; DL/TE Xavier Newsome, 6-6/230 sr. (Statistics not submitted).
Outlook: Although Patrick is closing his first season as head coach, he’s been on staff as offensive coordinator and assistant coach over 14 seasons, with King this weekend playing in its seventh championship game over the last decade. Flemister earned an all-state honorable mention as a freshman and directs a skill position group that includes Dukes but also four seniors. Fletcher and Newsome are joined up front on defense by junior tackles Richard Stewart (5-11/280) and Gregory Keller (6-1/285), and that unit might be the key for a defense that’s given up 13.6 points per game this fall and posted five shutouts include two during the playoffs.
Division 4
GOODRICH
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 4
Coach: Tom Alward, 32nd season (209-117)
League finish: First in Flint Metro League Stars
Championship history: Division 4 runner-up 2022.
Best wins: 28-14 over No. 5 Harper Woods in Semifinal, 42-13 over Haslett in Regional Final, 27-21 over No. 8 Freeland in District Final, 42-3 over Division 3 No. 9 Fenton.
Players to watch: WR/DB Max Macklem, 6-0/190 sr. (583 yards/6 TDs receiving through Regional); QB/DB Tanner Mazich, 5-10/165 jr. (931 yards/11 TDs passing through Regional); RB/LB Chase Burnett, 6-0/200 sr. (1,463 yards/25 TDs rushing); OL/DL Benjamin Sennabaum, 5-10/200 sr.
Outlook: Goodrich is returning to Ford Field for the second time in three seasons, and has only three losses over the last two seasons – the Martians have avenged last year’s against Corunna and Harper Woods, and their only defeat this fall was to Division 5 finalist Frankenmuth. Burnett and Macklem were among contributors on the 2022 team as well, and the Goodrich offense as a whole benefits from a powerful line that averages 6-foot-1, 250 pounds. Sennabaum earned an all-state honorable mention on the defensive line last season and is part of a unit that has given up only 10.5 points per game and no more than 22 all season. Macklem will continue next year at Central Michigan.
NILES
Record/Rank: 12-1, unranked
Coach: Scot Shaw, fourth season (33-12)
League finish: First in Wolverine Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 62-30 over Grand Rapids South Christian in Semifinal, 37-34 over No. 10 Portland in Regional Final, 21-0 (District Final) and 21-14 over Edwardsburg, 42-14 (District Semifinal) and 21-0 over No. 9 Paw Paw.
Players to watch: RB/DB Peyton Gordon, 5-6/165 sr. (834 yards/15 TDs rushing); RB/LB Paul Hess, 5-9/210 sr. (1,202 yards/14 TDs rushing); RB/LB Sam Rucker, 5-9/175 sr. (1,100 yards/20 TDs rushing); OL/DL Jordan Cunningham, 6-0/230 sr.
Outlook: Niles also is enjoying its longest playoff run, including a first Regional championship, but Shaw has been to this stage before having led Three Rivers to the Division 4 championship in 2003. He enters this weekend with an overall 243-119 record over 35 seasons that also included stops at Grandville and two Indiana schools. Hess at running back and Rucker at linebacker both earned all-state honorable mentions last season as Niles finished 10-2 to build toward this campaign. The Vikings are giving up 10.4 points per game with six shutouts and their only opponents to score more than 14 coming the last two weeks and in a season-opening loss to Division 3 St. Joseph.
Division 5
FRANKENMUTH
Record/Rank: 13-0, No. 2
Coach: Phil Martin, 12th season (128-19)
League finish: First in Tri-Valley Conference Red
Championship history: Division 5 runner-up 2022 and 2020.
Best wins: 42-35 over No. 7 Grand Rapids Catholic Central in Semifinal, 37-7 over No. 8 Belding in District Final, 21-20 over Division 4 No. 8 Freeland, 22-0 over Division 4 No. 4 Goodrich.
Players to watch: OL/DL Derrick Simmons, 6-4/275 sr. (44 tackles, 20 tackles for loss); QB/DB Lleyton Hoard, 6-3/180 sr. (600 yards/11 TDs rushing, 433 yards/4 TDs passing); RB/DB Kobbi Ke, 5-9/190 sr. (888 yards/5 TDs rushing); QB/DB Aidan Labissoniere, 5-9/160, sr. (500 yards/9 TDs rushing, 364 yards/4 TDs passing).
Outlook: Frankenmuth has reached the Semifinals five straight seasons and now Ford Field three of those five after turning back a challenge from reigning champion Grand Rapids Catholic Central last week. Simmons is committed to Michigan State and a powerful presence on a defensive line that also includes senior leading tackler Logan Diener (90 tackles, 22 tackles for loss); additionally, Simmons made the all-state first team on the offensive line in 2023. With 65 total touchdowns, including 56 rushing, the Eagles are approaching MHSAA record book lists for both and with 12 players contributing to one or both of those totals. Senior running back Hagan Wascher is the team’s leading receiver averaging 18.9 yards per catch and has 11 touchdowns total averaging nine yards per carry as well.
PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP
Record/Rank: 11-1, No. 1
Coach: Pat Fox, 11th season (77-34)
League finish: Does not compete in a league.
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 49-7 over Flat Rock in Semifinal, 45-19 over No. 4 Armada in Regional Final, 56-7 over No. 5 Corunna in District Final, 42-0 over No. 7 Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 57-26 over Division 6 No. 6 Reed City, 28-24 over Division 6 No. 1 Jackson Lumen Christi.
Players to watch: RB/DB Billy Collins, 5-9/165 sr. (1,156 yards/8 TDs rushing, 573 yards/8 TDs receiving); RB/DE Drew Heimbuch, 6-0/195 sr. (433 yards/18 TDs rushing, 85 tackles/28 tackles for loss); QB/LB Sam Stowe, 6-5/200 jr. (2,458 yards/33 TDs passing, 7 TDs rushing); WR/DB Joseph Decasas, 6-2/165 sr. (1,126 yards/18 TDs receiving, 7 interceptions).
Outlook: Notre Dame Prep also won its first Regional title on the way to this Finals debut, and during the regular season defeated the reigning Division 5 (GRCC) and Division 7 (JLC) champions. The Fighting Irish’s only loss came Week 9, 43-28 to Hudsonville Unity Christian, which was top-ranked in Division 4 at the end of the regular season. Heimbuch made the all-state first team last season as a defensive lineman, and his 20 touchdowns total include one apiece on interception and fumble returns. Junior linebacker Brody Sink (127 tackles/22 tackles for loss) and senior linebacker Luca Gasperoni (90 tackles) are two more of several standouts on a defense. Fox is 201-115 total with head coaching stops as well at Ortonville Brandon, Berkley, Ann Arbor Pioneer and Milford.
Division 6
JACKSON LUMEN CHRISTI
Record/Rank: 12-1, No. 1
Coach: Herb Brogan, 45th season (420-96)
League finish: First in CHSL AA
Championship history: 13 MHSAA titles (most recent 2023), three runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 35-6 over No. 4 Marine City in Semifinal, 42-6 over Constantine in Regional Final, 49-28 over Ida in District Final, 39-21 over Kalamazoo United, 35-7 over Division 7 No. 8 Traverse City St. Francis.
Players to watch: RB Kadale Williams, 6-1/180 sr. (1,941 yards/34 TDs rushing); QB Timmy Crowley, 6-3/180, sr. (1,149 yards/8 TDs passing, 5 TDs rushing) FB/LB Isaac Rehberg, 5-9/195 sr. (92 tackles, 437 yards/6 TDs rushing); TE/DE Charlie Saunders, 5-9/190 sr.
Outlook: Lumen Christi has won the last two Division 7 championships and opted up to Division 6 this fall. The lone loss came in Week 2 to Notre Dame Prep, by only four points, and no other opponent got within 17 points of catching the Titans. Williams made the all-state first team last season and was committed at one point to Central Michigan but has reopened his recruitment. Senior receiver Kash Kalahar gives Crowley a nice option to complement the running game; he’s caught a team-leading 32 passes for 712 yards and five touchdowns. Brogan is third on the all-time coaching wins list, 10 from second place and 23 from tying the record.
LANSING CATHOLIC
Record/Rank: 10-3, unranked
Coach: Jim Baker, fourth season (33-17)
League finish: Tied for third in Capital Area Activities Conference White
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 2021), two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 36-29 over No. 8 Chesaning in District Semifinal, 49-36 over No. 5 Newaygo in Regional Final, 34-22 over Boyne City in Semifinal, 31-28 over Ovid-Elsie in District Final, 35-34 over Pewamo-Westphalia.
Players to watch: QB/OLB Alex Fernandez, 6-3/230 sr. (2,898 yards/31 TDs passing, 904 yards/18 TDs rushing, 82 tackles); WR/S Benjamin Rabideau, 5-8/170 sr. (957 yards/10 TDs receiving, 387 yards/4 TDs rushing, 98 tackles/6 interceptions); WR/OLB Xavier Luea, 6-3/195 sr. (1,048 yards/10 TDs receiving); OL/DL Josh Pritzlaff, 6-4/295 sr.
Outlook: Lansing Catholic emerged from a league that included top-10 teams in Divisions 4 and 6 and then defeating two top-10 teams, including an undefeated opponent to open the playoffs. Rabideau made the all-state second team as a receiver last season and is one of three this fall with at least 30 catches as Fernandez has joined him in putting up monster numbers on both sides of the ball. Senior Chris Sims is another two-way standout, starting on the offensive line and making 97 tackles at linebacker. Lansing Catholic’s losses were to No. 7 Olivet, Division 4 No. 10 Portland and another solid Division 4 team in Lansing Sexton.
Division 7
MONROE ST. MARY CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record/Rank: 13-0, No. 1
Coach: Adam Kipf, 10th season (80-32)
League finish: First in Huron League
Championship history: Four MHSAA titles (most recent 2019), four runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 38-7 over Schoolcraft in Semifinal, 55-18 over Leslie in Regional Final, 51-30 (District Final) and 22-14 over No. 10 Clinton, 37-14 over Flat Rock, 34-15 over Riverview.
Players to watch: QB/DB Ian Foster, 6-0/165 sr. (640 yards/15 TDs passing, 424 yards/7 TDs rushing); RB/DB Drew Harris, 5-6/165 sr. (1,348 yards/21 TDs rushing); QB/RB/DB Brady Hines, 6-2/205 jr. (443 yards/7 TDs rushing); OL/DL Jimmy Rostash, 6-3/260 jr. (Statistics through Regional Final.)
Outlook: St. Mary made a jump this fall after two straight 6-6 finishes, impressing on both sides of the ball as they’ve pursued their first undefeated season since 1991. The defense is giving up just 9.6 points per game and has allowed more than 18 only once – in the rematch with Clinton. The offense is averaging 39 points per game as no team has come closer than 19 to catching the Falcons since an eight-point season-opening win over Clinton. Harris brought a 10.3 yards-per-carry average into last week’s Semifinal. Through 12 games, sophomore Cole Reinhardt had scored eight touchdowns (four rushing, three receiving, one on kickoff return), and junior Lukas Linzell had run for six scores and scored on kickoff and interception returns.
MILLINGTON
Record/Rank: 12-0, No. 5
Coach: Jason Germain, third season (34-3)
League finish: First in Big Thumb Conference White
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 35-28 over North Muskegon in Semifinal, 28-0 over Pewamo-Westphalia in Regional Final, 34-7 (District Final) and 34-6 over Cass City.
Players to watch: RB/LB Dallas Walsh, 5-10/193 sr. (1,411 yards/17 TDs rushing); RB/LB Landon Russell, 5-9/183, sr. (735 yards/10 TDs rushing, 3 TDs receiving); QB/DB Truk Terbush, 5-11/152 sr. (1,420 yards/21 TDs passing, 520 yards/11 TDs rushing); TE/DL Brevin Hendricks, 6-3/220 sr. (7 TDs receiving).
Outlook: This was the seventh time since 1994 that Millington reached the Semifinals, and the Cardinals broke through for their first Finals trip thanks in part to a powerful running game that is balanced out nicely by Terbush’s work throwing the ball. He has only two interceptions to go with his 21 touchdowns through the air, with three receivers with at least 15 catches topped by senior Bryce Martin (25 receptions/511 yards/6 TDs receiving). The defense has given up just 8.4 points per game, keeping opponents to single digits nine times and allowing more than 14 only twice. Walsh, Russell and senior Landon Germain provide a sturdy linebacker group in the middle of that effort.
Division 8
RIVERVIEW GABRIEL RICHARD
Record/Rank: 11-1, unranked
Coach: Mark Shea, first season (11-1)
League finish: Second in CHSL Intersectional #1
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Best wins: 36-30 over No. 5 Decatur in Semifinal, 44-26 over No. 10 Manchester in Regional Final, 40-18 over Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard, 15-10 over Division 7 No. 9 Montrose.
Players to watch: QB/S Nick Sobush, 5-11/165 sr. (1,597 yards/20 TDs passing); WR/CB Derek Lesko, 6-0/160 jr. (873 yards/7 TDs receiving); RB/S Antonio Sobush, 5-10/160 sr. (711 yards/9 TDs rushing, 451 yards/1 TD receiving); RB/LB Joey Calhoun, 6-3/207 sr. (1,140 yards/16 TDs rushing). (Statistics through Regional Final.)
Outlook: Gabriel Richard reached the Semifinals last season for the first time and has taken another sizable step this fall. The only loss came Week 7, 30-22 to Macomb Lutheran North, which won their league and went on to claim a Division 4 District title as well. The offense has jumped its average more than seven points to 40 per game during the playoffs, an indication of the strength of regular-season competition the Pioneers faced as they took on several larger opponents. Shea previously served as head coach at Allen Park Cabrini from 2010-13 and most recently was an assistant Hazel Park after also assisting at Detroit Loyola during its 2014 Division 7 championship run and 2013 and 2016 runner-up finishes.
BEAL CITY
Record/Rank: 11-2, No. 9
Coach: Brad Gross, 10th season (85-29)
League finish: Second in Highland Conference
Championship history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 2009), seven runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 17-16 over No. 1 Fowler in Semifinal, 14-7 over No. 3 Iron Mountain in Regional Final, 21-14 over No. 7 Maple City Glen Lake in District Final, 51-6 over Evart.
Players to watch: RB/DB Drew Block, 5-9/170 sr. (800 yards/12 TDs rushing); RB/DB Owen Mckenny, 5-10/175 sr. (825 yards/10 TDs rushing/3 TDs receiving); QB/DB Cuyler Smith, 5-7/150 soph. (1,177 yards/13 TDs passing); OL/LB Wyatt Wilson, 5-7/185 soph. (Statistics through Regional Final.)
Outlook: It’s impossible to argue with the run Beal City has put together to return to Ford Field for the first time since 2021 and third time in six seasons. The Aggies’ only losses this fall were both by four points, to Division 6 No. 6 Reed City in Week 9 and Division 7 McBain in Week 3. They’ve given up only 37 points over four playoff wins, and just 9.4 per game for the season with a 47-0 win over Frankfort kicking off this run four weeks ago. Only McBain scored more than 18 against them. Senior Austin Small has been another major contributor in the backfield with 565 yards and nine touchdowns rushing through the Regional Final. Receiver/defensive end Aaron Locke and lineman Drew Gross join Wilson as sophomore two-way starters.
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1st & Goal: 2024 11-Player Semifinals Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 22, 2024
It’s pretty simple for football teams still playing this late into November.
All 32 that have reached this season’s MHSAA 11-Player Semifinals have accomplished something special while taking their communities on an unforgettable ride.
But those 16 that emerge victorious Saturday will have an opportunity to finish this four-month drive with the ultimate experience in Michigan high school football.
All 16 Semifinals kick off at 1 p.m. except for the Division 7 matchup between Schoolcraft and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, which will begin at noon. Follow along in person or watch all of them on MHSAA.tv, and keep up with the scores as they come in on the Football Playoff Scoreboard. See below for a glance at all 16 Semifinals.
Division 1
Rochester Adams (10-2) vs. Hudsonville (11-1) at Okemos
Hudsonville’s first Semifinal run since 2005 saw the Eagles avenge their lone loss this fall, downing undefeated Howell last week 35-6 after falling to the Highlanders in their season opener. Senior quarterback Griffin Baker has thrown for 1,105 yards and 10 touchdowns and run for 13 scores leading a balanced attack. Adams is back in the Semifinals for the first time since 2021, with two midseason losses by a combined four points. Senior Matteo Humbert carries a lot of the offensive load, rushing for 1,204 yards and 18 TDs.
Detroit Cass Tech (10-2) vs. Detroit Catholic Central (12-0) at Troy Athens
These two are playing each other for the first time since the 2016 Division 1 championship game. Detroit Catholic Central gives up only 10.5 points per game and attacks on the ground and through the air, with senior running back Jaden Pydyn (1,158 yards, 23 TDs rushing) among notable standouts. Cass Tech is giving up only 6.8 points per game and has avenged one of its two losses, with freshman quarterback Donald Tabron II quickly drawing attention throwing for 1,318 yards and 13 TDs to arguably the strongest group of receivers in the state.
Division 2
East Lansing (9-3) vs. Byron Center (11-1) at Greenville
East Lansing is playing in a Semifinal for the second straight season, and these teams have some familiarity with each other as the Trojans won their Regional matchup a year ago 42-20. East Lansing senior running back Jace Clarizio has remained one of the state’s elite with 1,574 yards and 28 TDs rushing. Byron Center will counter with senior quarterback Landon Tungate, who will go down as one of the best in his program’s history throwing for 1,727 yards and 23 scores this fall and running for 1,237 yards and 19 more TDs.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (9-3) vs. Birmingham Groves (12-0) at West Bloomfield
Groves defeated reigning champion Warren De La Salle Collegiate last week 21-19 to advance to its second Semifinal in three seasons. The Falcons also rely on a balanced offensive attack, led by senior running back Noah Sanders (821 yards/11 TDs rushing) and senior quarterback Ryan Counts (1,363 yards/16 TDs passing). St. Mary’s has reached the Semifinals for the first time since 2016, giving up only a combined 10 points over three playoff wins, and with senior receiver Bryson Williams a dynamic playmaker with nine touchdowns receiving, four rushing and two apiece on kickoff and punt returns.
Division 3
Zeeland West (11-1) vs. DeWitt (12-0) at Ada Forest Hills Eastern
After missing last season, DeWitt will play in its sixth Semifinal over the last seven years, and with an offense that upped its average scoring this fall to nearly 57 points per game with 70 more last week. Senior quarterback Elliott Larner is one of several standouts and has thrown for 2,085 yards and 32 touchdowns and run for 1,812 yards and 24 scores. Zeeland West’s power running style could help keep the Panthers’ offense off the field; the Dux have run for 3,458 yards led by senior Keaton Hendricks with 1,419 and 18 touchdowns on the ground.
Mason (10-2) vs. Detroit Martin Luther King (9-3) at Chelsea
These two have met in the playoffs three years in a row, with the Bulldogs emerging 25-20 in a Semifinal last fall. While Mason graduated most of the starting lineup that led the team to a Division 3 runner-up finish, senior quarterback Cason Carswell is finishing his fourth as a starter in a big way with 1,989 yards and 31 scores through the air as his younger teammates have grown into another standout unit. King’s defense perhaps stands out most this season, as senior defensive ends Xavier Newsome (6-foot-6, 230 pounds) and Willie Fletcher (6-2, 230) are one of the state’s top pairs.
Division 4
Grand Rapids South Christian (8-4) vs. Niles (11-1) at Three Rivers
South Christian emerged from a four-game losing streak near the end of the regular season to reach the Semifinals for the third straight, and will attempt to make it three straight trips to Ford Field. Senior quarterback Carson Vis continues to impress with 2,371 yards and 22 touchdowns passing and 1,186 yards and 18 scores rushing. Niles’ season-opening loss to St. Joseph proved to be just a momentary detour during its first trip to the Semifinals. Seniors Peyton Gordon, Paul Hess and Sam Rucker have combined to run for 2,738 yards and 44 touchdowns,
Goodrich (11-1) vs. Harper Woods (9-3) at Rochester Hills Stoney Creek
This is a rematch of a 2023 Semifinal, won by Harper Woods 35-24 on the way to claiming the Division 4 title. Many of the major players are the same. Senior Chase Burnett is the top rusher behind an impressive offensive line for Goodrich, powering for 1,340 yards and 22 scores. Harper Woods’ attack is again directed by junior quarterback Nate Rocheleau, who has thrown for 1,503 yards and 29 touchdowns. Goodrich’s lone loss and two of Harper Woods’ came to teams still playing.
Division 5
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (8-4) vs. Frankenmuth (12-0) at Mount Pleasant
This will be the fourth time these two have met in the playoffs over the last five seasons. Grand Rapids Catholic Central won their Semifinal meeting last season 35-0 and rebounded from three straight losses to finish this regular season to claim a ninth-straight Regional title. Odin Spencer is another impressive freshman quarterback, throwing for 1,585 yards and 17 touchdowns and running for 531 yards and three scores. Frankenmuth has given up only 13 points through three playoff games, with senior Derrick Simmons (6-4/275) a force at defensive end. The Eagles have won five straight Regional championships.
Flat Rock (10-2) vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (10-1) at Westland John Glenn
Notre Dame Prep showed itself to be a title contender with back-to-back wins over Jackson Lumen Christi and Grand Rapids Catholic Central in Weeks 2 and 3, respectively, and hasn’t let up. Junior quarterback Sam Stowe has thrown for 2,249 yards and 30 touchdowns and run for six scores. Flat Rock is playing in a Semifinal for the second-straight season, this time with its most wins since 1976. Senior Graham Junge is another standout quarterback, throwing for 2,468 yards and 36 touchdowns and also running for six scores.
Division 6
Boyne City (10-2) vs. Lansing Catholic (9-3) at Clare
Both of these contenders have recaptured past success to return to the Semifinals, Boyne City for the first time since 2014 and Lansing Catholic for the second time in four seasons but after going only 4-7 a year ago. Senior running back Ryan Spate is one from a collection of playmakers who have emerged for the Ramblers, running for 1,809 yards and 20 touchdowns. Senior Alex Fernandez has powered the Cougars, throwing for 2,664 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushing for 925 yards and 16 scores.
Marine City (10-2) vs. Jackson Lumen Christi (11-1) at Novi
Lumen Christi moved to Division 6 this fall after winning Division 7 the last two seasons, and hasn’t been stopped aside from a four-point loss to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in Week 2. The Titans have their highest-powered offense in a decade and have scored at least 42 points in all three of their playoff wins. Marine City is back in a Semifinal for the first time since 2021, powered by a high-scoring offense as well. The Mariners have topped 50 points seven times this season, including twice during the playoffs, led by a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in senior Paul Muscat (1,237/22 TDs) and junior Austin Brown (1,042/17).
Division 7
North Muskegon (11-1) vs. Millington (11-0) at Lansing Eastern
Millington is seeking a first trip to the Finals, and North Muskegon its first since 1981. Both also played in Semifinals a year ago, on opposite sides of the Division 7 bracket. Senior quarterback Truk Terbush is part of a loaded Cardinals backfield, throwing for 1,298 yards and 19 touchdowns and running for 453 yards and 10 scores. The Norsemen turn to a standout quarterback as well, as junior Bryce Colbert has thrown for 2,003 yards and 22 scores. North Muskegon’s lone defeat came in its season opener, by a point, to Pewamo-Westphalia.
Schoolcraft (11-1) vs. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (12-0) at Battle Creek Harper Creek
Monroe St. Mary is making its longest playoff run since its most recent championship season in 2019 and has scored more points this fall than the last two combined. Senior running back Drew Harris has played a large role in that resurgence, rushing for 1,348 yards and 21 touchdowns. Schoolcraft is back in a Semifinal for the first time since 2020, its only loss to Constantine by two points in Week 3. Sophomore quarterback Jack DeVries has emerged impressively, throwing for 1,402 yards and 15 scores.
Division 8
Beal City (10-2) vs. Fowler (12-0) at Ithaca
Fowler’s first trip to the Semifinals since 2019 got a bit of a jumpstart in Week 9 with a 35-28 win over McBain – one of the two teams to defeat Beal City, 29-25 in Week 4. But like Fowler, the Aggies also eliminated an undefeated opponent to win a Regional title last week. They’ve both continued to be known for strong running games as well, Beal City following seniors Drew Block and Owen McKenny (1,625 yards/22 TDs rushing combined) while Fowler has had a bit more balance but also must replace injured lead rusher Ford Phillips (1,153 yards/25 TDs rushing). The Eagles also have been able to turn to senior quarterback Jacob Halfmann (1,671 yards/18 TDs passing, 8 TDs rushing).
Decatur (11-1) vs. Riverview Gabriel Richard (10-1) at Jackson
Decatur has advanced to the Semifinals for the first time since 2002, its only loss to White Pigeon by just eight points in Week 4. The Raiders have three rushers who have combined for more than 3,000 yards, led by junior Brody Mead (1,152/18 TDs) and senior Danny Camarillo (1,047/10). Gabriel Richard is returning to the Semifinals for the second-straight season, improving statistically on both sides of the ball from last fall and with its only loss to a Division 4 District champ in Macomb Lutheran North. Senior Joey Calhoun has averaged more than nine yards per carry for 1,140 and 16 TDs total on the ground.
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PHOTO North Muskegon takes the field for its District Final against McBain on Nov. 8. (Photo by Tim Reilly.)