Drive for Detroit: 11-Player Semis Review
November 20, 2017
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Five of Saturday’s 11-player Semifinals were decided by seven points or fewer.
Four reigning champions earned opportunities to repeat as champions.
Three teams advanced to the Finals for the first time.
Two of the five winningest coaches in MHSAA history – and the top two among active coaches – will make the trip again.
One more weekend remains to decide the last of this season’s football champions.
The countdown is on for our annual voyage to Detroit’s Ford Field. West Bloomfield, Saginaw Swan Valley and Edwardsburg earned first-time MHSAA Finals berths Saturday, while a handful of surprises also helped shape an intriguing championship field.
Below is a glance at all 16 Semifinals, plus links to coverage both print and broadcast. The MHSAA Playoffs are sponsored by the Michigan Army National Guard, and “Drive for Detroit” is sponsored by MI Student Aid.
Division 1
Clarkston 27, Detroit Catholic Central 7
The Wolves (11-2) held the reigning Division 1 runner-up Shamrocks (8-5) scoreless until late in the third quarter to earn their return to Ford Field looking for a third title in five seasons after winning Division 1 back-to-back in 2013-14. Click for more from the Oakland Press.
ICYMI: Watch the highlights from from Clarkston's 27-7 win over Detroit Catholic Central as the Wolves advanced to the @MHSAA Division 1 State Final for the first time since 2014! @CtownAthSec @ClarkstonWolves @ClarkstonFB2013 @ClarkstonBball @TheeJungle pic.twitter.com/yw6SDvJ6sT
— STATE CHAMPS! (@statechampsnet) November 19, 2017
West Bloomfield 9, Detroit Cass Tech 7
West Bloomfield (11-2) held off the reigning champion Technicians (9-3) to advance to the MHSAA Finals for the first time, with Nick O’Shea kicking a 31 and two 26-yard field goals. Click for more from the Detroit News.
ICYMI: Check out the highlights from West Bloomfield's win over Cass Tech as the Lakers advanced to the Division 1 State Championship game for the first time in school history! @wbhslakernation @wbhsTHESWAMP @19Bellamy pic.twitter.com/9TFH4EOtEr
— STATE CHAMPS! (@statechampsnet) November 19, 2017
Division 2
Livonia Franklin 20, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 0
Franklin (11-2) earned its first Finals berth since the first year of MHSAA playoffs in 1975, shutting down a Forest Hills Central offense that averaged 38 points per game during a 12-0 start. Click for more from Observer & Eccentric.
Forest Hills Central's comes up short against Livonia Franklin in State Semis https://t.co/6rVIOGYiNM
— FOX 17 Blitz (@FOX17Blitz) November 19, 2017
Warren DeLaSalle 14, Detroit Martin Luther King 13
In a matchup of Detroit area powers, Catholic League Central champion Warren DeLaSalle (11-2) edged Public School League champion and back-to-back Division 2 title winner King (11-2); the Pilots will be going for their second title in four seasons after winning Division 2 in 2014. Click for more from the Macomb Daily.
ICYMI: Watch the highlights from Warren De La Salle's @MHSAA Division 2 Semifinal win over Detroit King as the Pilots are headed back to the D-2 Final for the first time since 2014! @delasallehs @DLSBrozone @DeLaSalleAD @DLSFootball_MI @mgiannone pic.twitter.com/O4p1rIUlQ9
— STATE CHAMPS! (@statechampsnet) November 19, 2017
Division 3
Muskegon 42, Battle Creek Harper Creek 0
This Muskegon playoff drive is becoming legendary; the Big Reds (13-0) haven’t given up a point in their last two games and this time handed Harper Creek (12-1) its first and only loss of the season. Click for more from the Muskegon Chronicle.
ICYMI: Watch the highlights from Muskegon's 42-0 win over Harper Creek as the Big Reds advanced to the Division 3 State Championship Game for the second straight year! @OnMuskegon @BigRed_RNetwork @HoopsBigReds @LaDariusJ2 pic.twitter.com/6E0E2txo9C
— STATE CHAMPS! (@statechampsnet) November 19, 2017
Farmington Hills Harrison 21, Riverview 0
Likewise, Harrison’s run is becoming something of a storybook end for a program guided by the newly-anointed all-time winningest coach in state history that will also will play only one more season as the school will close in 2019. The Hawks (10-3) earned their second shutout of the playoffs as well, this time as Riverview (11-2) was averaging 35 points per game. Click for more from Observer & Eccentric.
ICYMI: Be sure to check out the highlights from Farmington Hills Harrison's 21-0 win over Riverview to advance to the @MHSAA State Finals for the 18th time in school history! @FHHarrisonFB @rod_heard @OvieOghoufo @HersteinJon @FPSInformation pic.twitter.com/40OvkYeyOh
— STATE CHAMPS! (@statechampsnet) November 19, 2017
Division 4
Grand Rapids Catholic Central 24, Escanaba 0
The reigning champion Cougars (13-0) ran into one of few opponents that has slowed down its offense; GRCC scored fewer than 32 points for the first time since Week 2. But Escanaba (10-3) didn’t manage a point for the first time since last year’s Regional Final, when GRCC downed the Eskymos 34-0. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.
Defense and Nolan Fugate fuel Grand Rapids Catholic Central's state semifinal win: https://t.co/JPZiCQug3z Highlights at 11. #Frenzy8 pic.twitter.com/HkLopjAFQ1
— WOOD TV8 (@WOODTV) November 18, 2017
Edwardsburg 32, River Rouge 21
Edwardsburg (12-1) scored the final 14 points of the game to earn its first trip to the MHSAA Finals and tie a program record for most wins in a season with last year’s semifinalist team. River Rouge (10-3) was playing in a Semifinal for the third straight season and hadn’t lost to an instate opponent since opening night. Click for more from the Niles Daily Star.
Division 5
Saginaw Swan Valley 29, Reed City 14
Both teams were playing to make the MHSAA Finals for the first time, and Swan Valley (12-1) earned the trip while also tying a program record for wins in a season. Four rushing touchdowns including two by Chase Mendoza doomed the Coyotes (11-2), who won a program-record 11 games for the second straight season. Click for more from the Saginaw News.
Grand Rapids West Catholic 25, Frankenmuth 21
Four-time reigning champion West Catholic (11-2) came back from a 21-0 deficit to clinch a sixth straight MHSAA Finals appearance, holding off the Eagles (12-1) as they attempted to reach the Finals for the first time. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.
ICYMI: Check out the highlights from Grand Rapids West Catholic's comeback win over Frankenmuth to advance to the Division 5 State Championship Game for a sixth consecutive year! @GRWCatholic @GRWCFootball @wcatholicsports @WEST_is_BEST17 pic.twitter.com/Rq4JSa2QWR
— STATE CHAMPS! (@statechampsnet) November 19, 2017
Division 6
Ithaca 27, Traverse City St. Francis 0
Most of the time, Ithaca’s offense is cast in the starring role. But the Yellowjackets (13-0) have two shutouts this playoffs and are giving up only 7.8 points per game – and St. Francis (11-2) hadn’t been held scoreless since 2013. Click for more from the Mount Pleasant Morning Sun.
Jackson Lumen Christi 44, Warren Michigan Collegiate 12
Reigning champion Lumen Christi (11-1) earned a shot at its first repeat title since winning two straight in 2003-04. The Titans put up 38 points in the first half and held Michigan Collegiate (12-1) to its fewest since opening night 2016. Click for more from the Jackson Citizen Patriot.
Lumen Christi vs. Warren Michigan Collegiate Semifinal Football Video Highlights - JTV Jackson https://t.co/EgHr35Gkqw
— JTV (@JTVJackson) November 18, 2017
Division 7
Pewamo-Westphalia 51, Lake City 8
The reigning champion Pirates are headed back to the Finals after holding Lake City scoreless until the final minutes. Over four playoff games, P-W (12-1) has outscored its opponents 158-29. Lake City did set a program record for wins in finishing 12-1, making the Semifinals for the first time and all after going 2-7 a year ago. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
Pewamo-Westphalia Rolls past Lake City in division 7 semifinal https://t.co/xOcZuvQ6zm
— FOX 17 Blitz (@FOX17Blitz) November 19, 2017
Saugatuck 14, Madison Heights Madison 7
The Indians (10-3) earned their first Finals berth since 2010 with a third straight playoff win by seven points or fewer – an incredible showing of perseverance considering also that this run has come after they missed out on a league title because of a Week 9 loss. Madison (12-1) entered the postseason with the highest playoff point average in the division by a large margin, but couldn’t get an offense going that averaged 33 points heading into the weekend. Click for more from the Holland Sentinel.
Defense leads Saugatuck to semifinal win over Madison Heights Madison https://t.co/KDTQpkCSGK
— FOX 17 Blitz (@FOX17Blitz) November 19, 2017
Division 8
Saginaw Nouvel 17, Iron River West Iron County 14
Nouvel (13-0) outlasted a physical West Iron front on both sides of the ball and made a third-quarter field goal stand for 22 minutes to reach the Finals for the first time since winning Division 7 in 2011. While West Iron (11-2) did hold the Panthers to their season low points, the Wykons also scored their fewest since Week 5. Click for more from the Saginaw News.
Ottawa Lake Whiteford 50, Mendon 21
This shouldn’t be called an upset, but Mendon (12-1) had to be considered the Division 8 favorite by at least a few after eliminating reigning four-time champ Muskegon Catholic Central in the District Final. Instead, reigning runner-up Whiteford (13-0) scored 50 points for the 10th time in 11 games, those points accounting for 39 percent of all the points the staunch Hornets gave up this season. Click for more from the Monroe Evening News.
VIDEO: Highlights and post-game interviews from Whiteford's 50-21 win over Mendon in the Michigan D-VIII State Semifinal game. Whiteford will head back to the state championship game for the second-straight year. Bobcats will face Saginaw Nouvel Friday at 10 a.m. at Ford Field pic.twitter.com/Aaf0jsZ0MV
— Danielle Dwyer (@danielleWTOL11) November 18, 2017
Second Half’s weekly “Drive for Detroit” previews and reviews are powered by MI Student Aid, a part of the Student Financial Services Bureau 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, including various student financial assistance programs to help make college more affordable for Michigan students. MI Student Aid administers the state’s 529 savings programs (MET/MESP) and eight additional aid programs within its Student Scholarships and Grants division. Click for more information and connect with MI Student Aid on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.
PHOTO: Muskegon quarterback La'darius Jefferson breaks into the second level of Harper Creek's defense Saturday as a pair of tacklers work to wrap him up. (Photo by Tim Reilly.)
1st & Goal: 2021 11-Player Semifinals Review
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 22, 2021
The 11-Player Football Finals field is set. Ford Field, here we come.
After crisscrossing the Lower Peninsula on Saturday for Semifinals, all vehicles will be pointed toward downtown Detroit this weekend – including parades from a few communities we’ll be seeing for the first time.
Belleville, Warren Michigan Collegiate and Lawton, welcome to a Thanksgiving week like no other. The other 13 teams that will be making the trip Friday and Saturday have been to this point before – including three just 10 months ago – and surely they’d agree this trip to Detroit will be unforgettable.
Below is a glance at how all 16 took the final step to earn the opportunity.
(We’ll review Saturday’s 8-Player Finals – won by Adrian Lenawee Christian and Powers North Central – during a look back at all 10 football championship games next week.)
Division 1
Belleville 40, Sterling Heights Stevenson 26
In their fourth-straight Semifinal, the Tigers (12-1) earned their first Finals trip. Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood threw three touchdown passes and ran for one more as Belleville scored the most points Stevenson (10-3) had allowed in a game since a Week 1 loss to Rockford. Click for more from the Detroit Free Press.
Belleville freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood (@BryceUnderwoo16) with three touchdown passes in the win over Sterling Hts. Stevenson in the Division 1 Football Semifinal.
TD Receptions:@deshaun3lee
Jalen Johnson@trev_joness@JermainCrowell
#StateChamps X @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/qgjKwAp8Ao— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 21, 2021
Rochester Adams 40, Grand Blanc 20
Adams (13-0) won a matchup of undefeated teams to reach the Finals for the first time since 2003, showing its defensive might again in shutting down a Bobcats offense that averaged 42 points per game entering the day. Grand Blanc finished its longest tournament run and winningest season at 12-1. Click for more from the Oakland Press.
Rochester Adams (@R_AdamsFootball) Junior LB Tait Picot (@PicotTait) with the pick six in the 40-20 semifinal win over Grand Blanc.#StateChamps X @LTUAthletics pic.twitter.com/uM809Q72RC
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 21, 2021
Division 2
Traverse City Central 56, South Lyon 20
The Trojans (12-1) earned their first Finals trip since 1988. Central took a 42-7 lead into halftime as Josh Burnham scored three touchdowns, and blocked a field goal attempt too. South Lyon (12-1) was making its first Semifinal appearance since 2004. Click for more from the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Here's the first half highlights of the Traverse City Central vs. South Lyon | Division 2 Football Semifinal. @JoshuaBurnham20 @carson_bourdo
🎥WBPN-TV#StateChamps X @MHSAA pic.twitter.com/mZv7GwuY2y
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 21, 2021
Warren De La Salle Collegiate 49, Livonia Franklin 14
The Pilots (12-0) will play in their fourth Division 2 Final in five seasons, with an opportunity to finish undefeated for the first time during the playoff era. Junior quarterback Brady Drogosh threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more, including a 73-yarder. Franklin finished 7-6 after entering the playoffs 4-5. Click for more from the Macomb Daily.
De La Salle QB Brady Drogosh ran for 2 touchdowns of 55 and 73 yards in the 49-14 win over Livonia Franklin this afternoon. @DLSPilots @DLSFootball_MI @BDrogosh #StateChamps x @DMC_Rehab pic.twitter.com/We2HYxCR8V
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 20, 2021
Division 3
Detroit Martin Luther King 46, Mason 7
The Crusaders (12-1) advanced to their fourth Final in six seasons and first since 2019. While topping 40 points for the seventh time in 11 games played on the field, King also lowered its playoff points-allowed average to 9.5 with a second-straight game giving up a single score. Mason completed its winningest season, and longest playoff run, at 10-3. Click for more from the Detroit Free Press.
Our Mr. Football candidate Dante Moore (@dantemoore05) with another touchdown pass in the 1st quarter, this one to Joseph Williams (@elite_joe1) as Detroit King (@DetKingFootball) went onto beat Mason in the Division 3 Semifinal. #StateChamps X @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/tQ7heMFVty
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 20, 2021
DeWitt 43, St. Joseph 7
The Panthers (12-1) will return to Ford Field with an opportunity to repeat as Division 3 champions. DeWitt built a 29-0 halftime lead, as quarterback Ty Holtz threw three first-half touchdown passes, including 69 and 40-yarders to Tommy McIntosh. St. Joseph (8-5) was playing in its first Semifinal since 2007 after entering the postseason 5-4. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
Our Mr. Football candidate Ty Holtz (@tyholtz_) from DeWitt (@dewittathletics) connected with the @BadgerFootball commit Tommy McIntosh for two touchdowns in the win over St. Joseph on Saturday.
🎥https://t.co/duQnD6Kq0j#StateChamps X @MHSAA pic.twitter.com/mJfhLTbGoV
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 21, 2021
Division 4
Chelsea 30, Freeland 27
For the second straight week, Chelsea came up with a big play at the end to advance. This time it was a near-goal line stand to stop a Freeland offense that had gotten two rushing and two passing touchdowns from quarterback Bryson Huckaby. The Falcons finished a second-straight Semifinal run 11-2. Click for more from the Ann Arbor News.
Freeland 4th and 3 on the four yard line with 48 seconds left and the Chelsea defense comes through with the stop. They measure for the first down and it’s just short. @ChelseaFB_SEC @ChelseaBulldogs #StateChamps X @MHSAA pic.twitter.com/n9FaLNOUwc
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 20, 2021
Hudsonville Unity Christian 58, Edwardsburg 8
The Crusaders (13-0) moved into second all-time for scoring in one season at 751 points with their 11th game putting up more than 50, and with a defensive showing to match – Edwardsburg (12-1) entered the game averaging 53 points per. Unity’s Abraham Rappuhn scored three first-half touchdowns, including an 81-yarder. Click for more from FOX 17.
Jason Hutton (@jhutt5) brings you the highlights of the Unity Christian (@UCSaders) vs. Edwardsburg | Division 4 Football Semifinal from this afternoon.
🎥WXMI-TV#StateChamps X @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/Gn6lwANE1M
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 21, 2021
Division 5
Grand Rapids Catholic Central 35, Frankenmuth 0
The rematch of last season’s Division 5 championship game saw Grand Rapids Catholic Central (13-0) go up 21-0 midway through the first quarter. Cougars quarterback John Passinault ran for three touchdowns and threw for the other two. Frankenmuth finished 12-1, its only losses the last two seasons to GRCC. Click for more from the Grand Rapids Press.
Jason Hutton (@jhutt5) brings you the highlights of the Grand Rapids Catholic Central (@GRCC_CougarsFB) vs. Frankenmuth | Division 5 Football Semifinal from this afternoon.
🎥WXMI-TV#StateChamps X @LTUAthletics pic.twitter.com/bbgNJTr4jY
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 21, 2021
Marine City 27, Portland 7
The Mariners (13-0) are headed back to Ford Field for the first time since 2013 after another dominating defensive performance – they haven’t given up more than 14 points in a game, and lowered their per game defensive average to 9.1 allowed per contest. The Raiders finished 10-3. Click for more from the Port Huron Times-Herald.
Marine City Junior QB Jeff Heaslip connects with Sophomore Parker Atkinson on the 38-yard score to put the Mariners up 7-0 over Portland!@marine_high @MCGoBlack @mariner_mc @jeffery_heaslip #StateChamps X @MIArmyGuard pic.twitter.com/La2ivg7nzF
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 20, 2021
Division 6
Lansing Catholic 18, Standish-Sterling 7
The Cougars will be returning to Ford Field seeking a second championship in three seasons to go with a 2019 title in Division 5. The Cougars (12-1) matched defense with defense, scoring their second-fewest points this fall but holding Standish-Sterling to a tie for the latter’s lowest output. The Panthers finished 10-3, making an incredible jump from last season’s 1-6 record. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
Lansing Catholic (@lansingcatholic) junior Nic Gruber with two touchdown runs as the Cougars went onto beat Standish-Sterling in the Division 6 Football Semifinal on Saturday afternoon. @lchscougarsport
🎥WILX-TV#StateChamps X @MHSAA pic.twitter.com/T7wd5QKzNK
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 21, 2021
Warren Michigan Collegiate 36, Michigan Center 29
Michigan Collegiate (11-2) earned its first trip to the Finals, thanks in part to a series of big plays by Deion Black on both sides of the ball. The teams were tied after three quarters, and traded scores in the fourth with the Cougars reaching the end zone last. Michigan Center finished 11-2, setting a program record for wins. Click for more from MLive-Detroit.
Deion Black (@de1on_) was getting it down on both sides of the ball for @MCisFamily.#StateChamps x @DMC_Rehab pic.twitter.com/igt03bLpJE
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 21, 2021
Division 7
Lawton 21, Jackson Lumen Christi 20
The Blue Devils are headed to the Finals for the first time after following up a memorable Regional Final win with perhaps an even more unforgettable Semifinal finish. Landon Motter’s two-point conversion with 46 seconds to play put Lawton (13-0) up for good. The Blue Devils had jumped out to a 13-0 first-half lead but found themselves trailing Lumen Christi (11-2) by a point heading into the fourth quarter. Click for more from the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Jason Hutton (@jhutt5) brings you the highlights of the Lawton vs. Lumen Christi | Division 7 Football Semifinal from this afternoon.
🎥WXMI-TV#StateChamps X @MIArmyGuard pic.twitter.com/iOGNcOoa6b
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 21, 2021
Pewamo-Westphalia 28, Traverse City St. Francis 21
The Pirates (13-0) will have a chance to win a second Division 7 title in three years after holding off last season’s runner-up St. Francis (12-1). The teams were tied 14-14 heading into the final quarter, and P-W’s defense was able to slow St. Francis’ offense for most of it, for the game holding the Gladiators to their fewest points this season and well below their average of 50 per game. Click for more from the Lansing State Journal.
Jason Hutton (@jhutt5) brings you the highlights of the Pewamo-Westphalia (@PWGRIDIRON) vs. Traverse City St. Francis | Division 7 Football Semifinal from this afternoon.
🎥WXMI-TV#StateChamps X @hungryhowies pic.twitter.com/lzElUyi71e
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 21, 2021
Division 8
Beal City 12, Ubly 7
The Aggies (12-1) will return to the Finals for the second time in three seasons thanks to the latest of a string of strong defensive showings. Beal City lowered its points-allowed average to 8.3 per game by stopping an Ubly offense that had averaged 45 per game entering Saturday. The Bearcats (12-1) were last season’s Division 8 runners-up up. Click for more from the Mount Pleasant Morning Sun.
Beal City got on the board 1st. Senior Cade Block refuses to go down, plowing through defenders and diving into the end zone to give the Aggies a 6-0 lead over Ubly. @BealCityAggieFB @bcaggieathletic @BlockheadCade#StateChamps x @LTUAthletics pic.twitter.com/AaXuabW00N
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 20, 2021
Hudson 28, Ottawa Lake Whiteford 22
The Tigers (13-0) advanced to their first championship game since 2010 relying again on an excellent defense to slow down a Whiteford offense averaging 51 points per game, but also on the legs of Bronson Marry – who ran for four second-half touchdowns as Hudson came all the way back from a 22-0 halftime deficit. It was the only loss to an in-state opponent this fall for the Bobcats (11-2). Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.
Bronson Marry had four rushing touchdowns in the 2nd half as Hudson (@hudson_schools) went onto beat Ottawa Lake Whiteford in the Division 8 Football Semifinal. #StateChamps X @MHSAA pic.twitter.com/FqM5w3CKVv
— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) November 21, 2021
Second Half’s weekly “1st & Goal” previews and reviews 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 Traverse City Central's Carson Bourdo (11) tries to break away from a South Lyon defender during Saturday's Division 2 Semifinal win. (Photo by Jamie McNinch.)