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Drive for Detroit: Week 5 in Review

September 24, 2018

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Friday night football this past week gave us improbable scores like 6-4 and 6-2.

But they only foreshadowed some of the unexpected we’re celebrating in this week’s Drive for Detroit review – including big-time performances by Jenison, Houghton and newly-clinched league champion Manistee, to name just a few.

See below for our look at 45 results from the weekend that particularly stood out. Some are as you’d expect – significant tilts like Davison/Grand Blanc, Clinton Township Chippewa Valley/Macomb Dakota and Brighton/Canton. But many more will become more noteworthy as well as these next four weeks determine league champions and 288 teams that continue into the playoffs.

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Bay & Thumb

HEADLINER Davison 49, Grand Blanc 7 The Saginaw Valley League Blue race, at least for now, is down to Davison and Lapeer after the Cardinals (5-0) came up big in a matchup of previously undefeated teams. It was Davison’s first regular-season matchup with the Bobcats (4-1) since 2011, but extended a winning streak over the new league foe to two including a 2016 playoff victory. Click for more from the Flint Journal and see below for highlights from WJRT.

Also of note: Flint Hamady 46, Swartz Creek 28 The Hawks (5-0) earned some pride for the Genesee Area Conference Blue with a nice win over the Flint Metro League-leading Dragons (4-1).

Remember this one: Beaverton 21, Harrison 0 The Beavers (4-1) held on to first place in the Jack Pine Conference with second-place Clare coming up in two weeks; Harrison (2-3) must win out to guarantee a fifth straight playoff berth.

More shoutouts: Almont 60, Croswell-Lexington 26 The Raiders (5-0) remain tied for first in the Blue Water Area Conference with Richmond after a nice win over the playoff-hopeful Pioneers (3-2). Harbor Beach 36, Ubly 28 The Pirates (4-1) beat Ubly (3-2) for the third time in two seasons (they also met in a playoff opener a year ago) to stay within striking distance of Greater Thumb Conference East leader Sandusky, which they’ll see in Week 8.

Greater Detroit

HEADLINER: Clinton Township Chippewa Valley 24, Macomb Dakota 17 The Big Reds (5-0) are holding down a first-place tie in the Macomb Area Conference Red with Romeo after handing Dakota (4-1) its first defeat. Chippewa Valley broke free in the third quarter and held off the Cougars in the fourth. Click for more from the Macomb Daily and see highlights below from State Champs Sports Network.

Also of note: Detroit Catholic Central 21, Birmingham Brother Rice 0 It looks like the Shamrocks (4-1) and Warren DeLaSalle will determine the Detroit Catholic League Central title with a solid Brother Rice team taking losses from both in back-to-back weeks to fall to 3-2.

Remember this one: Riverview Gabriel Richard 57, Macomb Lutheran North 54 (4OT) The Pioneers (3-2) set themselves up to play for the Catholic League Intersectional 1 title by outlasting the Mustangs (4-1), who already have more wins than all of last year.

More shoutouts: Detroit Mumford 28, Detroit Cody 22 The Mustangs (3-2) stayed atop the Detroit Public School League Green with a Week 7 matchup with Cass Tech likely to decide the champ – but Cody (4-1) gets a chance against the Technicians first next week. Livonia Churchill 41, Livonia Franklin 35 The Chargers (3-2) avenged last season’s playoff loss to Franklin (3-2), which eventually went on to the Division 2 Semifinals after winning that District title meeting by two.

Mid-Michigan

HEADLINER: Brighton 23, Canton 17 (OT) Brighton quarterback Will Jontz (also a member of the MHSAA Student Advisory Council) is piling up highlights this season, and a few Friday might eventually lead to his team locking down the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West title. Jontz threw a touchdown pass to put the Bulldogs (4-1) ahead in the fourth quarter and another one in overtime as Brighton stayed atop the league and sent Canton (3-2) into a tie for second. Click for more from the Observer & Eccentric.

Also of note: Portland 16, Lansing Catholic 8 The Capital Area Activities Conference White lead belongs to the Raiders (5-0), who followed Jacob Veale’s 200 yards rushing and a defense that is giving up four points per game. Lansing Catholic (4-1) was strong defensively as well – a great sign especially if these teams meet again in the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.

Remember this one: DeWitt 37, East Lansing 0 The potential “game of the year” in the Lansing area didn’t turn into a titanic battle this time. DeWitt (5-0) moved into first place alone in the CAAC Blue, but East Lansing (4-1) could have another opportunity if these teams meet in the playoffs as was the case in 2016.

More shoutouts: New Lothrop 28, Ovid-Elsie 10 The Hornets (5-0) have solid footing in the first-year Mid-Michigan Activities Conference after sending the Marauders (3-2) into a tie for second, and having already defeated the other second-place team, Byron. Williamston 28, Haslett 14 The Hornets (4-1) seemed on the outside of the CAAC Red race after falling to St. Johns in Week 4, but might be back in after handing Haslett (4-1) its first loss and with the Vikings taking on the Redwings this week.

Northern Lower Peninsula 

HEADLINER: Manistee 35, Muskegon Orchard View 20 The Chippewas (5-0) clinched a share of the Lakes 8 Conference title as they continue to reverse from last season’s 2-7 finish. The title is Manistee's first in reportedly decades. Click for more from the Manistee News Advocate and see highlights below from MI Sports Now.

Also of note: McBain 12, Leroy Pine River 7 The Ramblers (3-2) fell to reigning champion Lake City 14-12 in Week 3, but are still affecting the Highland Conference race. With this win, McBain knocked Pine River (4-1) out of a tie with Lake City for first place, but the Bucks can take back a share of the top spot this week against the Trojans.

Remember this one: Oscoda 16, Rogers City 0 Since falling to Houghton Lake 30-22 in Week 1, Oscoda hasn’t given up more than eight points in game – and shutting out Rogers City (4-1) put the Owls (4-1) in first place alone in the North Star League.

More shoutouts: Cheboygan 40, Benzie Central 36 The Chiefs (3-2) have won three straight as they seek their first winning record since 2013, and tripping up improved Benzie Central (3-2) should provide additional boost. Traverse City Central 28, Gaylord 0 The Trojans (4-1) bounced back from a seven-point Week 4 loss to Traverse City West by handing Gaylord (4-1) its first defeat.

Southeast & Border

HEADLINER: Adrian Lenawee Christian 14, Athens 12 The Indians (3-1) still have given up only 14 points this season. But the Cougars (5-0) will take posting a season low to earn a key win in a Southern Central Athletic Association that is particularly strong defensively this fall – three teams are giving up fewer than six points per game and the fourth a respectable 22. Click for more from the Adrian Daily Telegram.

Also of note: Jackson 29, Chelsea 20 The Vikings (5-0) are off to their best start at least in modern history, with more wins already than all of last season and now one of their best over reigning Southeastern Conference White champion Chelsea (3-2). Jackson plays league co-leader Ypsilanti Lincoln this week.

Remember this one: Clinton 28, Sand Creek 27 The Redskins (4-1) are back in Tri-County Conference contention for the first time since winning the league four straight seasons from 2012-15. Sand Creek (3-2) can still make some noise as well as both have undefeated Ottawa Lake Whiteford coming up.

More shoutouts: Blissfield 14, Dundee 9 The Royals (4-1) have won four straight to move into a first-place tie in the Lenawee County Athletic Association with Hillsdale, this week’s opponent. Dundee (3-2), however, continued to look capable of earning its first playoff berth since 2012 despite tough competition over the next four weeks. Pittsford 17, Climax-Scotts 16 The other SCAA matchup this week saw Pittsford (5-0) also gain a valuable win against a Panthers team that is 1-3 but with two defeats by a touchdown or less.

Southwest Corridor

HEADLINER: Schoolcraft 45, Delton Kellogg 21 Five of six teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley have winning records, but Schoolcraft (4-1) knocked Delton Kellogg (4-1) from among the undefeated in their league opener. The Panthers were averaging 42 points per game before Schoolcraft held them to half that. Click for more from FOX 17.

Also of note: Battle Creek Central, 27, Benton Harbor 26 The Bearcats (4-1) bounced back from a tough Week 4 loss to guarantee their best finish since 2015 and edge closer to their first playoff berth since 2008. Benton Harbor fell to 1-3 but can earn a fourth straight playoff berth by winning their last four regular-season games.

Remember this one: Decatur 6, Hartford 0 The Raiders (3-2) avenged a one-point loss from last year and made this one particularly painful as Hartford (4-1) was looking like one of the new contenders in the Southwest 10 Conference.

More shoutouts: Kalamazoo United 77, Watervliet 20 Kalamazoo (5-0) upped its scoring average to nearly 64 points per game in this big win over reigning Valley champ Watervliet (2-3). White Pigeon 18, Mendon 8 White Pigeon (3-2) defeated the Hornets (3-2) for the first time since 1998.

Upper Peninsula

HEADLINER: Houghton 38, Gwinn 0 This might have caught some off-guard; Gwinn (4-1) was undefeated and Houghton opened this fall 0-3. But with two straight wins, the Gremlins have one more than all of last season – and a chance to keep building heading into the second half of their league schedule. Click for more from the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette.

Also of note: Gladstone 28, Maple City Glen Lake 8 The Braves (3-2) broke through last season for their first playoff berth since 2008, and to earn a return needs wins like this one over Glen Lake (2-3). With only eight games on the regular-season schedule this fall, Gladstone must win two of the next three to secure a repeat bid.

Remember this one: Munising 24, Hancock 21 The Mustangs (2-3) looked headed toward a third straight season without playoffs, but started a potential bounce back by handing Hancock (2-3) another tough defeat. The Bulldogs’ three losses came over the last three weeks and by a combined six points.

More shoutouts: Lake Linden-Hubbell 34, L’Anse 8 It’s been a tough start for the Lakes (1-4), but breaking L’Anse’s three-game winning streak was a nice way to begin a rebound. Ishpeming 36, Negaunee 26 The Hematites (5-0) broke a two-game losing streak against the longtime rival Miners (2-3).

West Michigan

HEADLINER: Jenison 20, Hudsonville 12 This wasn’t a league game – but it was a massive win for the Wildcats (4-1). After two straight 5-4 finishes, Jenison is two wins from earning its first playoff berth since 2003 – and after handing a first loss this season to Ottawa-Kent Conference Red contender Hudsonville, the first time Jenison has defeated the Eagles since 2003 as well. Click for more from WOOD TV and see additional highlights below from WZZM.

Also of note: East Kentwood 37, Grandville 30 Back in the O-K Red, the Falcons (4-1) continued to look like the other team to beat in edging Grandville (2-3). East Kentwood faces Hudsonville in Week 8.

Remember this one: Grand Rapids Northview 33, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 0 This was among the weekend’s surprises as Forest Hills Central (2-3) had won the last two meetings between these teams by 28 and 35 points. Northview (3-2) has more wins this fall than in its last two seasons combined.

More shoutouts: Hopkins 58, Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian 21 The Vikings (4-1) sit atop the O-K Silver after avenging last season’s 14-point loss to NorthPointe (3-2). Hudsonville Unity Christian 38, Grand Rapids South Christian 14 Also a nonleague game, but downing the Sailors (3-2) was a great way for the Crusaders (5-0) to get ready for the toughest of their O-K Green matchups.

8-Player

HEADLINER: Wyoming Tri-unity Christian 28, Onekama 26 If Tri-unity Christian wins the Midwest Central Michigan Conference West, this one will be looked back upon frequently. The Defenders (5-0) have handed first losses of the season in back-to-back weeks to Suttons Bay and now Onekama (4-1), respectively, and next up get reigning 8-player Division 1 champion Central Lake. Click for more from the Manistee News Advocate.

Also of note: Deckerville 38, Kingston 20 The North Central Thumb League Blue has five teams with winning records out of six total, and Deckerville (3-2) is tied for first after handing Kingston (4-1) its lone defeat.

Remember this one: Engadine 39, Cedarville 26 The Eagles (4-1) already have lost to Great Lakes Conference East leader Pickford, but will be waiting if the undefeated Panthers trip up – especially against the Trojans (3-2) in Week 9.

More shoutouts: Bellevue 48, Portland St. Patrick 35 The Broncos (4-1) made it two straight over the Shamrocks (3-2), last season’s 8-player Division 2 runners-up. Camden-Frontier 42, Battle Creek St. Phillip 20 The Redskins (4-1) had little time to be disappointed after a Week 4 loss to Bellevue, and came back quickly to hand the Tigers (3-2) their second straight defeat.

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PHOTO: Petoskey's Mason Doe-Nimphie (5) is surrounded by Marquette’s Brady Wright (34), Ethan Hayes (44), and Beau Zorza (56) during the Northmen’s win Saturday. (Photo by Cara Kamps.)

Senior Isaiah Bankston (59) leads Almont onto the field before last Saturday’s Semifinal win over Ovid-Elsie.

'Next Person Up' Mentality, Super Subs' Success Has Almont Returning to Ford Field

By Paul Costanzo
Special for MHSAA.com

November 24, 2023

Gavin Szymansksi was nervous for about two plays.

Bay & ThumbThe junior was making his first start for the Almont football team in Week 3 against Imlay City, replacing injured Cole Willard at left tackle.

Willard had been hurt in the first half of the Raiders’ Week 2 game against Algonac, and while Szymanski had filled in then, there was less pressure, as his team already had a hefty cushion.

But this was different. A first varsity start, on the opposite side of the line from his more familiar right tackle position. 

“It wasn’t too scary in that moment (against Algonac), plus I thought he was going to be back,” Szymanski said. “(Week 3) was kind of scary. But the team was pretty supportive, and they didn’t have any doubt I’d be able to fill in. Then we had a TD on like the first or second play in the Imlay game, and I was fine.”

Szymanski filled in seamlessly for the Raiders, which became a theme throughout the season. As players went down with injuries, both short and longterm, their backups filled in without a hitch. 

While every team is banged up throughout a season, for a Division 6 school with just more than 30 players on the varsity roster, it’s a remarkable feat to remain competitive, let alone go 8-1 during the regular season, win the Blue Water Area Conference title, and, for the second time in school history, advance to the MHSAA Finals at Ford Field.

“Our motto is ‘next person up,’” Almont coach James Leusby said. “They literally live by that. You never know when your number is going to get called, but they seem to always be ready.”

Szymanski – who is back in the starting lineup for the Raiders, now as a right tackle filling in for the injured Yousif Abu-Joudeh – and his Almont teammates will play Kingsley at 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the Division 6 Final, looking for the program’s first Finals title.

While the Raiders certainly have star power – junior back Chase Battani had rushed for 1,169 yards and 18 touchdowns – it’s been the efforts of a team that has stretched well beyond it’s starting 22 that put them in this position.

The list of injuries, big and small, is extensive.

Chase Battani (32) followers his Raiders blockers during the Regional Final win over Detroit Edison. It started with Willard and ended with Abu-Joudeh, who was injured in Week 9. Fullback Jacob Stewart, who was averaging 15 yards per carry, was injured in Week 6 and missed a stretch. Matthew Bacholzky stepped up in his place, along with Ayden Ferqueron. 

Outside linebacker Eric Haddon suffered a high ankle sprain, and was replaced by Jacob Fuller, who had spent most of the season on the offensive side of the ball. Defensive end and tight end Brent Corneau missed a stretch as well, and Nolan Maxlow, who was a split end and defensive back, had to step up in his place.

And that’s just what Leusby could remember off the top of his head late Tuesday night.

“In Division 6, you don’t have much depth, so the backups have to know multiple positions,” Leusby said. “I think it talks highly of our program and our system and the coaches we have in it. In the playoffs, we’ve started two JV kids at defensive tackle. Our motto is, when we bring our sophomores up, the best kids are going to play.”

Because of that program-wide preparation, players are not only ready, but have confidence in one another when it’s someone else’s time to step up.

“I felt confident in him,” Willard said of Szymanski. “A lot of kids get a lot of reps at practice. And we’ve run the same plays for like five years, so everyone knows them.”

Leusby, who took over at Almont in 2015, credited not just his high school staff, but a youth program that’s bursting at the seams with participants. 

Almont is a football community, and while there are no Finals titles listed on the city limits sign, it has a very proud history of success, especially lately.

The Raiders have made the postseason each of the past 14 seasons, and 17 of the past 18. The lone miss was 2009, when they were 5-4. Only the pandemic-shortened 2020 season resulted in a record that wasn’t over .500, and even that one ended at 3-3 with a playoff win.

“I think, all in all, the community, they invest a lot of time into the program, and they expect results,” Leusby said. “You ask anybody, Almont is a football town.”

Leusby and his players are expecting that support to result in a lot of orange and black in the lower bowl of Ford Field on Saturday. 

“Everybody has our back and wants us to win,” Willard said. “The whole town is travelling down there.”

They did the same in 2019 when the Raiders made their previous run to Ford Field. That ended with a 31-17 loss to Grand Rapids Catholic Central in the Division 5 Final. 

“Honestly, when I was there in 2019, I was just thrilled to get to Ford Field,” Leusby said. “Yeah, it was a game and we wanted to win, but it was just cool to get to the Finals. After it was over, I thought, maybe I had sent the wrong messages. This year, we’ve reiterated that we’re going there to come home with the big daddy. Not second place – we want the big trophy.”

Paul CostanzoPaul Costanzo served as a sportswriter at The Port Huron Times Herald from 2006-15, including three years as lead sportswriter, and prior to that as sports editor at the Hillsdale Daily News from 2005-06. He can be reached at [email protected] with story ideas for Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Huron, Tuscola, Saginaw, Bay, Arenac, Midland and Gladwin counties.

PHOTOS (Top) Senior Isaiah Bankston (59) leads Almont onto the field before last Saturday’s Semifinal win over Ovid-Elsie. (Middle) Chase Battani (32) followers his Raiders blockers during the Regional Final win over Detroit Edison. (Photos by Maureen Flannery Walton.)