Drive for Detroit: Week 9 Preview
October 24, 2019
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Sadly, thousands of Michigan high school football players will play the final game of their seasons – and in many cases their careers – this weekend.
The sunnier news: A few thousand more may still have control over whether they will suit up again for the MHSAA Playoffs.
Week 9, the last of this regular season, began Thursday with a handful of games and will conclude around 8 p.m. Saturday with the last of the Detroit Catholic League championship games. Entering Thursday, 166 teams had clinched playoff berths in the 256-team 11-player field – with 139 hopefuls still with a chance to advance. Of that 139, 60 simply need to win this weekend to qualify – but it’s also anticipated that a record number of additional qualifiers – with 5-4 or 4-4 records – will make the field when it is selected and introduced Sunday.
Our weekly preview below highlights many contests you might expect, and many you might not. There are still five league title races completely up for grabs, and 23 where one team has clinched but another (or more) may still share the championship. Games with league titles or playoff berths are on the line were given priority over otherwise great matchups that will still be fun to watch but won’t figure in as much into what happens beyond this weekend.
Remember to tune in to FOX Sports Detroit PLUS at 7 p.m. Sunday for the “Selection Sunday Show” announcement of brackets in every division for both 11 and 8-player. The show also can be viewed on FOXSportsDetroit.com or via FOX Sports Go! Additionally, 34 games will be streamed live Friday and Saturday on MHSAA.tv – click for listings and links.
"Drive for Detroit" is sponsored by MI Student Aid.
Bay & Thumb
Lapeer (7-1) at Davison (7-1)
Just like a year ago, the Saginaw Valley League Blue title comes down to this regular-season finale. Last season, Lapeer emerged with a 28-6 win and the outright league championship. The Lightning’s only regular-season loss the last two seasons came to Lake Orion this year in Week 1, and that’s looked better every week as the Dragons stand 7-1. Also for the second straight year, Davison’s lone loss heading into this game has come to Warren De La Salle Collegiate. The Cardinals also have a notable win over Flint Metro League “Upper” champion Fenton, while Lapeer beat SVL Red second-place Midland Dow and last week Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Ubly (7-1) at Cass City (7-1), Central Montcalm (7-1) at Millington (4-4), New Lothrop (8-0) at Frankenmuth (8-0), Midland (8-0) at Midland Dow (5-3).
Greater Detroit
Detroit Catholic Central (4-4) vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary's (7-1), Saturday at Eastern Michigan University
The Bishop division championship game at Rynearson Stadium will match up the co-champions from the Detroit Catholic League Central – but this means more than another trophy for the Shamrocks. DCC is one of two league champions statewide facing the prospect of ending with a sub-.500 overall record. And if history holds, DCC also would look good to qualify for the playoffs at 5-4 due to its strong schedule. But the Eaglets are not without added motivation too – they fell to DCC 20-14 two weeks ago to create that shared league title.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Dearborn Fordson (7-1) at Brighton (7-1), Birmingham Groves (7-1) at Brownstown Woodhaven (8-0), Detroit Martin Luther King (6-2) vs. Detroit Denby (7-1) at Detroit Renaissance, West Bloomfield (7-1) at Warren De La Salle Collegiate (5-3).
Mid-Michigan
Pewamo-Westphalia (8-0) at Williamston (5-3)
The Pirates locked up the Central Michigan Athletic Conference title last week and can extend their regular-season winning streak to 26. One of the few close victories during that run came in Week 9 last season when P-W edged Williamston 28-27. The Hornets need this one to qualify for the playoffs automatically, and having that chance is impressive on its own considering they entered Week 7 with three undefeated teams left on the schedule. Williamston then fell close to still-unbeaten Mason, but last week handed Olivet its only loss, 35-28.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Okemos (1-7) at East Lansing (6-2), Lansing Waverly (3-5) at DeWitt (6-2), Grand Ledge (2-6) at Holt (6-2), Bath (3-5) at Perry (4-4).
Northern Lower Peninsula
Cadillac (5-3) at Traverse City Central (7-1), Saturday
The Trojans led the Big North Conference all season, winning all of their games since falling to DeWitt by five in Week 1. They claimed a share of the title last week, but a fifth-straight win over Cadillac to make the championship outright won’t be automatic by any means. The Vikings have bounced way back from going 1-8 last year after finishing 2-7 in 2017, and two of those three losses this fall were by a combined four points.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Charlevoix (5-3) at Harbor Springs (6-2), Clare (7-1) at McBain (5-3), Kingsley (8-0) at Boyne City (4-4), Johannesburg-Lewiston (8-0) at Indian River Inland Lakes (8-0).
Southeast & Border
Livonia Clarenceville (5-3) at Whitmore Lake (6-2)
The Trojans moved into the Michigan Independent Athletic Conference this fall after decades in the Tri-County Conference, and they couldn’t have hoped for a better football outcome. Whitmore Lake is guaranteed its first winning regular season in this sport since 2013, and it claimed a share of the MIAC title last week. But that could turn into a three-team shared championship if Clarenceville – tied with Auburn Hills Oakland Christian for second place – downs Whitmore Lake in this league finale.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Jonesville (6-2) at Grass Lake (7-1), Hillsdale (8-0) at Dundee (5-3), Homer (6-2) at Manchester (5-3). SATURDAY Reading (7-1) at Addison (7-1).
Southwest Corridor
Edwardsburg (8-0) at Paw Paw (8-0)
The reigning Wolverine Conference and statewide Division 4 champion Eddies are putting a 22-game winning streak on the line, having last lost in the 2017 Division 4 Final. In fact, Edwardsburg has only two league defeats since joining the Wolverine in 2012. The Eddies defeated Paw Paw twice last season, also in a District Final – but the Redskins rarely have been slowed this fall and enter this matchup with nearly the same defensive points-against average as Edwardsburg after playing the same opponents. Not counting South Haven, which forfeited to Edwardsburg and fell to Paw Paw 56-0, the Eddies are scoring 52 points per game and giving up 6.4. Paw Paw is scoring 39 points and giving up 6.9.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY St. Joseph (6-2) at Portage Northern (7-1), Stevensville Lakeshore (4-4) at Mattawan (4-4), Kalamazoo United (4-4) at Schoolcraft (8-0), Vicksburg (5-3) at Otsego (5-3).
Upper Peninsula
Kingsford (4-4) at Marquette (4-4)
Marquette joins Detroit Catholic Central as the other league champion also playing for an overall winning record and playoff berth this week. The Redmen have earned a share of the Great Northern Conference title and can clinch it outright against the Flivvers. But Kingsford has a lot to play for as well – a win could mean an additional qualifier playoff berth after the team just missed the postseason a year ago. Additionally, Escanaba would claim a share of the league title as well if the Flivvers are victorious.
Keep an eye on these: THURSDAY Bark River-Harris (5-3) at Ishpeming (6-2). FRIDAY L'Anse (4-4) at Calumet (7-1), Negaunee (6-2) at Ishpeming Westwood (6-2), Bessemer (0-8) at Iron Mountain (8-0).
West Michigan
East Kentwood (5-3) at Rockford (7-1)
The Ottawa-Kent Conference Red is full of possibilities after Grandville defeated Rockford 30-3 last week to move into a tie for first place with the Rams. The first option would see Rockford win this game and Grandville defeat Caledonia so they would share the title – or just one of the two could win tonight and claim the championship outright. Or, East Kentwood and Caledonia could win this weekend, with the Falcons and then perhaps Hudsonville (with a win over last-place Holland West Ottawa) making it a four-team shared championship. East Kentwood defeated Rockford 28-17 last season, and fell to Grandville by just a point four weeks ago.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Portland (7-1) at Montague (6-2), Traverse City St. Francis (6-2) at Muskegon Oakridge (8-0), Hudsonville Unity Christian (5-3) at Zeeland East (5-3), Grandville (7-1) at Caledonia (3-5).
8-Player
Martin (8-0) at Climax-Scotts (7-1)
At one point in Martin history, the Clippers posted six straight 0-9 seasons from 2008-13. It’s only worth bringing those up because Martin this weekend can finish the regular season undefeated for the first time since 1987, when it won the 11-player Class D title. Climax-Scotts, like Martin, is enjoying an excellent first year of 8-player – and if the playoffs started today, they’d both be considered MHSAA championship contenders with the Clippers in Division 1 and the Panthers in Division 2.
Keep an eye on these: FRIDAY Gaylord St. Mary (3-5) at Brethren (5-3), Suttons Bay (8-0) at Mesick (7-1), Burr Oak (5-3) at Portland St. Patrick (8-0), Pickford (7-1) at Brimley (5-3).
Second Half’s weekly “Drive for Detroit” previews 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: Southfield Arts & Technology defenders, in red, stop an Oxford ball carrier during a Week 7 win. The Warriors are among teams needing a victory this weekend to potentially qualify for the playoffs. (Photo by Terry Lyons.)
1st & Goal: 2024 8-Player Finals Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 22, 2024
For the first time since 8-player football was split into two divisions in 2017, all four teams playing in this season’s MHSAA Finals are past champions.
Deckerville and Pickford in Division 1, and Crystal Falls Forest Park and Morrice in Division 2 have all won one title during the first 13 years of 8-player playoffs. All four also are making their first championship appearances this decade.
Deckerville and Pickford kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday at Northern Michigan University’s Superior Dome, and Morrice and Crystal Falls Forest Park follow at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and are good for both games, and may be purchased online through NMU or at the door – click for details. Both games will be broadcast live on MHSAA.tv, and audio of both games will be streamed live on MHSAANetwork.com.
Below is a look at all four finalists:
Division 1
DECKERVILLE
Record/Rank: 12-0, No. 1
Coach: Bill Brown, 32nd season (258-90)
League finish: First in Big Thumb Conference Blue
Championship history: 8-player (single division) champion 2012, two runner-up finishes.
Best wins: 49-32 over No. 7 Mendon in Semifinal, 40-6 (Regional Final) and 44-0 over No. 8 Kingston, 54-34 (Regional Semifinal) and 50-16 over Bay City All Saints, 50-42 over No. 2 Alcona, 30-28 over Brown City.
Players to watch: QB Hunter Garza, 6-1 sr. (1,488 yards/26 TDs rushing, 804 yards/10 TDs passing); SE/DB Ian Flanagan, 6-1 jr. (230 yards/3 TDs receiving); RB/DB Parker Merriman, 5-10 sr. (1,003 yards/14 TDs rushing); RG/DE Preston Holman, 6-1 sr. (Weights not provided. Statistics through Regional Final.)
Outlook: Deckerville will be playing in its first championship game since finishing runner-up in both 2016 (single division) and 2017 (Division 1), and after reaching the Semifinals a year ago. Alcona and Brown City were the only opponents to get within 17 points of the Eagles this fall. There are only seven seniors, but they combine to fill seven of the 16 starting spots. Holman made the all-state second team last season, and Garza earned an honorable mention.
PICKFORD
Record/Rank: 12-0, No. 3
Coach: Josh Rader, 21st season (153-66)
League finish: First in Great Lakes Eight Conference East
Championship history: Division 2 champion 2019, Division 1 runner-up 2018.
Best wins: 34-18 over No. 5 Indian River Inland Lakes in Semifinal, 44-6 (Regional Final) and 65-14 over No. 10 Ishpeming, 51-6 over Norway, 40-12 over Division 2 No. 6 Powers North Central.
Players to watch: QB/DE Tommy Storey, 5-9/175 sr. (1,656 yards/28 TDs passing, 954 yards/16 TDs rushing); RB/DB Gunner Bennin, 6-0/165 jr. (828 yards/19 TDs rushing, 386 yards/8 TDs receiving); TE/DE Ian Browne, 6-3/175 sr. (206 yards/4 TDs receiving); OG/DT Haydn Rader, 6-1/210 sr.
Outlook: Storey is a returning all-state first-teamer who also quarterbacked the team to the Semifinals a year ago. He leads an attack that’s rushed for 3,768 yards – at more than 10 a carry – but can keep defenses honest with a passing game as well. In addition to being the team’s second-leading rusher and leading receiver, Bennin has a team-high four interceptions and has also scored on defense and as a kick and punt returner. Haydn Rader made the all-state second team last season and with Storey, Browne and Bennin is among eight players who start on both sides of the ball.
Division 2
CRYSTAL FALLS FOREST PARK
Record/Rank: 11-1, No. 3
Coach: Brian Fabbri, fifth season (35-11)
League finish: Second in Great Lakes Eight Conference West
Championship history: Division 2 champion 2017, three MHSAA titles and 10 runner-up finishes in 11-player.
Best wins: 34-12 over No. 6 Powers North Central in Regional Final, 49-24 over No. 8 Onekama in Semifinal, 42-20 over Norway.
Players to watch: RB/DB Dax Huuki, 6-0/175 soph. (1,424 yards/20 TDs rushing); QB/DB Vic Giuliani, 6-2/165 soph. (908 yards/14 TDs passing, 7 TDs rushing); RB/DE Grayson Sundell, 6-1/190 sr. (899 yards/17 TDs rushing); TE/DT Kevin Giuliani, 6-5/270 sr. (277 yards/6 TDs receiving).
Outlook: Forest Park will play in its first championship game since its title-winning season in 2017 and picked up major steam with its Regional Final win over rival North Central, which avenged a 45-34 league title-deciding loss from Week 9. No other opponent got within 20 points of the Trojans this season. Kevin Giuliani made the all-state second team last season and is one of seven two-way starters. Junior Trent Kannich is another and has 406 yards and seven touchdowns rushing and a team-high 364 yards receiving from his fullback spot. Senior linebacker Brody Starr has five interceptions and has returned two for touchdowns, and senior linebacker Nik Stephens has four picks and one for a score.
MORRICE
Record/Rank: 11-1, No. 5
Coach: Kendall Crockett, 11th season (96-25)
League finish: Tied for first in Mid-State Activities Conference Red
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2018.
Best wins: 36-0 over No. 4 Britton Deerfield in Semifinal, 46-14 (Regional Final) and 38-6 over Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart, 28-22 over No. 7 Portland St. Patrick in Regional Semifinal, 22-0 over Fulton.
Players to watch: RB/DB Joel Fisher, 5-7/139 sr. (1,687 yards, 19 TDs rushing); WR/DB Wyatt Valentine, 5-10/163 soph. (50 tackles, 10 interceptions); RB/OLB Wyatt Cartier, 5-7/150 sr. (1,468 yards, 27 TDs rushing), OG/DE Travis Smith, 6-0/215 sr.
Outlook: Morrice also avenged its lone regular-season loss to advance this postseason, having lost to St. Patrick 29-12 in Week 4 before opening the playoffs with a win over the Shamrocks. Fisher and Cartier are a dynamite 1-2 punch in the backfield, and Fisher made the all-state second team last season. Smith earned an honorable mention in 2023 and is joined on both lines by 6-foot-3, 215-pound junior Oliver Long, who has 12 sacks. Junior linebacker Austin Gutting is the leading tackler for a defense giving up only 10 points per game.
MHSAA.com's weekly “1st & Goal” previews and reviews are powered by MI Student Aid, a division within the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). 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 scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Click to connect with MI Student Aid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.