A Game for Every Fan: 11-Player Semis
November 21, 2014
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
This season's MHSAA football playoffs have featured their share of the unpredictable, to say the least – down to snow-driven changes we've made to the schedule as recently as Friday afternoon.
But on the field, this set of matchups as a whole could be the most competitive we've seen in some time. And we're all excited to let the games begin.
See below for brief previews of all 16 Semifinals. All are set for 1 p.m. Saturday unless noted; the only Friday game is Munising vs. Beal City at the Superior Dome.
All 16 games will be streamed live either as part of the FoxSportsDetroit.com Prep Zone or MHSAA.tv. Venue changes have led to some adjustments, so make sure to click here for up-to-date information as we receive it and links to watch.
DIVISION 1
East Kentwood (11-1) vs. Clarkston (12-0) at Brighton High School
East Kentwood’s best season since 2002 has come down to a face-off with reigning champion Clarkston. The Falcons could work to control tempo with a rushing game averaging 235 yards per game. But they’re also giving up 204 yards rushing per game – good news for Clarkston junior running back Nolan Eriksen, who has run for 1,239 yards and 18 touchdowns, and senior quarterback D.J. Zezula (745 yards and 12 TDs rushing to go with 1,930 yards and 18 TDs passing.
Saline (11-1) vs. Detroit Cass Tech (12-0) at Troy Athens High School
Saline carries an 11-game winning streak into its first Semifinal; the Hornets’ only loss came on opening night, by three, to Division 2 semifinalist Muskegon Mona Shores. They’ve drawn tournament veteran Cass Tech, playing a Semifinal for the fifth straight season and led by arguably the best player in the state in senior running back Mike Weber. He’s committed to the University of Michigan and has run for 2,050 yards and 28 touchdowns, with 404 yards in last week’s Regional Final.
DIVISION 2
Muskegon Mona Shores (11-1) vs. Farmington Hills Harrison (10-2) at Howell High School
Two years ago, Mona Shores had never made the playoffs. Two years later, it might be the favorite in Division 2 thanks in part to senior quarterback Tyree Jackson (2,213 yards and 23 TDs passing, 773 yards and 14 TDs rushing). Harrison is much more familiar with this stage; this is its first Semifinal since 2010, when it went on to claim the most recent of an MHSAA-best 13 football championships. Among those lining up across Jackson will be Hawks senior linebacker Michael Ojemudia, who will be key also in stopping a rushing game with more than 3,000 yards this fall.
Southfield (9-3) vs. Warren DeLaSalle (9-3) at Novi High School
Both of these are considered small surprises that have picked up big wins on the way – Southfield over Detroit Martin Luther King in their playoff opener and DeLaSalle over three-time reigning champion Birmingham Brother Rice last week. But both rosters are filled with dynamic difference-makers. Southfield senior defensive back Dior Johnson is committed to Wake Forest University, and receiver/defensive back Ray Buford is committed to Minnesota University. DeLaSalle senior defensive linemen Khary Harris (6-foot-3/234 pounds) and Mike Danna (6-3/233) key a front that is giving up a meager 73 yards rushing per game.
DIVISION 3
Muskegon (11-1) vs. Zeeland West (12-0) at Greenville High School
Muskegon was Division 2 runner-up the last two seasons, and West is the reigning champ in Division 3. These two might be least affected by crummy weather than any others Saturday. Muskegon can ride the running of senior back Caleb Washington (1,422 yards, 14 TDs) and senior quarterback Shawn Pfenning (466/14). West has accumulated an incredible 4,870 rushing yards through its devastating T offense, led by senior Nick Jasch (1,366 yards, 25 TDs) and junior Darius Perisee (1,276/20).
Orchard Lake St. Mary's (12-2) vs. New Boston Huron (11-1) at Dearborn High School
The Eaglets are two close losses to Brother Rice from perfection and fitting their usual mold with another dominating pair of running backs, this season juniors Brandon Adams (1,251 yards, 15 TDs) and Justin Myrick (969/10), and a big-time defensive back in Michigan State University recruit Tyson Smith. Huron is a new arrival in the Semifinals but carries impressive credentials. The Chiefs’ lone loss was to Division 6 semifinalist Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, in Week 3, and junior quarterback Matt Hartwick is a handful with 1,265 yards and 15 TDs rushing and 1,052 yards and 11 TDs passing.
DIVISION 4
Grand Rapids South Christian (10-2) vs. Edwardsburg (11-1) at Jackson High School, 3 p.m.
The Sailors are working for a third-straight championship game appearance after winning Division 4 in 2012 and falling to Marine City in last year’s Final. They’ve been uncommonly balanced (2,482 rushing yards, 2,277 passing), as characterized by standout senior quarterback Jon Wassink (1,078 yards, 16 TDs rushing; 2,169 yards, 23 TDs passing). Edwardsburg is easier to read but no easier to stop. The Eddies have run for 4,346 yards to 683 passing, led by sophomore Isaiah Miller (1,485 yards, 22 TDs) and senior Dustin Vires (1,267/17).
Lansing Sexton (12-0) vs. Detroit Country Day (8-4) at Fenton High School
This ties the longest playoff run for Lansing Sexton, which is relying on a talented group of seniors that has carried the Big Reds to a 24-1 record over the last two seasons and just missed making last year's Final. Quarterback Malik Mack has thrown for 1,418 yards and 17 touchdowns – 11 to senior Rayshawn Wilborn – and seniors JaVon Wray and Avonte’ Bell have combined to run for 2,582 yards. Country Day made the playoffs as an at-large qualifier but is only two seasons off an MHSAA title. A player to watch is senior running back Jacob Hill, who has eight touchdowns rushing, three receiving, another on a kickoff return and one more off an interception.
DIVISION 5
Menominee (12-0) vs. Grand Rapids West Catholic (12-0) at Northern Michigan University Superior Dome, 11 a.m
This is a rematch of last season’s championship game, a 27-14 West Catholic win. The scenario is a bit reversed this time, with West Catholic making the trip north but with an even more impressive body of work than in 2013. Senior quarterback Travis Russell is back and has thrown for 1,976 yards and 30 touchdowns and run for 1,274 yards and 20 scores. Similarly, Menominee also returns its top offensive player, senior back Justin Brilinski, who has run for 1,515 yards and 23 TDs and thrown for 1,686 yards and 18 scores.
Lansing Catholic (12-0) vs. Almont (12-0) at Brighton High School, 4:30 p.m.
This should be a battle of styles. Lansing Catholic will look to make its second championship game in four seasons keyed by the high-scoring heroics of 6-7, 230-pound junior quarterback Tony Poljan, who has thrown for 2,405 yards and 32 touchdowns and run for 871 yards and 20 scores. Almont is much more traditional offensively, eating up yards with senior running back Mike Couch (1,230 yards, 25 TDs) and junior running back Nick Baker (1,228/19). And the defense has been one of the state’s most impressive giving up only 68 points and 1,420 yards.
DIVISION 6
Boyne City (12-0) vs. Ithaca (12-0) at Midland Community Stadium, 2 p.m.
Ithaca last week survived perhaps its greatest scare during a national-best 68-game winning streak, trailing Madison Heights Madison into the fourth quarter before scoring three times over the final seven minutes. The team has only four seniors, but as usual is led by an all-state caliber quarterback in junior Jake Smith (1,830 yards, 25 TDs passing, 1,247 yards, 17 TDs rushing). Boyne City is the next with a chance to making history by ending some, and returns to the Semifinals for the first time since another 12-0 start in 2001. The Ramblers probably won’t add to their total of six shutouts, but could slow the Yellowjackets more than most.
Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian (11-1) vs. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (11-1) at Battle Creek Harper Creek High School
NorthPointe Christian has seemingly gained steam as it’s built its best season of a seven-year football history; the Mustangs have actually increased their scoring average during the playoffs four points per game to just more than 42. Senior quarterback Luke VanDyke (1,143 yards/15 TDs passing, 561/13 rushing) and senior running back Kenny Willekes (1,194 yards/15 TDs rushing) are responsible for much of that firepower. But St. Mary has eliminated two previously-undefeated teams the last two weeks and tripped up only against Lansing Catholic, in Week 9. Junior Justin Carrabino (1,268 yards, 12 TDs) is one of three backs who have run for at least 800 yards and 12 scores.
DIVISION 7
Ishpeming (11-0) vs. Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary (11-1) at the Superior Dome, 2 p.m.
The key to two-time reigning champion Ishpeming adding to its 32-game winning streak could be stopping the multiple offensive threats of Seminary, which has scored more than 400 points for the first time since 1995. Senior running back Owen Heyn is averaging 8.4 yards per carry and has run for 12 scores, and senior quarterback Nathanael Lindloff has thrown for 1,515 yards and 25 TDs – including 11 to sophomore Casey Williams, who also has run for seven, scored twice on kickoff returns, twice on punt returns and once off an interception. Junior Ozzy Corp has stepped in strongly at quarterback this season for Ishpeming after the graduation of standout Alex Briones, running for 15 touchdowns and throwing for six more through the regular season.
Pewamo-Westphalia (10-2) vs. Detroit Loyola (12-0) at Jackson High School, 11 a.m.
Loyola has fallen to Ishpeming in the last two Division 7 Finals, but appears to have taken its game to another level with no opponent getting within 28 points including previously-undefeated New Lothrop last week. Senior Marvin Campbell is the top running back again, this fall rushing for 1,639 yards and 28 touchdowns with senior Mideyin Wilson following with 925 yards and 13 scores. But P-W is not unfamiliar with this level, making its third Semifinal appearance in four seasons and with a star in the making carrying the load. Sophomore Jared Smith has run for 2,033 yards and 27 touchdowns, averaging 11 yards per carry.
DIVISION 8
Munising (11-1) vs. Beal City (10-2) at the Superior Dome, 7 p.m. Friday
Munising passed tests against previously-undefeated St. Ignace and powerful Crystal Falls Forest Park the last two weeks, but now must defeat reigning runner-up Beal City to extend its best season since 1980. The Mustangs have the firepower with senior Garrett Blank running for 1,849 yards and 28 touchdowns and senior quarterback Austin Kelto throwing for 18 scores – with no interceptions. Beal City has advanced to the last two Division 8 Finals and is looking to return with a mostly new group, although it impressed again last week in shutting out a potent Baldwin offense.
Muskegon Catholic Central (12-0) vs. Harbor Beach (12-0) at Alma College
No one has been expected to stop reigning champion MCC this fall; a number of the biggest contributors from 2013 are leading the way again, including senior running back Tommy Scott (1,691 yards, 29 TDs rushing) and senior quarterback Nick Holt (859/15). But Harbor Beach has been considered one of the candidates to have a shot. The Pirates are back in a Semifinal for the third straight season and won the championship in 2012 before moving into Division 7 for 2013. Waterford Our Lady two weeks ago is the only opponent to score more than seven points this season, and Harbor Beach doesn’t allow many chances with seniors Austin Seltz (1,243 yards/23 TDs) and Josh Schelke (1,219/23) dominating the run game.
PHOTO: Lansing Catholic quarterback Tony Poljan scans the field during last week's Division 5 Regional Final win over Flint Powers Catholic. (Click to see more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)
Moore Finishes Legendary King Career by Leading Crusaders to D3 Repeat
By
Scott DeCamp
Special for MHSAA.com
November 27, 2022
DETROIT – Dante Moore had no tears left to cry Saturday night, even happy tears, after he played his final high school football game for Detroit Martin Luther King at Ford Field.
“Everybody sees I’m not crying – I really cried before I got here to the game. Before I walked to the gate, I was crying and I cried last night,” Moore said.
King’s four-year starting quarterback cemented his legacy, leading the Crusaders to their second-straight MHSAA Division 3 championship with a 56-27 victory over Muskegon.
The Oregon commit finished 21-of-26 passing for 275 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions to power King (10-3) to its sixth Finals title overall and fifth in eight years.
Before Moore even took the field for his first offensive series against Muskegon (11-3), junior Jameel Croft Jr. staked King to an immediate lead with an electrifying 96-yard return of the game’s opening kickoff.
The Crusaders never looked back.
“I wasn’t expecting that. I just followed my blocks. Guys were blocking for me and the coaches set it up perfectly for me, for real,” Croft said. “It gave us a lot of momentum in the beginning of the game. It helped us out a lot.”
Muskegon pulled within 14-7 midway through the first quarter and 21-14 three minutes into the second, but Moore & Co. always seemed to have an answer.
Croft scored the game’s first two TDs, as he added a 13-yard scoring catch from Moore to make it 14-0 with 6:28 left in the first quarter.
“We started out chasing. We gave up that opening kickoff for a touchdown and we just got ourselves chasing and kind of things went from there,” said Muskegon coach Shane Fairfield, whose team trailed 35-14 at halftime and pulled within 14 with five minutes left in the third but got no closer.
Croft was Moore’s top pass-catcher, finishing with six receptions for 64 yards and two TDs. Senior Sterling Anderson Jr. was a blur as King’s top rusher, totaling 207 yards on only 13 carries, highlighted by his 80-yard scoring sprint that gave the Crusaders a 49-27 lead with 10:55 remaining.
Seniors Samuel Washington and Tim Ruffin paced King defensively with nine and eight tackles, respectively. For Muskegon, senior Julian Neely registered a team-high seven stops, while junior Stanley Cunningham recorded two sacks among his six tackles.
Muskegon junior quarterback M’Khi Guy ran 20 times for 135 yards with two TDs, including a 60-yard breakaway to pull the Big Reds within 14-7 midway through the first quarter. He also completed 2-of-4 passes for 97 yards, including a 71-yard scoring strike to junior Destin Piggee.
Muskegon junior Jakob Price added 93 rushing yards and a TD on 17 carries, but the night belonged to King and Moore.
“There’s no excuse: That kid is amazing. He threw balls that we haven’t seen probably in my career,” said Fairfield, whose program was seeking its first Finals title since 2017. His Big Reds teams have been to the Finals to finish eight of his 13 seasons at the helm.
“Only one other guy threw touchdown passes like (Moore) and passes and balls like that in my career here, and that was (Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice’s) Alex Malzone – went to Michigan. Seems like we always see the (Dequan) Finns and the Dantes and Malzones and stuff when we get here, but you know, we’re here,” added Fairfield, whose 2018 squad lost to Finn and King, 41-25, in the Division 3 championship game.
King coach Tyrone Spencer said that his team overcame a lot of adversity this season. The Crusaders could not practice on their field because it’s undergoing a makeover, so they bussed to practice. They lost their season opener to Warren Central (Ind.), 44-26, and dropped the final two games of the regular season to Detroit Cass Tech (28-14) and Cincinnati Moeller (30-14).
The Crusaders got it going in the playoffs, however. They threatened the Finals record for points by one team, established Friday night by Grand Rapids West Catholic with 59.
“(The season) was up and down, but the kids, I mean, they trust us and we got it back going,” Spencer said. “They’re a resilient group of kids. It speaks to their character.”
Moore mentioned the “championship culture” at King, how one expects to be a champion once he puts on that jersey.
It’s also about giving back and respecting the game, too, which has been a custom of Moore’s since his freshman year when King lost to Muskegon Mona Shores in the Division 2 Final, 35-26.
“My freshman year, me playing against Brady Rose and Muskegon Mona Shores, I remember Brady Rose pulled me to the side and that’s where I really got it from – him taking me to the side, telling me things I can work on, and me congratulating him for what he’s done and being one of the best players to come through Michigan to be honest and leading his team on his back,” Moore recalled.
“I just knew that I had to carry that on through this past year and really pull the (opposing) quarterbacks to the side, especially (those) younger than me. Me being a senior, I’ve been through a lot. I just want to give them the keys and terms to help them be the best they can be in high school.”
Croft called the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Moore a “great leader,” who is “so poised” and one who will leave “a great legacy right here for sure.”
“Special, man,” is how Spencer reflected on Moore’s four-year run.
“You know, he’ll be the one that they’ll talk about maybe the greatest we’ve ever had here,” Spencer said. “Just really proud of him and the person that he is. He deserves it. He works hard for it, and I just couldn’t be more pleased. It couldn’t happen to a better person.”
Meanwhile, Muskegon got off to a bit of a slow start this season by Big Reds standards. They lost two of their first five games, including a 49-16 road defeat to eventual Division 2 champion Warren De La Salle Collegiate, but got healthy and played their best football at the right time leading up to Saturday night.
Fairfield said the Big Reds battled and left it all on the field.
“They played 14 and when you play 14 games, of course this is going to hurt more because it’s the very last one and now you’ve got 364 days to get back,” he said.
PHOTOS (Top) Detroit King’s Samuel Washington (10) wraps up Muskegon’s M’Khi Guy during Saturday’s night’s Division 3 Final. (Middle) Crusaders quarterback Dante Moore rolls out looking for a receiver. (Below) King’s Sterling Anderson Jr. (3) follows his blockers through a sizable opening. (Click for more from Hockey Weekly Action Photos.)