A Game for Every Fan: Regional & Semifinals
November 13, 2014
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Last week's MHSAA District Finals saw the thinning out of a number of favorites among the state's biggest football schools.
But many eyes will be turned this weekend to some of our smallest as they face their biggest moments this season.
The 8-player tournament is down to its Semifinals – and we kick off with previewing those this week before getting into the 11-player Regionals. But from a Regional national news could emerge – Madison Heights Madison might be the most capable team so far of potentially breaking Ithaca’s 67-game winning streak, longest currently in the country among 11-player teams.
All games below are Friday unless noted. Be sure to tune in to MHSAA.com throughout the weekend for results and updated pairings with Semifinal sites expected by Sunday evening.
8-PLAYER
Deckerville (9-2) at Cedarville (10-1), Saturday at DeTour
Only the two teams playing in the other Semifinal have beaten Deckerville, the 2012 MHSAA champion. Running backs Danny Wolfe (1,497) and Ryan Stone (1,123) have run for more than 2,600 of the team’s 3,639 yards on the ground and combined for 52 rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Dylan Pattullo has thrown only 33 times – but for 11 scores. Cedarville dominated Bridge Football Alliance rivals Bellaire and Rapid River the last two weeks to a combined score of 67-0 to make its first 8-player Semifinal. Quarterback Joey Duncan played a big part in helping the boys basketball team to last season’s Class D Semifinals and has thrown for 18 touchdowns and run for 12 this fall. Another basketball standout, Brad Causley, has caught 10 of those TD passes, scored twice off interceptions, once on a kickoff return and four times on punt returns.
Lawrence (11-0) at Peck (11-0), Saturday
Two stars of last season’s MHSAA championship run, twins Cody and Kyle Abrego, have Peck lined up for a repeat with Cody running this season for 1,879 yards and 32 touchdowns and Kyle also starting both ways and scoring four times on receptions, one on an interception and another time on a kickoff return. Teammate Caleb Dudley has run for 11 scores and found the end zone after three of his eight interceptions. Lawrence will be easily fired up to see familiar company; the Tigers were cruising in last season’s playoffs before falling 73-34 to Peck in their Semifinal. The Pirates no doubt remember Lawrence’s Derek Gribler, a quarterback/running back who again has been the team’s most dangerous offensive player.
DIVISION 1
Canton (9-2) at Saline (10-1)
Tonight will be familiar at least to fans of Canton, which reached the Regional Final four of five seasons from 2005-09. Putting the Chiefs' record in perspective makes it look even better – they faced six playoff teams during the regular season alone. Saline has tied its team record for wins in making the Regional Final for the second time in three seasons and is seeking its first Semifinal berth. The Hornets haven’t lost since August, when they fell to emerging Division 2 power Muskegon Mona Shores by a mere 31-28.
Other Regional Finals: Hudsonville (7-4) at East Kentwood (10-1), Walled Lake Central (9-2) at Clarkston (11-0), Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (8-3) at Detroit Cass Tech (11-0) on Saturday.
DIVISION 2
Southfield (8-3) at Wyandotte Roosevelt (9-2)
The Bluejays are seeking their first Semifinal appearance since 2008 after what most would argue were upsets of Detroit Martin Luther King and Oak Park to win the District title. That said, Southfield’s three losses this fall were by a combined 12 points, all to playoff teams including two more also playing this weekend. Roosevelt finished third in a competitive Downriver League, with two losses to eventual playoff teams. But the Bears are going for their 10th win for the sixth time in seven seasons and last week avenged one of those losses by handing Brownstown Woodhaven its first and lone defeat.
Other Regional Finals: Battle Creek Lakeview (9-1) at Muskegon Mona Shores (10-1), Flushing (9-2) at Farmington Hills Harrison (9-2) on Saturday, Warren DeLaSalle (8-3) vs. Birmingham Brother Rice (11-0) on Saturday at Berkley.
DIVISION 3
Lowell (10-1) at Zeeland West (11-0)
Arguably the top game in Michigan this weekend matches Ottawa-Kent Conference White co-champ Lowell with O-K Green and reigning Division 3 champion Zeeland West. The less-than-lovely weather hasn’t slowed down either team; the Red Arrows scored a season-high 49 points last week in beating Grand Rapids Christian for the second time this fall, and West has scored more than 500 points for the fourth straight season – although the Dux must bounce back from a scare after needing to outlast Stevensville Lakeshore 30-28 in the District Final.
Other Regional Finals: Petoskey (9-2) vs. Muskegon (10-1) on Saturday at Holton, Mason (8-3) at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (9-2) on Saturday, Redford Thurston (8-3) at New Boston Huron (10-1).
DIVISION 4
Eaton Rapids (8-3) at Edwardsburg (10-1)
These two are similar to the point that this game could be done in 90 minutes – both have gotten here with tough running that runs down the clock and leaves little opportunity for opponents. Edwardsburg has a pair of 1,000-plus yard runners and is three points from being undefeated. But Eaton Rapids – under former Holt coach Mike Smith, a playoff veteran – has become something of an unpredictable playoff force. The Greyhounds are 4-1 in two seasons of playoff games after having never made them before Smith took over last fall.
Other Regional Finals: Whitehall (9-2) at Grand Rapids South Christian (9-2), Richmond (10-1) at Lansing Sexton (11-0) on Saturday, Detroit Country Day (7-4) at Chelsea (9-2).
DIVISION 5
River Rouge (10-1) at Almont (11-0)
Almont’s dominating 35-7 win over Marine City in the District Final has made the Raiders a trendy pick to reach Ford Field from this side of the bracket. Eliminating the reigning Division 4 champion will do that, as will outscoring two playoff opponents by a combined 100-7 and putting up 569 points total through 11 games. Almont will face River Rouge for the second time in three seasons after falling 44-22 to the Panthers in a 2012 District Final. Last week’s opponent, Ida, was the first to score on River Rouge in more than a month.
Other Regional Finals: Freeland (10-1) at Menominee (11-0) on Saturday, Reed City (9-2) at Grand Rapids West Catholic (11-0), Flint Powers Catholic (8-3) at Lansing Catholic (11-0).
DIVISION 6
Madison Heights Madison (9-2) at Ithaca (11-0) on Saturday
Most opponents face Ithaca not expected to win and with nothing to lose – the Yellowjackets haven’t lost since 2009. But Madison definitely faces some pressure this weekend as the team expected to come closest, at least this season so far, to ending that run. Madison runs a lot – the team has 310 rushes to 104 passes – and with good reason averaging 9.4 yards per carry. But this might be the best defense, at least on paper, in Ithaca history. It hasn’t given up a point in the playoffs and allowed only 66 during the regular season.
Other Regional Finals: Leroy Pine River (8-3) at Boyne City (11-0), Watervliet (10-1) at Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian (10-1) on Saturday, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (10-1) at Jackson Lumen Christi (11-0) on Saturday
DIVISION 7
New Lothrop (11-0) vs. Detroit Loyola (11-0) at Detroit U-D Jesuit
It’s been quite a calendar year for New Lothrop’s boys teams, with MHSAA championships in wrestling and baseball. Beating a Loyola football team that has finished runner-up in Division 7 the last two seasons probably shouldn’t count the same – but would still be a giant deal for a Hornets team that has five straight perfect regular seasons but hasn’t made it to Ford Field during that run. Loyola hasn’t lost a regular-season game since 2010 or given up more than seven points in a game since September – the Bulldogs’ 69 points against for the season rank them among the best defensively in the state.
Other Regional Finals: Traverse City St. Francis (9-2) vs. Ishpeming (10-0) at the Superior Dome, Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary (10-1) at Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker (11-0), Bridgman (8-2) at Pewamo-Westphalia (9-2).
DIVISION 8
Mendon (10-1) vs. Muskegon Catholic Central (11-0), Saturday at Grand Haven
Muskegon Catholic Central has certainly played up to expectations this fall, extending its winning streak to 23 games despite taking on a number of larger schools as a first-year member of the Lakes 8 Conference. The Crusaders are supposed to cruise to their second straight Division 8 title. But if they are to be stopped, it could be by Mendon. Only Columbus Hartley from Ohio has come closer to catching MCC than Mendon did in last season's 28-12 Regional Final defeat. With eight straight seasons of at least 10 wins, the Hornets surely aren’t intimidated.
Other Regional Finals: Munising (10-1) vs. Crystal Falls Forest Park (9-1) at the Superior Dome, Baldwin (10-1) at Beal City (9-2), Morenci (10-1) at Harbor Beach (11-0) on Saturday.
PHOTO: Ithaca, here against Millington in their Division 6 District Final, will look to extend its winning streak to 68 games. (Click to see more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com).
1st & Goal: 2024 Playoffs Week 3 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 14, 2024
Winter practices have started, and high school hockey teams actually began games this week.
But for 72 schools across the state, it’s still football season – and they’d like to continue playing as many November games as possible.
This third week of MHSAA Playoffs features four Semifinals in 8-player – and we switch up the “1st & Goal” format to feature those games first below. We also have 32 11-Player Regional Finals, with winners this weekend needing just one more to book trips to Ford Field.
Games are tonight unless noted. Tickets for 11-Player Regional Finals are $9, and $10 for 8-player Semifinals, and more than 35 of the 36 games to be played will be streamed live on the NFHS Network. Scores and pairings will be updated all weekend at MHSAA.com.
8-Player Division 1
Indian River Inland Lakes (11-0) at Pickford (11-0), 1 p.m. Saturday
This is rematch from a year ago, when Inland Lakes won 12-0 on the way to finishing Division 1 runner-up. The Bulldogs have had only two single-digit games all season, including defeating Alcona 32-26 last week. Senior quarterback Aiden Fenstermaker is leading the march again, running for 1,463 yards and 22 touchdowns and throwing for 831 and 19, respectively. Pickford is seeking to make the Finals for the first time since 2019 and hasn’t played a game closer than 28 points. Senior quarterback Tommy Storey also is a two-way force, running for 1,341 yards and 24 TDs and throwing for 898 and 16 scores.
Mendon (10-1) at Deckerville (11-0), 1 p.m. Saturday
Mendon is just two years removed from playing for the Division 2 title, and avenged its only loss this fall by downing Climax-Scotts to open the playoffs. Junior Owen Gorham has run for 2,114 yards and 42 touchdowns – the rushing TDs already ranking third all-time in MHSAA history – and junior JT Lux follows with 1,160 yards and 14 scores on the ground. Deckerville is playing in its second-straight Semifinal and looking to make its first Final since 2017. The Eagles are averaging 49 points per game and haven’t scored fewer than 30.
8-Player Division 2
Onekama (10-1) at Crystal Falls Forest Park (10-1), Noon Saturday
Forest Park also avenged its lone loss during the playoffs, downing Powers North Central 34-12 last week, and the Trojans also are playing to get back to a championship game for the first time since 2017. Running back Dax Huuki is just a sophomore but leads the rushing attack with 1,267 yards and 18 touchdowns. Onekama won a combined eight games over the past four seasons before bouncing back big to reach the Semifinals for the first time since 2018, when the Portagers finished Division 2 runner-up. Junior quarterback Luke Bradford stands tall at 6-foot-5 and has thrown for 1,175 yards and 11 TDs and run for nine scores. Onekama fell to Marion in Week 2 but defeated the Eagles to open the postseason.
Morrice (10-1) at Britton Deerfield (10-1), 1 p.m. Saturday
Britton Deerfield is another fascinating comeback story, having finished 2-7 a year ago. The Patriots are in their fourth season of 8-player football and playing in their first Semifinal in either format since the school formed from its predecessors in 2011. They’ve run for 4,140 yards this fall, led by senior Luke Wiser with 1,549 with 27 touchdowns. Morrice will play in its third Semifinal over the last six seasons seeking to reach the championship game for the first time since winning Division 1 in 2018. The Orioles too have avenged their lone loss this fall, to Portland St. Patrick, and get it done with a defense giving up only 11.4 points per game and a pair of senior 1,000-yard rushers in Joel Fisher (1,464/18 TDs) and Wyatt Cartier (1,253/24).
11-Player Division 1
Belleville (10-1) at Detroit Catholic Central (11-0)
Even with Belleville’s loss to Howell in Week 9, this has remained one of the most anticipated matchups in the state all season as it’s been assumed these two powers would meet at some point. The last time, Belleville defeated DCC in a 2022 Regional Final, 33-10. After facing seven playoff teams plus an Ohio state title contender, the Shamrocks shouldn’t be daunted by Belleville’s success and star power. But that said, the Tigers are striding coming off their best win this fall, 42-7 last week over Saline.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Grand Blanc (9-2) at Rochester Adams (9-2), Detroit Cass Tech (9-2) at Macomb Dakota (10-1). SATURDAY Hudsonville (10-1) at Howell (11-0).
11-Player Division 2
Warren De La Salle Collegiate (8-2) at Birmingham Groves (11-0)
De La Salle has finished at Ford Field seven of the last 10 seasons, and two of the last six years did so after defeating Groves in Semifinals – including 43-15 in 2022. Groves is playing to reach a championship game for the first time, and the Falcons have never been in better position taking on the Pilots after tying their program record for wins last week. Groves hasn’t been challenged in a while, but does have victories over Harper Woods and West Bloomfield this fall. De La Salle is coming off handing Grosse Pointe South its only loss this season and will attempt a repeat performance tonight.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Portage Central (8-3) at Byron Center (10-1), Saginaw Heritage (8-3) at East Lansing (8-3), Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (8-3) at Gibraltar Carlson (10-1).
11-Player Division 3
Petoskey (11-0) at DeWitt (11-0)
Petoskey also has set a record for wins this season and will play in a Regional Final for the third time and first since 2014. The Northmen have navigated only two single-digit games this fall and prepped for this run in part with a 41-21 win over Clare in Week 9 – notable as Clare also was a league champion. DeWitt presents arguably their mightiest challenge as the Panthers are undefeated this late for the first time since their Division 3 championship season of 2020 and putting up 55.6 points per game despite a schedule that has three opponents also playing for Regional titles.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (9-2) at Zeeland West (10-1), Mason (9-2) at Walled Lake Western (11-0), River Rouge (6-4) at Detroit Martin Luther King (8-3).
11-Player Division 4
Portland (11-0) at Niles (10-1)
For the second-straight season, Portland is undefeated playing Niles for a Regional championship, and last year advanced with a 21-14 win over the Vikings. The Raiders actually have played an identical playoff schedule as 2023 so far, and Niles has enjoyed plenty of familiarity as well with District wins over a pair of regular-season opponents from the Wolverine Conference. The Vikings’ shutout of Edwardsburg last week was their third in four weeks and sixth of the season, providing an intriguing challenge for a Raiders offense almost keeping pace with last year’s scoring at 41.5 points per game.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Grand Rapids South Christian (7-4) at Whitehall (8-3), Haslett (8-3) at Goodrich (10-1), Macomb Lutheran North (10-1) at Harper Woods (8-3).
11-Player Division 5
Kalamazoo United (9-2) at Grand Rapids Catholic Central (7-4)
This will be the fourth time United will play for a Regional title over the last seven seasons, and if the Titans are to advance for the first time they’ll have to deal with a GRCC program that has reached Ford Field six of the last eight years. After ending the regular season on a three-game skid but with all three defeats by single digits, the Cougars have impressed in the playoffs including squeaking past Grand Rapids West Catholic 21-18 last week. The Titans have won two rematches to open this postseason and faced playoff teams their last six games, losing only to Jackson Lumen Christi (39-21 in Week 9) along the way.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Gladwin (8-3) at Frankenmuth (11-0), Armada (10-1) at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-1), Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard (7-4) at Flat Rock (9-2).
11-Player Division 6
Detroit Central (8-3) at Marine City (9-2)
Only three weeks ago, Marine City closed the regular season with a 37-15 win over Central. But as we’ve seen over the first two rounds of the playoffs, rematches can flip quickly, and the Mariners surely won’t be looking past this one as they pursue what would be a first Regional title since 2021. That first matchup arrived with Central coming off a close win over Detroit Denby for a Detroit Public School League City championship, and since that defeat the Trailblazers have won their playoff games by a combined 69-24. Marine City has picked up momentum as well, especially with last week’s 38-28 win over Warren Michigan Collegiate.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Boyne City (9-2) at Reed City (9-2). SATURDAY Lansing Catholic (8-3) at Newaygo (9-2), Constantine (8-3) at Jackson Lumen Christi (10-1).
11-Player Division 7
Schoolcraft (10-1) at Hudson (10-1)
The eight teams remaining in Division 7 have a combined seven losses, making all four matchups among the most intriguing as a group. These two are meeting for the first time since facing off in a 2001 Division 6 Semifinal, Hudson on a 10-game winning streak this season and Schoolcraft losing only in Week 3 by two points to Division 6 Constantine. Defense may dominate; the Eagles are giving up 9.9 points per game and just shut out a Lawton offense that averaged 35, while Hudson is giving up 8.4 ppg and hasn’t allowed more than seven since the first weekend in October.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Leslie (10-1) at Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (11-0). SATURDAY North Muskegon (10-1) at Menominee (10-1), Pewamo-Westphalia (9-2) at Millington (10-0).
11-Player Division 8
Harbor Beach (11-0) at Fowler (11-0), Saturday
While featuring two of the state’s smallest 11-player schools, this might draw an above-proportion amount of attention as one of only two matchups of undefeated contenders in any 11-player bracket. Harbor Beach is seeking its first Regional title since 2018, and Fowler its first since 2019. Fowler finished the regular season third in Division 8 playoff-point average, and Harbor Beach downed top-ranked Clarkston Everest Collegiate 37-7 last week. The Eagles’ best three wins were against Division 7 teams, including two still playing.
Other Regional Finals FRIDAY Detroit Loyola (5-6) at Riverview Gabriel Richard (9-1). SATURDAY Beal City (9-2) at Iron Mountain (11-0), Reading (7-4) at Decatur (10-1).
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PHOTO Armada’s Jackson Malburg breaks into the open during last week’s District Final win over Hazel Park. (Photo by Adam Sheehan Photography.)