2013 may be the year of the repeat in Michigan high school football, as several of last year’s state champions are primed to repeat, three-peat or possibly four-peat.
With the start of the state playoffs a little over two months away, let’s take a stab at guessing who will make it to Ford Field this November.
DIVISION 1
Detroit Cass Tech has won the last two Division 1 state titles, and the Technicians are a favorite to make it three in a row this season. Several outstate teams have the talent to make a run at Cass Tech, including Rockford and Traverse City Central, while Clarkston looks to have a loaded squad from Oakland County.
Pick to win: Detroit Cass Tech
DIVISION 2
Brother Rice and Muskegon staged a dramatic Division 2 state title game last November, and the two long-time powerhouses may meet again this season. Both teams return plenty of talent and will be favored to make it back to Ford Field behind experienced quarterbacks.
Pick to win: Brother Rice
DIVISION 3
Grand Rapids Christian captured the D3 title last year in dramatic fashion with an overtime win against Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. With the return of all-everything wide receiver Drake Harris and a host of other talented players, Christian is an overwhelming favorite to add another state title this season. However, St. Mary’s, Zeeland West, DeWitt, and Lakeshore will have something to say about that.
Pick to win: Grand Rapids Christian
DIVISION 4
Grand Rapids South Christian won the D4 title in a rout over Detroit Country Day last year. The Sailors accomplished the feat without standout quarterback Jon Wassink, who missed the game due to injury. Wassink is back this year as a junior and it better than ever. However, Country Day also returns a wealth of talent.
Pick to win: Detroit Country Day
DIVISION 5
Portland stunned the experts by overcoming every hurdle enroute to the D5 title last November. Anything could happen again this season in Division 5, where Powers Catholic, Menominee, Oakridge, Reed City, and Portland again have solid squads.
Pick to win: Powers Catholic
DIVISION 6
Ithaca has dominated Division 6 over the past three years, and with plenty of firepower back this season, the Yellowjackets are looking for the four-peat. Quarterback Travis Smith is as talented as any in the state. Ithaca surrounds him with plenty of talent, including running back Bryan Shaw and wide receiver Logan Hessbrook.
Pick to win: Ithaca
DIVISION 7
Ishpeming captured last year’s D7 state title, and the upper peninsula powerhouse will again be a force. Look for Traverse City St. Francis to regroup and make a serious run at claiming another state title. Lake City will have a potent offense, while Pewamo-Westphalia will carry the banner for mid-Michigan.
Pick to win: Traverse City St. Francis
DIVISION 8
Harbor Beach rode a prolific offense to the state title, as it defeated Beal City in the title game. The D8 title will again be a wide-open battle this fall. Traditional powers Mendon and Beal City are solid once again, while New Lothrop has a potent offense. Muskegon Catholic Central also looks strong from the shores of Lake Michigan.
Pick to win: Mendon