DIVISION 1
The favorite: Detroit Cass Technical
The contenders: Dakota, Clarkston, Detroit Catholic Central
Area teams to watch: Rockford, Carman-Ainsworth, Grand Blanc
As always, Rockford will be a major player and is capable of a deep playoff run. The Rams have been battling injuries this year but have a solid defense led by the dynamic linebacking tandem of Brent Showers and Randy Garvin. Grand Blanc has another potent offense this season, while Carman-Ainsworth is a talented squad. Look for the Bobcats or Cavaliers to make it to the regional final.
HSSS pick: Cass Tech over Clarkston
DIVISION 2
The favorite: Brother Rice
The contenders: Lowell, Muskegon
Area teams to watch: Lowell, Midland, Midland Dow, Fenton
This is a typical Lowell team: deep, strong, smart, and physical. Midland is poised for a deep run behind quarterback Tanner Gross, while Will Williams provides a threat out of the backfield. Dow has a potent offense of its own, led by quarterback Brennan Miller and running back Caleb Richard.
HSSS pick: Brother Rice over Lowell
DIVISION 3
The favorite: Grand Rapids Christian
The contenders: DeWitt, Zeeland West, Milan
Area teams to watch: DeWitt, Mt. Pleasant, Mason, Ionia
DeWitt is led by junior quarterback Jacob Johnson, a dual-threat, and wideout Christopher Ruby, a pass-catching machine who set a school record with 231 receiving yards against Owosso this season. Mt. Pleasant is led by quarterback Robert Backus along with the running of Michael Tweh. Ionia has a high-octane offense and could meet Mt. Pleasant in the second round.
HSSS pick: Grand Rapids Christian over DeWitt
DIVISIOIN 4
The favorite: Grand Rapids South Christian
The contenders: Swan Valley, Comstock Park, Paw Paw, Cadillac
Area teams to watch: Swan Valley, Lansing Sexton, Corunna, Garber
Swan Valley turned in a perfect regular season paced by record-setting junior running back Alex Grace. Sexton has a young team full of talented athletes with speed to burn.
HSSS pick: Grand Rapids South Christian over Lansing Sexton
DIVISION 5
The favorite: Menominee
The contenders: Lumen Christi Catholic, Portland, Oakridge, Reed City, Marine City
Area teams to watch: Portland, Reed City, Frankenmuth, Ovid-Elsie, Freeland, Millington
The rebuilding project went well for Portland this season, as the Raiders reeled off seven straight wins before falling to DeWitt in Week 8. Reed City features a punishing ground game. Frankenmuth is led by running back Brian Stearns and quarterback Nick Volk.
HSSS pick: Menominee over Lumen Christi
DIVISION 6
The favorite: Ithaca
The contenders: Shelby, Clinton, Michigan Center, Grass Lake
Area teams to watch: Ithaca, Montrose, Beecher, Nouvel Catholic Central, Lakeview, Meridian
The Yellowjackets are going for a fourth consecutive state title and are primed to do it. Senior quarterback Travis Smith has put together a monster year by completing over 80% of his passes for over 1,600 yards and 23 touchdown passes. Ithaca’s biggest test of the postseason should come in the semifinals, where it could meet Montrose or Nouvel Catholic Central. Montrose has a big-play offense of its own, with quarterback Riley Warren filling the air with footballs and Malik Taylor stretching defenses. Nouvel has most of its injured players back and is capable of a deep playoff run. Lakeview is in the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Running back Garrett Cavendish is very productive, while Nate Shurlow is an efficient passer.
HSSS pick: Ithaca over Michigan Center
DIVISION 7
The favorite: Loyola
The contenders: Ishpeming, Pewamo-Westphalia, Saugatuck. Hudson, Harbor Beach
Area teams to watch: Pewamo-Westphalia, Carson City-Crystal, Bath
Pewamo-Westphalia reeled off eight wins to start the season before falling to New Lohrop in Week 9. Carson-City Crystal went 9-0 for the first time in school history and is looking to keep things rolling in the playoffs.
HSSS pick: Ishpeming over Loyola
DIVISION 8
The favorite: Mendon.
The contenders: Beal City, New Lothrop, Forest Park
Area teams to watch: Beal City, New Lothrop, Fowler, Sacred Heart Academy
Beal City has been scoring points in bunches this season. It can attack in a number of ways with talented running backs like Ty Rollin and Hayden Huber and quarterback Kurt Gross, who is a huge threat in the passing game. New Lothrop has also been pouring on the points and winning by big margins. It can also strike in a variety of ways led by junior quarterback Ben Muron, running back Taylor Krupp, and receiver Amari Coleman. Fowler has another strong ground game led by junior running back Austin Cook.
HSSS pick: Mendon over Beal City