DIVISION 5
Clare (7-2) at Reed City (9-0), Friday 7 p.m.
The Jack Pine champions from Clare head west on US 10 to Reed City to take on the Coyotes who won the Central States Activities Association. After dropping their first two games of the season, Clare has reeled off seven straight victories. The Pioneers are paced by senior running back Jordan Gross (6-0, 200). A punishing back Gross can wear teams down.
Reed City finished a third straight undefeated regular season this year. Junior offensive lineman TJ Patterson (6-2, 250) is a punishing blocker and solid defender. Quarterback Chad Samules is a dangerous dual-threat who pilots the offense. Junior running back Jonathan Green is a productive back with good speed.
HSSS prediction: Clare 22, Reed City 20
Freeland (6-3) at Frankenmuth (8-1), Friday 7 p.m.
Frankenmuth ran the table in winning the Tri-Valley East this season. The Eagles lone loss came in week one against a Hemlock team that finished last in the Tri-Valley Central. Freeland placed third in the TV Central but don’t expect ‘Muth to come up short against a Central foe this time. Quarterback Nick Volk and running back Brian Stearns provide a potent one-two punch for the Eagles who are averaging 35.7 points per game. Freeland opened the season with an impressive win over Clare and will not be an easy out.
HSSS prediction: Frankenmuth 27, Freeland 16
Grand Rapids West Catholic (5-4) at Portland (7-1), Friday 7 p.m.
It’s a rematch of last year’s D5 state finals when the Raiders host West Catholic. Both squads have strong offenses that can score at will. West Catholic is putting up 32.1 points per game. Junior quarterback Travis Russell is a threat who is in his second season as a starter. The Falcons also have a pair of talented running backs in Andy Corey and Lasavian Majewski.
Portland’s offense has been putting up 39.6 points per game. Andrew Click and Jacob Kimmell are a pair of talented running backs while quarterback Clayton Morris has given the Raiders a solid passing game. Portland also boasts a rugged defense that is allowing 15.4 points per game.
HSSS prediction: Portland 27, West Catholic 20
Lansing Catholic Central (5-4) at Ovid-Elsie (7-2), Friday 7 p.m.
The Cougars have a dangerous offense that keeps it in every game it plays. Quarterback Tony Poljan is a competent passer while Tony Palmer and Jordan Smith are productive running backs.
Ovid-Elsie can also put points on the board in a big way led by running back Devon Kelley. Ovid-Elsie enters the playoffs on a roll having won five straight games. Ovid-Elsie’s two losses have come against Swan Valley and Portland, two teams that went a combined 17-1 this season.
HSSS prediction: Ovid-Elsie 27, Lansing Catholic 26