Article - High School Sports Scene

Division 1
Area Teams to Watch
Davison: The Cardinals had another fine season, finishing 7-2 with their only blemishes coming at the hands of Grand Blanc and D2 powerhouse Warren De La Salle. Davison overcame a strong schedule with wins over Grandville, East Lansing, Saginaw Heritage, and Lapeer. The Cardinals have an electric offense that is scoring 43.3 points per game. The Davison offense is led by quarterback Jaxson Dosh who has passed for 1,755 yards this season and 22 touchdowns. Dosh is also a dangerous runner who has rushed for nine touchdowns. Dosh has a pair of talented targets to throw to in Wesley Hughes who has caught 36 passes for 562 receiving yards and seven touchdowns and Braylon Naves who has caught 28 passes for 576 yards and seven touchdowns. The Cardinals also have a productive ground threat in running back AJ Hill who has rushed for 1,079 yards and 11 touchdowns. Davison’s playoff journey begins with a match against Oxford in round one.
Grand Blanc: Grand Blanc improved on last season’s performance with a strong 7-2 finish that saw their losses to Muskegon Mona Shores and Romeo come by a combined three points. The Bobcats posted plenty of wins over the likes of Saginaw Heritage, Traverse City West, and Lansing Everett but their most impressive victory was a 55-49 win over Davison in week seven. Grand Blanc features a balanced offense led by quarterback Jake Morrow who has passed for 1,421 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. A rematch against Lapeer, who they beat 35-21 in week six, awaits in the first round.
Grand Ledge: Grand Ledge is back in the postseason after going 5-4 in the regular season. The Comets were off to a strong start, going 4-1 with wins over West Ottawa and Holt but stumbled in the second half where they lost three straight before winning their season finale against Okemos. Grand Ledge will play Brighton in round one of the playoffs.
Top D1 Contenders: Detroit Catholic Central (9-0), Howell (9-0), Belleville (8-1), Hudsonville (8-1), Macomb Dakota (8-1)
Preview: Belleville, led by star quarterback Bryce Underwood, will be the popular pick to take home the D1 title this year, but will have stiff competition in the bottom half of the bracket where Saline, Macomb Dakota, and undefeated Detroit Catholic Central pose significant threats. The top half of the bracket features top seed Howell, who beat Belleville in a thrilling season finale, favored against a field of title hopefuls that include area teams Davison and Grand Blanc along with West Michigan power Hudsonville.

HSSS Division 1 State Final Prediction: Detroit Catholic Central 27, Howell 23

Back

Division 2
Area Teams to Watch
East Lansing: The Trojans finished the season 6-3 to clinch their 9th straight postseason appearance. East Lansing posted wins over Portage Central, Grand Ledge, and Lansing Everett plus a 42-point shutout of Holt in the final week of the season. The Trojans offense is scoring 34.6 ppg and is complemented by a defense that has limited opposing teams to 17 ppg. East Lansing will play Milford in the first round of the playoffs.
Flushing: Flushing is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2020 thanks to a 7-2 regular season. The Raiders scored impressive wins over Zeeland East in week two and Lake Fenton in week seven. Balance has been key to Flushing’s success, scoring 35.8 ppg and holding opponents to just 12.8 ppg. The Raiders face a tough round one test against Midland.
Lansing Everett: It’s back-to-back postseasons for Lansing Everett after a 6-3 regular season. Everett started 4-0 on the season before a difficult second half that, despite going 2-3, saw the Vikings beat Grand Ledge 35-12 and Holt 29-20. The Vikings will play Mattawan in the first round.
Midland: Midland enters the playoffs after an 8-1 regular season, their only blemish being a 37-7 loss to Portage Northern in week two. The second half of the season saw the Chemics run through a gauntlet that included Saginaw Heritage, Mount Pleasant, Midland Dow, and both Traverse City Central and West emerging victorious in all five games. Defense has been the key to Midland’s success, limiting opposing teams to 10.2 ppg. Flushing awaits the Chemics in round one of the playoffs.
Midland Dow: The Chargers of Midland Dow return to the postseason after a 5-4 regular season. They stumbled early in the season with losses against Fenton and Saginaw Heritage before rebounding with a 5-2 finish including wins over Mount Pleasant, Traverse City West, and Lapeer. The Chargers have a tough defense that has limited opponents to 15.1 ppg this season. Dow will have a rematch with Heritage in round one.
Saginaw Heritage: Heritage is back in the playoffs after finishing the season 6-3. The Hawks began the season with quality wins over Mount Pleasant and Midland Dow before losing their next two games against D1 powers Grand Blanc and Davison. They were able to rebound with a 4-1 finish that included a 10-7 victory over Lapper. Round one features a rematch against Midland Dow, who the Hawks beat 28-27 back in week two.
Top D2 Contenders: Birmingham Groves (9-0), Dexter (9-0), Grosse Pointe South (9-0), Byron Center (8-1), Muskegon Mona Shores (8-1)
Preview: The top half of Division 2 features undefeated Dexter among the favorites along with a pair of West Michigan teams in Byron Center and Muskegon Mona Shores who have both put up impressive performances all season long. Other potential challengers include Midland and East Lansing. The bottom half is shaping up to be a gauntlet that includes two unbeaten teams in Birmingham Groves and Grosse Pointe South plus D2 powerhouse Warren De La Salle who has made the trip to Ford Field in each of the last four seasons.
HSSS Division 2 State Final Prediction: Muskegon Mona Shores 26, Warren De La Salle 18

Back

Division 3
Area Teams to Watch
Bay City John Glenn: John Glenn is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2020 after finishing the season 5-4. Highlights of the Bobcats’ season include wins over Essexville Garber and Swartz Creek. The offense has been a high point for John Glenn, scoring 33.5 ppg and will need to continue their form in the first round when they play undefeated Petoskey. The Bobcats offense is paced by quarterback Garrett Buzzard who has passed for 1,740 yards this season and 15 touchdowns. The John Glenn ground game is led by running back Garrett Hilborn who has rushed for 683 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Cedar Springs: The Red Wings are returning to the playoffs thanks to a 7-2 regular season. Cedar Springs notched impressive wins over Auburn Hills Avondale and Kenowa Hills with their only blemishes being against Lowell and Coopersville. Round one sees the Red Wings in a rematch against Lowell, who they lost 28-14 in week five.
Dewitt: There is perhaps no bigger favorite in this year’s playoffs than Dewitt. The Panthers rolled to a 9-0 record thanks to a historic offense that averaged an eye watering 57.8 ppg. They have been doing it against top opposition too, putting up 69, 55, and 70 points against Haslett, Mason, and West Virginia powerhouse Hurricane respectively. The offense is paced by dynamic senior quarterback Elliott Larner. When Larner drops back to pass he has a familiar target in his brother Abram Larner who has caught 32 passes for 913 yards and 17 scores. A true two-way threat, Larner has passed for 1,604 yards and 28 touchdowns while as a runner he has rushed for 1,341 yards and 19 touchdowns. The Panther’s title run begins against St Johns in the first round.
Lowell: Lowell improved on last year’s performance to finish 7-2 this season to secure their spot in the playoffs. After starting the season 1-2, the Red Arrows rebounded by winning their last six games including wins over Cedar Springs and Kenowa Hills. Lowell’s offense has excelled this year, scoring 39.2 ppg which will make them a tough out this postseason. The Red Arrows will have a rematch against Cedar Springs, who they beat 28-14 in week five, in the first round.
Mason: 2023 D3 runners up Mason are back for another run at Ford Field after finishing 7-2. Losses to DeWitt and Walled Lake Western were offset by wins over Williamston, Haslett, St Johns, and a 43-point shutout of Fenton in the season finale. The Bulldogs are performing at a high level on both sides of the ball, scoring 34.5 ppg while limiting their opponents to 15.8 ppg, making them contenders yet again. The journey to Detroit begins with a first-round match against Jackson.
Mount Pleasant: The Oilers of Mount Pleasant managed to qualify for their 7th straight postseason appearance after finishing the season 5-4. A 1-3 start to the season was overcome as the Oilers managed a 4-2 finish to the season that included wins over Traverse City Central and Linden. Mount Pleasant will face Cadillac in round one.
St Johns: St Johns clinched their first playoff berth since 2020 thanks to a 6-3 regular season record. The Falcons won their first five games, including a 45-21 win over Williamston, before a rough three game losing streak but rebounded with a win over Alpena in their final game. A daunting challenge awaits the Falcons in the first round as they face D3 favorites DeWitt.
Top D3 Contenders: DeWitt (9-0), Walled Lake Western (9-0), St Joseph (8-1), Zeeland West (8-1), Forest Hills Central (7-2)
Preview: DeWitt is a heavy favorite in Division 3 thanks to a historic offense this season, but will face a tough road to Ford Field with defending D3 champions Forest Hills Central and a pair of battle tested teams in St Joseph and Zeeland West sharing the top half of the bracket with the Panthers. The bottom half features undefeated Walled Lake Western as favorites, but they will have to contend with Mason, who the Warriors beat by only three points in week eight, and the always talented Detroit Martin Luther King.

HSSS Division 3 State Final Prediction: DeWitt 35, Walled Lake Western 33

Back

Division 4 playoff preview
Area Teams to Watch
Big Rapids: The Cardinals of Big Rapids overcame a difficult schedule to finish 8-1 and secured their 5th straight postseason appearance. After losing the season opener against Paw Paw, the Cardinals ran the table with wins over Reed City, Newaygo, and Coopersville among other playoff caliber teams. Big Rapids are a well-balanced team, scoring 33.4 ppg and limiting opponents to 13.5 ppg. The Cardinals will play Ludington in round one of the playoffs.
Freeland: Freeland is back for their 17th straight playoff appearance after finishing 8-1, their sole loss being a one-point heartbreaker to Frankenmuth. Wins against Swan Valley, Bay City Glenn, and Cadillac are highlights of the Falcon’s season. Freeland has dominated opponents, scoring 45 ppg and allowing merely 68 points all season, making them a favorite in D4. The Falcons will play Lake Fenton in the first round.
Haslett: A 6-3 regular season finish has secured a postseason berth for Haslett. The Vikings stumbled out of the gates with a 1-3 finish before winning their last five including victories over Williamston, St Johns, and Parma Western. Haslett’s offense is scoring at a high pace, 34.3 ppg, and will have them playing competitive postseason football. The Vikings have a rematch with Parma Western in round one, who they beat 21-18 in week seven.
Ionia: Ionia is back in the playoffs for back-to-back seasons after finishing 6-3. The Bulldogs have multiple quality wins under their belt with victories against Belding, Lansing Sexton, and St Johns the highlights. A stingy defense that is limiting opponents to 17.7 ppg will assure that Ionia will be a tough out this postseason. They will face Hastings in the first round.
Lansing Sexton: The J-Dubbs are returning to the postseason after a 5-4 regular season finish that featured an impressive 13-9 win over Lansing Catholic in week two. Sexton’s defense has kept them competitive in every game, holding opponents to 14.7 ppg. They will have a tough test in round one as they will have to replay Portland who they lost 33-0 in week seven.
Portland: Portland cruised to another 9-0 record this season for their 10th straight playoff appearance. The Raiders overcame a difficult three game start to the season with wins over Detroit Country Day, Olivet, and Ionia then used that momentum to run the table with further wins against Lansing Catholic and Whitehall. Portland has been holding opponents to just 11 ppg while lighting up the scoreboard on offense, scoring 42 ppg. The Raider’s push for a return to Ford Field will begin with a rematch against Lansing Sexton in round one.
Top D4 Contenders: Hudsonville Unity Christian (9-0), Portland (9-0), Goodrich (8-1), Niles (8-1), Paw Paw (8-1)
Preview: Hudsonville Unity Christian will be favorites in Division 4 after running the table against tough competition that included D3 defending champions Forest Hills Central, Zeeland West, and D5 favorites Pontiac Notre Dame. Their half of the bracket is stacked however with undefeated Portland and a pair of Southwest Michigan teams in Niles and Paw Paw all posing significant obstacles for the Crusaders. The bottom half of the bracket is wide open with the likes of Goodrich, Chelsea, Harper Woods, and Madison Heights Lamphere all looking to book their trip to Ford Field.

HSSS Division 4 State Final Prediction: Hudsonville Unity Christian 30, Goodrich 25

Back

Division 5
Area Teams to Watch
Belding: The Black Knights finished another impressive 8-1 season to make it five straight postseason appearances. After stumbling against Ionia in the season opener, the Black Knights rolled off eight wins, including victories over Holland, Fruitport, and Hopkins. With an offense that is averaging 45.8 ppg and a defense that is allowing only 11.6 ppg, Running back Codey Manley is a key element of the offense as he has rushed for 1,101 yards and scored 16 touchdowns this season. Belding should be considered a serious title contender this year. They will begin their title run against Swan Valley in round one.
Clare: Clare finished off another impressive season with a 7-2 record to secure their 9th straight playoff appearance. The Pioneers posted wins over Gladwin and Standish-Sterling this season. Clare features an electric offense that is scoring 39.7 ppg and is well complemented by a defense that has limited teams to 19.8 ppg. A rematch against Ogemaw Heights, to which the Pioneers lost 41-34 in week five, awaits in round one.
Corunna: 2023 Division 5 runners up Corunna are back for another shot at a championship after a 7-2 regular season. The Cavaliers cruised through their first five games, including wins over Ortonville Brandon and Lake Fenton, before losing to Goodrich in week six. They rebounded against Clio and Linden, but finished the season with a loss to Armada. The journey back to Ford Field begins against Flint Hamady in the first round.
Flint Hamady: The Hawks have qualified for their 3rd straight postseason after finishing the regular season 5-3. Hamady started the season hot, going 5-1 before losing their final two games of the season to Ypsilanti and Lake Fenton. The offense has been the highlight for the Hawks, scoring 33.2 ppg and they will need to keep it up as they face last year’s D5 runner up Corunna.
Frankenmuth: Frankenmuth finished another dominant regular season unbeaten and will now be looking to return to Ford Field as one of the favorites in D5. The Eagles started the season with an impressive 22-point shutout of Goodrich and never let up; continuing to rack up wins against the likes of Swan Valley, Freeland, and Gladwin. They are dominating on both sides of the ball, scoring 37.4 ppg while giving up only 87 points all season. The Eagle’s 14th straight postseason begins against Howard City Tri-County.
Gladwin: 2022 state champions Gladwin are returning for their 5th straight postseason after a 6-3 regular season. After a 2-2 start the Flying G’s were able to post a four-game winning streak before losing to Frankenmuth in the season finale. The team is playing complementary football thanks to an offense that is scoring 34.1 ppg to go along with a defense that is limiting opponents to 18.5 ppg. Gladwin’s quest to return to Ford Field begins against Kingsford in round one.
Howard City Tri-County: Tri-County finished with a 5-4 record to make it to their 5th straight playoff appearance. A strong 4-1 start to the season, including a 40-22 win over Kent City in week five, was enough despite stumbling in the later half of the season. The Viking’s offense is scoring 34.1 ppg and will be needed as they face Frankenmuth in the first round.
Saginaw Swan Valley: Swan Valley will be in the playoffs for the 13th straight season after a 6-3 regular season finish. The Vikings stumbled early, losing their first three games, before finishing the season on a six-game win streak including a win over Bay City John Glenn. Look for Swan Valley’s offense, which is scoring 35.6 ppg, to keep them competitive in the postseason. The Vikings like to air it out on offense as quarterback Colton Klein has passed for 2,197 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. Swan Valley also has a big-time receiving threat in Jamison Pelt who has hauled in a whopping 53 passes for 1,222 yards and 20 touchdowns. The Vikings will play Belding in the first round.
Williamston: Despite a 3-6 record, Williamston has qualified for their 9th straight postseason thanks to a tough strength of schedule. The Hornets notched wins over Fowlerville and Lansing Eastern to go along with a shutout of Detroit Country Day. Williamston will face title favorites Pontiac Notre Dame in round one.
Top D5 Contenders: Frankenmuth (9-0), Kingsford (9-0), Armada (8-1), Pontiac Notre Dame (7-1), Corunna (7-2)
Preview: Undefeated Frankenmuth is the favorite to come out of the top half of the D5 bracket, but the Eagles will have competition from the likes of West Catholic, Belding, and undefeated Kingsford. Corunna’s return to Ford Field will prove to be a significant challenge as they share District 1 with Pontiac Notre Dame who impressed this season with wins over Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Reed City, and Jackson Lumen Christi. Armada is another team who could make a title run in the bottom half of the bracket.
HSSS Division 5 State Final Prediction: Frankenmuth 28, Pontiac Notre Dame 26

Back

Division 6
Area Teams to Watch
Central Montcalm: The Hornets improved on last year’s playoff performance, finishing 8-1 with their lone loss coming at the hands of Newaygo. Central Montcalm overcame a challenging schedule, securing wins over Houghton Lake, Berrien Springs, and Kent City. The offense is buzzing with a 43.2 ppg average while the defense has stifled opponents to 11.8 ppg. A rematch with Kent City awaits the Hornets in round one.
Chesaning: Chesaning is returning to the playoffs after a dominant 9-0 regular season. The Indians handled a tough schedule with relative ease notching victories over Bath, New Lothrop, Ovid-Elsie, and Durand plus a 50-point shutout of Montrose in week six. Chesaning’s electric offense, which is scoring 42.6 ppg, is complemented by a tough defense that has limited teams to 12.1 ppg. The Chesaning is led by quarterback Maxwell Volk who has passed for 1,368 yards and 21 touchdown passes. Volk can also do damage as a runner with over 300 yards rushing and eight touchdowns this season. The ground game is led by running back Brayden Florian who has rushed for 1,180 yards and eight touchdowns this season. Their postseason journey starts with a test against Lansing Catholic.
Lansing Catholic: Lansing Catholic will make it 16 straight postseason appearances after finishing 6-3 in the regular season. Wins against Williamston, Ionia, and Pewamo-Westphalia are the highlights of this season. The Cougars The defense has been great at limiting opposing offenses to 20.3 ppg and will be key to a deep playoff run. Lansing Catholic’s path to return to Ford Field will begin against Chesaning in round one.
Ovid-Elsie: Ovid-Elsie finished the season 7-2 to qualify for their 5th straight playoff appearance. The Marauders had impressive 42-7 wins over Durand and Montrose in weeks four and five along with a 42-point shutout of New Lothrop in week eight. Balance has been key for Ovid-Elsie as the offense has scored 39.7 ppg to go along with the defense’s 15.1 points allowed. The Marauders face a tough test in round one against favorites Almont.
Reed City: The Coyotes will be in the postseason for the 15th straight year after a 7-2 regular season finish. Reed City began the season with an impressive 24-22 win over defending Division 6 state champions Kingsley and continued their success with wins over Newaygo, Tri-County, and Beal City. The offense has been electric for the Coyotes, scoring 36.6 ppg including a 63-point performance in their win against Newaygo. Reed City will start their postseason against Manistee.
Top D6 Contenders: Almont (9-0), Chesaning (9-0), Jackson Lumen Christi (8-1), Warren Michigan Collegiate (8-1), Reed City (7-2)
Preview: Undefeated Almont headlines the top half of the D6 bracket as they are favorites to return to Ford Field, but they will need to go through a host of contenders that include unbeaten Chesaning, Reed City, and defending champions Kingsley who beat the Raiders in last year’s D6 title game. Ford Field regulars Jackson Lumen Christi will be heavy favorites in the bottom half of the bracket after another impressive season, but look for Warren Michigan Collegiate as a possible dark horse pick for a title run. Olivet and Marine City are two other teams who could challenge as well.
HSSS Division 6 State Final Prediction: Jackson Lumen Christi 28, Almont 26

Back

Division 7
Area Teams to Watch
Bath: Bath qualified for their 3rd straight postseason appearance after a 5-4 finish in the regular season. The Bees rattled off four straight wins in the second half of the season, including an impressive 22-8 victory over fellow playoff qualifiers Saranac in week seven. Bath features one of the top running backs in Mid-Michigan is Nolan Rowley who has rushed for 1,236 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. Bath will play Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett in the first round.
Burton Atherton: Burton Atherton’s first year back in 11-man football has been a resounding success as the Wolverines finished 7-2 to qualify for their first postseason (both 11 and 8-man) since 2014. The defense has been exceptional, shutting down opponents to just 13.8 ppg. The Wolverines will play fellow success story Leslie in the first round.
Evart: Evart will make it five straight playoff appearances after a 6-3 finish to the regular season. The Wildcats finished the season strong with wins over Houghton Lake and Harrison. Evart’s offense is high scoring, putting up 37.5 ppg and is sure to keep them competitive this postseason. Evart features a productive passing game led by quarterback Aidan Anderson who has passed for 2,416 yards and 28 touchdowns. Anderson has a trio of talented pass catchers to throw to in Lucas Johnson who has caught 52 passes for 867 yards and 10 touchdowns, Noah Vanderlinde who has caught 35 passes for 718 yards and 10 scores and Dryson Derscheid who has corralled 31 passes for 579 yards and six touchdowns. The Wildcats will play North Muskegon in the first round.
Harrison: Harrison makes their postseason return after going 7-2 in the regular season. The Hornets cruised through their first seven games before stumbling at the finish with loses to Ogemaw Heights and Evart to close the season. Harrison will play McBain in the first round of the playoffs.
Ithaca: Ithaca is back for their 16th straight postseason appearance after dominating in the regular season, going 9-0. The offense is scoring at a high 44 ppg clip while the defense has given up just 82 points all season making them a favorite in Division 7. Senior quarterback Jackson Conn has been putting up big numbers this season with 1,520 yards passing and 23 touchdowns. Conn has also rushed for 681 yards and scored 16 rushing touchdowns. Ithaca’s leading ground gainer is running back Nathan Mikesell who has rushed for 1,085 yards and 13 scores. Defensively, the Yellowjackets have been getting big years from Nathan Mikesell who has recorded 96 tackles, Roman Hurosky who has 61 tackles and Broghan Bupp who has totaled 60 tackles. Ithaca’s quest to return to Ford Field for the first time since 2017 starts against Saranac.
Leslie: Leslie is one of this year’s surprise teams going 8-1 for their first winning season since 2012. The Black Hawks impressed with wins over Manchester and Napoleon along with a 35-14 victory over previously unbeaten Hanover-Horton in the final game of the season. Leslie has been strong on both sides of the ball, scoring 40.8 ppg and limiting opponents to 18.4 ppg. Leslie features a potent passing game on offense as sophomore quarterback Joel Cranmore has passed for 2,092 yards and 29 touchdown passes. Cranmore has some talented targets to pass to led by Jaydn Colby who has 1,022 receiving yards and scored nine touchdowns and Braydin Johnson who has 478 receiving yards and seven scores. Their postseason begins against Burton Atherton.
Millington: Millington will be one of the favorites in their 21st straight postseason after a dominant 9-0 regular season that included wins over Reese and Elkton Pigeon-Bay Port Laker. The Cardinals allowed merely 52 points all season including three shutouts while their offense put up 40.4 ppg. The Cardinal offense is led by quarterback Truk TerBush who has passed for 865 yards and 11 touchdowns this season and has rushed for 253 yards and eight touchdowns. Running back Tevon Dallas-Walsh has added 956 yards rushing and scored 13 touchdowns. Ford Field has eluded Millington in the past, but this year is looking promising. Their path to Detroit starts with a rematch against Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker.
Montrose: Montrose is in the playoffs for the 15th straight season with a 6-3 record featuring wins over Durand, New Lothrop, and Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard. This year’s team is no stranger to hard fought and competitive games having won their last three games by a combined nine points making them a tough out in the postseason. The Rams will face fellow perennial power Pewamo-Westphalia in round one of the playoffs.
Pewamo-Westphalia: It is 21 straight postseason appearances for Pewamo-Westphalia after a 7-2 regular season that featured many close games. The Pirates won their season opener 8-7 against playoff qualifiers North Muskegon and had a 33-28 week eight win over Saranac. Their losses to Fowler and Lansing Catholic were by a combined four points. Pewamo has been stout on both sides of the ball, scoring 39.3 ppg while allowing just 10.6 ppg. The Pirates will have a tough opening round matchup against Montrose as they look to return to Ford Field.
Saginaw Valley Lutheran: Valley Lutheran has clinched their first playoff appearance since 2020 after finishing 5-4. The Chargers started the season strong with shutout victories over Rochester Lutheran Northwest and St. Louis and finished the season with a win over Pinconning to secure their spot. They will face Cass City in the first round.
Saranac: Saranac is in the playoffs for the 2nd straight year with a 6-3 finish. The offense has been a highlight for the Red Hawks, scoring 39.6 ppg which will keep them competitive against postseason opposition. Saranac will face a tough test in the first round against favorites Ithaca, but their five-point week eight loss to Pewamo proves that the Red Hawks are sure to put up a fight.
Top D7 Contenders: Ithaca (9-0), Monroe St Mary (9-0), Millington (8-0), Hudson (8-1), Menominee (8-1)
Preview: Division 7 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive brackets this year with title contenders littered throughout. The top half features a pair of undefeated area teams in Ithaca and Millington who will need to fend off a host of challengers that include Montrose, Pewamo-Westphalia, and Menominee who is a dark horse pick to reach the finals. The bottom half is highlighted by undefeated Monroe St Mary who will have to stave off tough competition from the likes of Hudson, Lawton, Schoolcraft, and Leslie if they want to return to Ford Field. Certainly, whoever wins the D7 title will be worthy champions this year.
HSSS Division 7 State Final Prediction: Monroe St Mary 26, Menominee 22

Back

Division 8
Area Teams to Watch
Beal City: The Aggies are back for their 6th straight postseason after a 7-2 finish that included dominant wins over postseason teams Evart and Houghton Lake. The defense has been exceptional this season, giving up only 85 points all year including two shutouts. The Aggies path to a return to Ford Field begins against Frankfort.
Burton Bentley: The renaissance continues at Burton Bentley after the Bulldogs made it back-to-back postseason appearances thanks to a 5-4 record. Bentley’s stingy defense has kept them competitive all season, limiting opponents to 16.2 ppg. The Bulldogs face Clarkston Everest in the first round.
Fowler: Perennial powers Fowler have made it six straight playoff appearances, cruising to a 9-0 record against formidable competition. The Eagles notched wins over Hudson, Saranac, Pewamo, and McBain during the regular season thanks to a defense that has stifled opponents to just 80 points all year. Despite their regular season successes, Fowler has not been to Ford Field since 2011 but this year could be different. The Eagles begin their postseason run against Reese.
Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary: Michigan Lutheran will make their 3rd straight playoffs after finishing the regular season 6-3 with highlight wins over Saginaw Valley Lutheran and Reese. The Cardinal’s defense has been the highlight, limiting opponents to 13.4 ppg and kept the team competitive even losses to Ithaca and Saginaw Nouvel. They will be hoping for redemption in the first round as they play Nouvel who the Cardinals lost to in week four 23-14.
Saginaw Nouvel: Nouvel is back in the postseason after going an impressive 8-1 in the regular season, their only loss coming to D7 power Ithaca. Highlights included a 23-14 win over Michigan Lutheran and wins against Valley Lutheran and Manistique. Defense has been the Panther’s strong suit, limiting opponents to just 14.8 ppg. A rematch against Michigan Lutheran awaits in round one.
Top D8 Contenders: Fowler (9-0), Iron Mountain (9-0), Clarkston Everest Collegiate (8-1), White Pigeon (8-1), Riverview Gabriel Richard (7-1),
Preview: The top half of D8 features a pair of unbeatens in Fowler and Iron Mountain who look to be the early favorites, but the likes of Beal City, Harbor Beach, and Clarkston Everest Collegiate will make this half of the bracket a true gauntlet for whoever is able to make it to Detroit. The bottom half is open for the taking with no clear-cut favorite. Look for Decatur, White Pigeon, or Riverview Gabriel Richard to stake their claim for a spot at Ford Field.
HSSS Division 8 State Final Prediction: Fowler 27, Riverview Gabriel Richard 18

Back

Division 1 football playoff preview

Division 2 football playoff preview

Division 3 football playoff preview

Division 4 football playoff preview

Division 5 football playoff preview

Division 6 football playoff preview

Division 6 football playoff preview

Division 6 football playoff preview

Division 7 football playoff preview

Division 8 football playoff preview