Sports Scene Division 1 football playoff preview

Division 1
Area Teams to Watch
Davison: The Cardinals have turned in a strong season going 8-1 with the lone loss coming against undefeated Grand Blanc. Davison started the season strong with a 23-23 win against Warren De La Salle and have gained momentum since. The Cardinals have an explosive offense that is putting up 43.6 points per game. The Davison offense is led by senior quarterback and Western Michigan recruit Jaxson Dosh who has passed for 1,315 yards this season and 18 touchdowns. Dosh is also a dangerous runner who has rushed for over 400 yards and score 14 touchdowns. Cortez Porter is the primary target in the passing game. Porter has 668 yards receiving and has scored eight touchdowns. The Cardinal ground game is keyed by Tyanthony Lewis who is averaging close to 10 yards per carry and has scored nine touchdowns this season. Davison boasts a strong offensive line anchored by senior Ben Nichols (6-5, 315) who is a Notre Dame recruit. On defense, the Cardinals are allowing 19.7 points per game. Senior linebacker Brayden Bundy is a three-year starter who has totaled 81 tackles while fellow linebacker Ayden Seybert has 71 tackles. Davison’s playoff journey begins with a tough matchup at 8-1 Clarkston.
Grand Blanc: Grand Blanc started the season with an impressive 35-20 win at Muskegon Mona Shores and has been on a roll since. The Bobcats finished the regular season with a perfect 9-0 record after outscoring Romeo 40-36 in the finale. In between the Bobcats posted an impressive 57-29 victory over Davison. Grand Blanc features a balanced offense led by quarterback Jake Morrow who has passed for 1,925 yards and 29 touchdowns this season. Micah Kemp and Caseton Sendry are a pair of productive receivers who have over 1,000 yards and 19 touchdown catches between them. The Bobcats are also dangerous running the ball led by Jeremiah Coleman who averaged 11.4 yards per carry and has scored 12 touchdowns. Grand Blanc opens the playoffs by hosting Oxford.
Grand Ledge: Grand Ledge finished the regular season with a 7-2 record. The Comets reeled off six straight wins to begin the season before falling to DeWitt in week seven and Detroit Catholic Central in week eight. The Comets have a potent offense that is putting up 34.7 points per game and is led by quarterback Nick Terranova who has passed for over 1,000 yards this season. On the defensive side of the ball the Comets are allowing 22.2 points per game. The Comets face a tall task in the opening round of the playoffs traveling to East Kentwood to face a high-powered Kentwood team led by quarterback Kayd Coffman who is a Michigan State recruit.
Rockford brings a 7-2 record into the playoffs and has faced as challenging a schedule as any team in the state. The Rams opened the season falling to Saline 37-28 and saw a furious comeback fall just short in a 35-28 loss to unbeaten Hudsonville. The Rams, who are putting up 31 points per game, have impressive wins against Muskegon, East Kentwood and Grandville. Senior quarterback Brayden Daniels leads the offense that includes an excellent core of receivers in Jax Eichbauer and Jackson Cummings. Rockford has a solid ground game featuring running backs Hayden People and Kobe Belcher while Luke Ahern can come in and provide strong running as well. Ahern, a safety on defense and senior linebacker Sam Cummings, lead the stout Ram defense. The Rams open the playoffs by hosting Grandville and would likely face unbeaten Hudsonville in a possible rematch in round two.
Top D1 Contenders: Detroit Cass Tech (9-0), Detroit Catholic Central (9-0), Hudsonville (9-0), Grand Blanc (9-0), Clarkston (8-1), Howell (8-1), Saline (8-1), Rockford (7-2), East Kentwood (7-2).
Preview: Detroit Cass Tech is the team to beat in the bottom half of the bracket. The Technicians are tested-tough and have a load of college talent on the roster. The top half of the bracket will be a slugfest between the powerhouses from the west side of the state along with Detroit Catholic Central, Grand Blanc, Howell and Clarkston from the east side. Catholic Central is loaded with talent as well and navigated a rugged schedule of its own.
HSSS Division 1 State Final Prediction: Detroit Cass Tech 28, Detroit Catholic Central 27

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Sports Scene Division 2 football playoff preview

Division 2
Area Teams to Watch
East Lansing: The Trojans finished the season strong with wins in their final three games to clinch a playoff spot. While the Trojans have a 4-5 record, a look inside the numbers points to a team that faced a loaded schedule. The five losses came against teams that went a combined 42-3 this season including losses against 9-0 Portage Central, Hudsonville and DeWitt. The Trojans also fell to 8-1 Davison and 7-2 Grand Ledge. The Trojans took on all comers and are ready for anyone they face in the playoffs. A young squad, East Lansing is led on offense by running back Baylor Schanski. East Lansing opens the playoffs at 7-2 White Lake Lakeland.
Lansing Everett: Lansing Everett is back in the playoffs for a third straight season. It has been an up and down season for the Vikings who started off with four straight wins before suffering three straight losses against 9-0 Grand Blanc, Grand Ledge and East Lansing. The Vikings then topped Holt before falling to DeWitt in week nine. Everett features one of the premier running backs in the state in Javari Funchess who is headed to Ferris State but has been battling through injuries late in the season. The Vikings open the playoffs with a tough road trip to 9-0 Portage Central in the first round.
Midland Dow: The Chargers of Midland Dow feature one of the most prolific offenses in the state. The Chargers are putting up 40.2 points per game and are led by standout quarterback Wynn Diegel and wide receiver Ben Marinik. The lone loss Dow suffered this season was a 63-39 loss against unbeaten Mt. Pleasant. Dow has posted wins against both Traverse City Central and Traverse City West, who are playoff teams, and defeated 6-3 Fenton 38-6. Dow opens the playoffs hosting 5-4 Waterford Mott with the winner playing the winner of East Lansing/White Lake Lakeland.
Top D2 Contenders: Portage Central (9-0), South Lyon (9-0), Gibraltar Carlson (9-0), Dexter (8-1), Midland Dow (8-1), Muskegon (6-3), Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (6-2), Birmingham Brother Rice (5-4).
Preview: The chase for the title in Division 2 is definitely a wide-open contest. On the top half of the bracket, Portage Central is 9-0 but will face plenty of rugged hurdles. Traditional powers like Muskegon (6-3), Birmingham Brother Rice (5-4) and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (6-2) may not have glittering records but they have faced rugged schedules and have the talent to get to Ford Field. Midland Dow is also in the mix in the upper half of the bracket. In the lower half of the bracket, South Lyon and Gibraltar Carlson are both 9-0 and Dexter is 8-1 with the lone loss coming against Saline.
HSSS Division 2 State Final Prediction: Muskegon 26, Dexter 21

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Sports Scene Division 3 football playoff preview

Division 3
Area Teams to Watch
Bay City Western: Western brings a 4-5 record into the playoffs with the losses coming against Midland and Midland Dow, both Traverse City schools and Mt. Pleasant. The Warriors opened the season with an impressive 34-0 win against Holly. Western possesses a solid offense that is putting up 27 points per game. Western opens the playoffs with a rematch against Mt. Pleasant. The first game between the two league rivals saw Mt. Pleasant claim a 28-17 win, which was one of Mt. Pleasant’s closest games of the season.
Cedar Springs: The Red Hawks are in a district with two other River Cities Alliance league powerhouses in Kenowa Hills and Coopersville along with East Grand Rapids. Cedar’s lone lass this season was a 49-35 defeat against Kenowa Hills and the Red Hawks would definitely like another shot at Kenowa. Cedar can score points in bunches as it is averaging 42.2 points per game. Cedar Springs opens the playoffs at East Grand Rapids in what should be an entertaining contest between traditional powers.
Dewitt: Dewitt was a big favorite to win it all last season before falling to eventual state champion Zeeland West in the semifinals. This year, in what looked like a rebuilding year, the Panthers have not missed a beat and have rolled to a 9-0 record thanks to another high-powered offs. While the Panthers averaged an eye popping 57.8 ppg last season, this year’s edition has put up an impressive 49.7 ppg. Quarterback Trav Moore, a Central Michigan recruit, is one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the state having passed for over 600 yards and 10 touchdowns while running for 1,203 yards and 17 scores. Sophomore running back Channing Ridley has rushed for 787 yards and 11 scores. DeWitt is not just offense either as the defense has been solid all season, allowing 9.9 points per game. Only two teams, Mason and Galloway Westland (Ohio) have managed to reach double digits on the Panthers who play a total-team style of defense. DeWitt opens postseason play hosting Owosso and would face the winner of Linden/Mason with a win against Owosso.
Lowell: Lowell turned in a 7-2 regular season record for a second straight season. Playing in the rugged River Cities Alliance, Lowell’s two losses have come against league rivals Cedar Springs (35-28) and Kenowa Hills (49-35). Lowell also opened the season with an impressive 40-7 win at long-time rival East Grand Rapids who finished the season with a 7-2 mark. The Red Arrows are putting up 37.7 points per game on offense an allowing 19.1 points on defense. Lowell opens the playoff hosting 6-3 Coldwater with a win against the Cardinals securing a berth in the district finals against the winner of Middleville/Hastings.
Mason: In what shaped up to be a rebuilding year, Mason navigated a stacked schedule to post a 5-4 record. The Bulldogs put up 26.3 points per game this season while the defense allowed 18.6 points per game. Mason dropped a pair of tough struggles against DeWitt (44-37) and Haslett (21-14). The Bulldogs closed out the season with another impressive showing in a 21-17 loss against Division 4 superpower Harper Woods, one of the most talented teams in the state regardless of class. Mason is led on offense by quarterback Gerrit Koot and running back Troy Peters. Mason opens the playoffs hosting 6-3 Linden with the winner to face the winner of DeWitt/Owosso.
Mount Pleasant: The Oilers of Mount Pleasant have been one of the premier teams in Division 3 this season. The Oilers blend a potent offense that is putting up 35.1 points per game with a stingy defense that is allowing 12.9 points per game. The Oilers ran the table in the Saginaw Valley North and took care of business outside the conference. Mt. Pleasant opens the playoff hosting 4-5 Bay City Western. A win against Western would move the Oilers on to the district finals against the winner of Marquette and 9-0 Gaylord.
Owosso: Not counting the covid year when everyone made the playoffs, Owosso is in the postseason for the first time since 2012. While the Trojans turned in a winning 5-4 record last year, they missed the playoffs. This season, the Trojans went 6-3 and have generated plenty of football excitement in Owosso. Quarterback Liam Patrick is a talented runner and passer who has thrown for over 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns through week eight while rushing for nearly 700 yards and 10 scores. The offensive line is anchored by Eastern Michigan recruit Carter Miculka (6-6, 270). Wide receiver Braden Reed is a big-time playmaker with 755 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns while Evan Hunter is another standout at receiver and a ball hawk with four interceptions through eight games on defense. A daunting challenge awaits Owosso in the first round as they face undefeated DeWitt on the road.
Top D3 Contenders: DeWitt (9-0), Mt. Pleasant (9-0), Gaylord (9-0), Niles (9-0), Adrian (8-1), Kenowa Hills (8-1), Cedar Springs (8-1), Detroit King (5-4).
Preview: DeWitt was a big favorite to win Division 3 last season but came up just short in the semifinals. This year the Panthers may be flying under a radar a bit but are capable of coming away this the trophy. Playing in the bottom half of the bracket, a semifinal matchup with Detroit Martin Luther King is a potential major hurdle. In the top half of the bracket, Mt. Pleasant and Gaylord are both 9-0 and in the same district. Kenowa Hills and Cedar Springs are a pair of 8-1 teams in the same district. Niles is 9-0 and has a potential matchup with Lowell looming in the regional. Division 3 is overall pretty wide open and even and should be entertaining to watch unfold. How about a Rob Zimmerman finals deluxe, DeWitt vs his old team, Cedar Springs?
HSSS Division 3 State Final Prediction: DeWitt 35, Cedar Springs 30

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Sports Scene Division 4 football playoff preview

Division 4
Area Teams to Watch
Big Rapids: Big Rapids posted an 8-1 for a second consecutive year and secured their sixth straight postseason appearance. The lone loss Big Raids suffered was a 38-28 decision against Coopersville out of the rugged River Cities Alliance. Big Rapids features a potent offense that is putting up 41.7 points per game while the defense is surrendering 8.7 points per game. The Cardinals opened the season with a solid 19-7 win against D4 playoff team Paw Paw. The Cardinals have a rugged playoff opener at 9-0 Ludington.
Freeland: Freeland is back for their 18th straight playoff appearance after finishing the regular season with a 7-2 record. The two blemishes on Freeland’s record came against Swan Valley and Frankenmuth, a pair of 8-1 teams. Freeland has been potent on offense putting up 37.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 14.2 points per game. The Falcons are solid in the trenches led by Michigan State recruit Tristan Comer (6-6, 262). Freeland will be road warriors to open the playoffs as it travels across the bridge to face 8-1 Escanaba.
Haslett: The Vikings turned in a 7-2 mark during the regular season with the lone losses being a 21-3 setback against unbeaten D3 power DeWitt and a 20-14 league loss in a showdown with undefeated Williamston. Led by University of Kansas bound running back Kory Amachree, Haslett is putting up 24.1 points per game on offense. The Vikings also play solid defense allowing 12.4 points per game. Haslett defeated Mason 21-14 in an overtime thriller this season and also took out league rival Fowlerville 20-12. The Vikings are big-game tested and poised to make a postseason run. The Vikings open the playoffs hosting St. Johns with the winner facing the winner of Williamston/Lansing Sexton.
Lansing Sexton: The J-Dubbs are returning to the postseason for a third straight season after turning in a 6-3 regular-season record. Sexton can score points in bunches as it averaged 31.7 ppg. The J-Dubbs enter postseason play on a roll having won five straight games after starting the season 1-3. Sexton opens the playoffs by traveling to 9-0 Williamston.
Portland: Portland cruised to a 9-0 regular-season record for the third straight season and are making their 11th straight playoff appearance. The Raiders reached the state semifinals last year before dropping a three-point decision to Niles. This season the Raiders are putting up 38.1 points per game while the defense is especially stingy, allowing just five points per game. The Raiders feature a powerful ground game led by Kayden Dickerson who rushed for over 900 yards in the first eight games of the season and Nolan Zbytowski who has close to 500 yards rushing. Defensively, only one team has reached double figures on the Portland defense and that was when Sexton scored 12 points. In non-league action, the Raiders have impressive wins over Detroit Country Day and Whitehall. The Raider’s push for a return to Ford Field will begin with a tricky home game against a dangerous Grand Rapids South Christian team in round one. While the Sailors have a 4-5 record, the losses have come against unbeatens Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Grand Rapids West Catholic, once-beaten Unity Christian, 7-2 East Grand Rapids and 6-3 defending D4 champion Zeeland West.
St. Johns: St. Johns returns to the playoffs for a second straight season after turning in a 5-4 record. The Redwings opened the season with a 22-14 win against Hamilton and ended the season by knocking off 6-3 Division 3 Ypsilanti Lincoln 28-23. Two of the four losses came against 9-0 teams in DeWitt and Gaylord with the Gaylord loss being a 32-28 struggle. The Redwings also fell to Mason and Haslett and won a close contest with playoff-bound Fowlerville so St. Johns enters the postseason well tested. That experience will be valuable as the Redwings open the playoffs at Haslett.

Top D4 Contenders: Harper Woods (9-0), Portland (9-0), Goodrich (9-0), Williamston (9-0), Ludington (9-0), Hudsonville Unity Christian (8-1), Chelsea (8-1), Dearborn Divine Child (8-1).
Preview: Division 4 is stocked with solid teams up and down the bracket. In the upper half of the bracket, Ludington, Big Rapids and Unity Christian are part of a rugged regional while Portland is also looking like a regional favorite. The lower half of the bracket has unbeatens Williamston and Goodrich in a bracket that includes an 8-1 Chelsea team coached by savvy playoff veteran coach Noel Dean. In the other lower regional unbeaten Harper Woods has as much skill as any team in the state and has defeated D1 powerhouses while Aidan Hutchinson’s alma mater Dearborn Divine Child has one of its strongest teams in year.
HSSS Division 4 State Final Prediction: Harper Woods 40, Portland 20

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Sports Scene Division 5 football playoff preview

Division 5
Area Teams to Watch
Clare: Clare turned in a 6-3 record to secure their 10th straight playoff appearance. The Pioneers opened the season with three straight wins before dropping a pair of league struggles against Gladwin and Ogema Heights. Clare is putting up 36.4 points per game on offense. The Pioneers face a tough challenge in week one of the playoffs as they travel to Swan Valley to take on the 8-1 Vikings.
Frankenmuth: Since the 2000 season Frankenmuth has reached the final four each year with appearances in the state title game two out of the last three years. The Eagles have another team capable of a deep playoff run this season. The Eagles turned in an 8-1 record this season with the lone loss coming in week one against defending state champion Goodrich by a 17-14 score. Frankenmuth has a high-powered offense this season led by quarterback Lleyton Hoard passed for over 1,000 yards and rushed for over 600 more while accounting for 19 combined touchdowns. The Eagles are averaging 45.7 points per game while the defense is allowing just 11.6 points against. The Eagle’s 15th straight postseason begins with a visit from 5-4 Yale on Friday.
Gladwin: 2022 state champions Gladwin are returning for their sixth straight postseason after turning in a 5-4 mark during the regular season. It was an up-and-down season for the Flying G’s who dropped their first three games before rallying with a five-game winning streak and then bowing to Goodrich in week nine. Gladwin averages 33 points per game and can score points in bunches. The Flying G’s could rack up some frequent flyer miles if they had a plane as they make the trip to the southwestern U.P. to face Kingsford in round one.
Howard City Tri-County: Tri-County capped the regular season with a 5-4 record and is making its sixth straight playoff appearance. The Vikings opened the season winning three straight games including a big 24-15 win against Ovid-Elsie in the opener. Tri-County had to navigate a rough schedule that included conference losses against Big Rapids and Reed City who are a combined 15-3 and a pair of losses to Kent City and Ludington who both finished 9-0. Tri-County boasts a strong offense that is putting up 30.8 points per game. Tri-County opens the playoffs by traveling to 5-4 Whitehall.
Saginaw Swan Valley: Swan Valley is in the playoffs for the 14th straight season after turning in an 8-1 regular season record. The Vikings long loss this season was a 21-14 struggle in week two against an 8-1 Frankenmuth team. Swan Valley rebounded from that loss to post impressive wins against Freeland (31-7) and Bay City John Glenn (28-7). Quarterback Keller Bedford has passed for over 1,100 yards through the first eight weeks of the season and pilots an offense that is putting up 40.1 points per game. Senior standout Jamison Pelt is a big-play receiver with over 600 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches through the first eight weeks. Pelt is also an impact player on defense for a squad allowing just 13.6 ppg. The Vikings host Clare in the first round and with a win play the winner of Howard City Tri-County and Whitehall.
Top D5 Contenders: Grand Rapids Catholic Central (9-0), Ann Arbor Richard (9-0), Frankenmuth (8-1), Grand Rapids West Catholic (8-1), Monroe Jefferson (8-1), Swan Valley (8-1), Pontiac Notre Dame (7-2).
Preview: Swan Valley is primed to make a run to the state semifinals in the top half of the bracket where a matchup with Grand Rapids Catholic Central or G.R. West Catholic could await. In the bottom of the bracket Frankenmuth and defending state champion Pontiac Notre Dame are on a collision course in the regionals for a rematch of last year’s state title game. Ann Arbor Richard, Montroe Jefferson and Michigan Center (8-1) are wildcards on the bottom of the bracket.
HSSS Division 5 State Final Prediction: Grand Rapids Catholic Central 28, Pontiac Notre Dame 26,

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Sports Scene Division 6 football playoff preview

Division 6
Area Teams to Watch
Belding: The Black Knights are poised to make a long run in Division 6 after moving down from Division 5 where they fell to Frankenmuth in the district finals last season. After an opening-season loss to Reed City, Belding has ripped off eight straight wins. The Black Knights are averaging 37.9 points per game and closed out the regular season with a 28-7 win over 6-3 Muskegon Oakridge. Belding opens the playoffs hosting Ovid-Elsie in what should be an entertaining matchup.
Central Montcalm: The Hornets are in the playoffs for a third straight season after posting a 7-2 mark this season. The Hornets are putting up 34.4 points per game and have totaled over 100 points in their final two games of the regular season. Central Montcalm’s two losses have come against Kent City and Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port who are a combined 16-2 this season. The Hornets open the playoffs hosting 7-2 Montague.
Durand: Durand is in the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The Railroaders put together a 7-2 regular-season record that was jump-started by a 28-22 overtime win against Gladstone in week one. After midseason losses to Montrose and Ovid-Elsie, the Railroaders were on the fast track with a five-game winning streak where they eclipsed the 30-point mark in all five games and scored 50 or more in four of the wins. The Railroaders open the playoffs by making a trip to Flint Hamady.
Montrose: Montrose has not missed the playoffs since 2009 and this year’s team is one of the best over that span having turned in a 9-0 regular season. The Rams are potent on offense averaging 30.2 ppg. While the defense is allowing just 4.2 points per contest. The Rams opened the season posting three consecutive shutouts and have six total shutouts for the entire season. Montrose has an interesting playoff opener in the young Flint New Standard Academy squad that possesses plenty of young talent and has fashioned an 8-1 record.
Ovid-Elsie: Ovid-Elsie matched last year’s record by finishing the regular season with a 7-2 record to qualify for the playoffs for the fifth straight year. The Marauders have a productive offense that is putting up 38.8 points per game and that offense has been hitting its stride by scoring 50-plus points in each of the last three games. The Marauders have been in every game they’ve played this season as they fell 24-15 to Howard City Tri-County in week one and dropped a 14-10 defensive struggle to Montrose in a Mid Michigan Athletic Conference showdown. The Marauders will need to be firing on all cylinders when they invade Belding in the first round of the playoffs.
Sanford-Meridian: After opening the season with a pair of losses, the Mustangs rallied to win the Jack Pine Conference II division championship. Sanford-Meridian finished the regular season with a 6-3 record. And is putting up 29.8 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing an average of 18.4 points. The Mustangs have to saddle up for a long road trip to Reed City to face the 7-2 Coyotes in the opening round of the playoffs.
Top D6 Contenders: Almont (9-0), Montrose (9-0), Kent City (9-0), Belding (8-1), Ida (7-2), Ecorse (7-2), Reed City (7-2), Jackson Lumen Christi (6-3), Traverse City St. Francis (6-2).
Preview: Undefeated Montrose and Kent City are looking strong in the top of the bracket but don’t count out Reed City or Traverse City St. Francis. In the bottom half of the bracket Jackson Lumen Christi has a deceiving 6-3 record as they have a win against Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and lost to undefeated Grand Rapids Catholic Central from D5, 8-1 Dearborn Divine Child in D4 and Montini Catholic of Illinois, a defending state champion. Almont is also in the bottom of the bracket and is more than capable of getting back to Ford Field. Keep an eye out for Ida, Maybee primed for a deep tourney run.
HSSS Division 6 State Final Prediction: Jackson Lumen Christi 24, Traverse City St. Francis 21

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Sports Scene Division 7 football playoff preview

Division 7
Area Teams to Watch
Harrison: Harrison is back in the playoffs for a second consecutive season after turning in a 7-2 record for the second straight year. The Hornets opened the season with a big win against Leroy-Pine River with losses coming against Sanford-Meridian and Gladwin. Harrison is averging 37.3 points per game. The Hornets open the playoffs hosting 3-6 Morley-Stanwood.
Ithaca: Ithaca is in the playoffs for the 17th straight season. The Yellowjackets were on a roll early in the season reeling off five straight wins before falling to Saginaw Valley Lutheran 23-22. The Yellowjackets then fell in the final two weeks of the season to Division 8 powers Fowler and Beal City. Ithaca is averaging 38 points per game on offense. Junior quarterback Gibson Rondy has passed for over 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns. Sophomore Greyson Merchant has rushed for over 400 yards and nine touchdowns. The Yellowjackets are young but have enough playmakers to make a run. A rematch at Valley Lutheran awaits in the first round of the playoffs.
Leslie: Leslie turned in a 5-4 record this season and is in the playoffs for the second straight season. The Black Hawks have no problems putting points on the scoreboard as they are averaging 36.6 points per game. Leslie features a potent passing game on offense as junior quarterback Joel Cranmore has passed for over 1,700 yards and 14 touchdowns. Braydin Johnson is the top receiving target and is also a playmaker on defense. Leslie opens the playoff making the trip to Monroe to face a 7-2 Monroe St. Mary’s squad.
Millington: Millington is making its 21st straight postseason appearance this season and the first one where it enters the playoffs as a defending state champion. The Cardinals went 7-2 this season but the playoff experience will be invaluable. The Cardinals like to run the ball and they have plenty of balance and depth at running back. Millington is averaging 31.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 15.7 points. The Cardinals open the playoffs hosting Burton Bendle and a possible state title game rematch with Monroe St. Mary’s looms in the regional final.
Morley-Stanwood: the Mohawks are in the playoffs with a 3-6 record meaning that their schedule has been a blockbuster. Morley dropped a pair of games to Division 6 foes Kent City and Central-Montcalm who went a combined 16-2 this season. The Mohawks averaged 20. Points per game this season and played some tight games including a two-point loss to D6 Harbor Springs and a three-point loss to Leroy-Pine River. Morley opens the playoffs at Harrison.
Pewamo-Westphalia: The postseason streak has hit 21 years in a row for the Pirates and this year’s squad may be playing in the playoffs right up to the end of the month. Pewamo-Westphalia went 8-0 during the regular season, averaging a whopping 46.8 points per game while allowing just 3.1 points on defense. The Pirates play a swarming brand of defense while the offense is multi-dimensional around quarterback Ty Thelen who has passed for over 800 yards and 22 touchdowns and rushed for close to 600 yards and 12 more scores. The Pirates kick off the playoffs by hosting Ravenna.
Saginaw Valley Lutheran: Valley Lutheran is turning in a memorable year. The Chargers finished the season with a perfect 9-0 record and won the conference title highlighted by a dramatic 23-22 win against Ithaca and a 27-20 win against Nouvel Catholic. The Chargers are putting up 34.7 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 10.1 ppg. The playoffs start a second season and Valley Lutheran will hook up with Ithaca again for an opening-round rematch that should be fun.
Saranac: Saranac is in the playoffs for a third straight year as it put together a 7-2 regular-season record. The lone two losses came against long-time conference powerhouses Pewamo-Westphalia and Fowler. Saranac is a well-balanced squad averaging 29.3 points per game while allowing 15.4 points per game on defense. The Red Hawks open the playoffs with a trip to the lakeshore to face a 6-3 North Muskegon squad.
Top D7 Contenders: Menominee (9-0), Saginaw Valley Lutheran (9-0), Pewamo-Westphalia (8-0), Charlevoix (8-1), Ottawa Lake Whiteford (8-1), Schoolcraft (7-2), Lawton (7-2), Monroe St Mary (7-2), Millington (7-2), Ithaca (6-3).
Preview: Division 7 will be no picnic as solid schools can be found throughout the state. In the top half of the bracket, Menominee and Charlevoix will battle it out for a regional title while undefeated teams Pewamo-Westphalia and Saginaw Valley Lutheran will go at it for another regional. The lower half of the bracket has rival Lawton and Schoolcraft in one region while last year’s D7 finalists Millington and Monroe St. Mary are joined by a solid Ottawa Lake Whiteford in another regional.
HSSS Division 7 State Final Prediction: Pewamo-Westphalia 30, Schoolcraft 27

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Sports Scene Division 8 football playoff preview

Division 8
Area Teams to Watch
Beal City: The Division 8 defending state champion Aggies are back and possibly even stronger this season. Beal City turned in a perfect 9-0 regular-season record this fall. The Aggies were hitting on all cylinders on offense averaging 45.9 ppg. The defense was a brick wall allowing just 3.4 points per game. Beal City opened the season with a 15-2 win against D7 Ravenna and closed the regular season with a 39-8 win at Ithaca. The road to return to Ford Field begins at home against Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart.
Fowler: Fowler is back in the playoffs for a seventh straight season. The Eagles turned in a 6-3 record this season with the losses coming against the likes of undefeated teams like Pewamo-Westphalia along with McBain. Fowler is solid on offense averaging 35.6 points per game. That offense was hitting on all cylinders in a 48-28 win against D7 Ithaca. Fowler kicks off the playoffs with a difficult road trip to 6-3 New Lothrop.
Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart: The Irish are back in the playoffs in their first year back playing 11-man football after several years of 8-man football. The Irish finished the season with a 5-4 record and clinched a playoff berth with a thrilling 31-28 win against Lake City in week nine. Sacred Heart features a solid offense that is putting up 24.4 points per game. The Irish finished the season strong winning three out of their last four games. There was no luck of the Irish come selection Sunday as Sacred Heart must travel to Beal City to take on the defending state champs.
New Lothrop: The Hornets saw their long string of playoff appearances snapped last season but are back this year to begin a new streak. A young and improving team, the Hornets averaged 30.9 points per game on offense led by talented quarterback Karson Agnew. New Lothrop went 6-3 this season with losses coming against Durand, Montrose and Ovid-Elsie who all made the playoffs in Division 6.
Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary: Michigan Lutheran will make their fourth straight trip to the playoffs after finishing the regular season 6-3. The Cardinals have faced a rugged schedule with close losses against Ithaca, 42-40 in overtime, Valley Lutheran by 10 points and Nouvel 27-14. MLS also owns a 30-14 win over 6-3 D7 Cass City. MLS has a high-powered offense putting up 37.7 ppg. with quarterback Andrew Miller throwing for close to 800 yards and nine touchdowns. MLS opens the playoffs at Saginaw Nouel in what should be a close struggle.
Saginaw Nouvel: Nouvel posted a 7-2 record in the regular season. The Panthers have a high-octane offense putting up 35.3 points per game. Quarterback Ian Ziegelmann has passed for over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns while running back Owen Vance has rushed for over 900 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. Nouvel is strong on defense allowing just 11.9 point per game. A rematch with MLS kicks off the opening-round of the playoffs.
Top D8 Contenders: Hudson (9-0), Harbor Beach (9-0), Beal City (9-0), Springport (9-0), Melvindale Academy of Business and Tech (9-0), Madison Heights Madison (8-1), Maple City Glen Lake (7-1), Fowler (6-3).
Preview: Division 8 is home to some powerhouses this season with some blockbuster games possible in the playoffs. A regional final between Beal City and Harbor Beach is must see. Harbor Beach has an impressive win against defending D7 champ Millington to its credit while Beal City went to Ithaca and claimed a big win against the traditional D7 power. Hudson is loaded and has been putting up some huge numbers but may have to navigate past some unbeaten teams in the other side of the bracket.
HSSS Division 8 State Final Prediction: Harbor Beach 30, Hudson 28

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Sports Scene 8-man D1 football playoff preview

8-Man Division 1
Area Teams to Watch
Bay City All Saints: All Saints is back in the playoffs after turning in a 7-2 record for a second straight season. The Cougars are putting up 39.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 7.9 ppg. After a week five loss to Onekama, All Saints closed the season strong with four straight wins where it eclipsed the 60-point mark three times. All Saints does have a tough first-round hurdle to clear in an 8-1 Kingston team that can light up a scoreboard as well.
Blanchard Montabella: Blanchard Montabella turned in a memorable season as it went 8-1 and qualified for the playoffs for the second straight season. The Mustangs feature a high-powered offense that is putting up a whopping 49.1 points per game. Quarterback Gabriel Kauffman is a big part of the offense along with running backs Brady Kieff who has over 1,000 yards rushing and fellow running back Austin Jensen. Montabella is solid on defense allowing 14 points per game. The Mustangs open the playoffs hosting Breckenridge.
Breckenridge: The Huskies are back in the playoffs after missing out the past two seasons. Breckenridge turned in a 6-3 record this season behind an offense that put up 25.7 points per game. Quarterback Gavin Corbat is one of the most prolific passers in the state as he threw for 1,836 yards and 20 touchdowns. Corbat also rushed for over 600 yards. Wideout Trey Most had a big season racking up over 1,000 receiving yards and hauling in 11 touchdowns.
Merrill: The Vandals are back in the playoffs after a one-year absence. After falling to D2 powerhouse Portland St. Patrick in the season opener, Merrill reeled off six straight wins before dropping a 36-26 decision to Montabella in week eight. The Vandals feature a high-scoring offense that is putting up 38.4 points per game. Quarterback Robert Kral has passed for over 1,000 yards this season and has also rushed for over 1,000 yards. Merrill opens the playoffs by hosting 6-3 Central Lake.
Top 8-Man D1 Contenders: Norway (9-0), Indian River Inland Lakes (9-0), Martin (9-0), Blanchard Montabella (8-1), Kingston (8-1), Pickford (7-1).
Preview: The top half of the bracket has 9-0 teams Norway and Indian River Inland Lakes in the same regional. Both of those teams have been putting up huge numbers. The winner of that regional could get either Montabella or Merrill. Martin looks to be the team to beat in the lower part of the bracket with Kingston also capable of getting to the finals.
HSSS 8-Man Division 2 State Final Prediction: Martin 40, Indian River Inland Lakes 34

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Sports Scene 8-man D2 football playoff preview

8-Man Division 2
Area Teams to Watch
Morrice: Morrice clinched their ninth straight playoff berth as they fashioned an 8-1 record this year with the lone loss being a 14-7 decision to top-ranked Portland St. Patrick. The Orioles have one of the most potent offenses in 8-man football as they are putting up 44.1 points per game. Quarterback Griffin Long has passed for over 1,100 yards and 13 scores this season. Long also ran the ball for over 700 yards and 17 scores while running back Austin Gutting has close to 800 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns. Defensively, the Orioles are allowing 10.3 points per game. The Orioles open the playoffs with a tough trip to 8-1 Deckerville.
Portland St. Patrick: After going 8-1 last season, the Shamrocks came back for an encore and went 9-0 this season. St. Patrick is tops in Division 2 in playoff points and owns wins against D1 powers Montabella and Merrill and earned a 14-7 win against rival Morrice. St. Patrick features a high-powered offense that is averaging 42.9 ppg. The offense is paced by quarterback Jerryd Scheurer and talented running backs Brady Leonard and Hudson King. The St. Patrick defense is also rock solid allowing just 8.6 points per game. St. Patrick begins their playoff by hosting Marion.
Top 8-Man D2 Contenders: Portland St. Patrick (9-0), North Dickinson (9-0), Mendon (9-0), Onekama (9-0), Morrice (8-1), Deckerville (8-1), Lake Linden-Hubbell (7-2), Powers North Central (7-2).
Preview: North Dickinson and Onekama are a pair of 9-0 teams in the top half of the bracket. Lake Linden-Hubbell and Powers North Central are both 7-2 but are capable of getting on a run. The lower half of the bracket has 9-0 teams Portland St. Patrick and Mendon in the same regional. The winner of that regional could very well face Deckerville or Morrice who both have 8-1 marks. The is plenty of intrigue in Division 2 this year.
HSSS 8-Man Division 2 State Final Prediction: Morrice 28, Lake Linden-Hubbell 22

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