The Road to Ford Field
Dust off the crystal ball for 2012 and take a look at who may be standing at Ford Field on Thanksgiving weekend.
DIVISION 1
After years of coming close, Detroit Cass Tech broke through in a big way last year and defeated Detroit Catholic Central for the D1 state title. With a bushel full of talented athletes back, led by University of Michigan recruits David Dawson and Jourdan Lewis, the Technicians are primed for a repeat. Catholic Central is loaded once again and has a big, physical squad. Look for De La Salle Collegiate and quarterback Shane Morris to make a deep run along with Plymouth-Canton, Midland, Grand Blanc, and Rockford.
Pick to win: Detroit Cass Tech
DIVISION 2
Brother Rice started slow last year but finished fast, as it defeated Lowell to win the state title. Led by linebackers Jon Reschke and Lucas Cherocci, the Warriors can make it two in a row. The Detroit area is loaded in Division 2, with Walled Lake Western, Detroit MLK, and Farmington Hills Harrison in the mix. From the west side of the state ,keep an eye out for a loaded Muskegon team that has great size and speed.
Pick to win: Muskegon
DIVISION 3
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s dominated Division 3 last season but this year must repeat without a number of key players. East Grand Rapids and Harper Creek have reloaded and are poised for long playoff runs. Grand Rapids Christian, however, is the most talented team in the state. Keep an eye out for Chelsea with super running back Berkley Edwards and quarterback Nate Bossory, who transferred in from Manchester.
Pick to win: Grand Rapids Christian
DIVISION 4
Zeeland West stormed its way to a 14-0 record and a state title last year. This year, the Dux return plenty of talent, led by junior big man Jordan Van Dordt (6’5″, 280 pounds). Long-time power Detroit Country Day has a ton of young talent led by junior quarterback Tyler Wiegers. Notre Dame Preparatory and Grand Rapids Catholic Central have talented teams once again, while Pennfield has another strong squad in southern Michigan.
Pick to win: Zeeland West
DIVISION 5
Led by a rugged defense, Powers Catholic surprised many by winning the D5 state title last season. The Chargers have another solid squad this year and will make another run at the title. Lansing Catholic has some rebuilding to do after reaching the final last year. That opens up the door for Lumen Christi, which has a veteran team with strong running and passing games. Look for Father Gabriel Richard, Alma, Hopkins, and Portland to also have strong teams.
Pick to win: Lumen Christi
DIVISION 6
Can the Yellowjackets do it again? After winning the last two D6 state titles, Ithaca is looking to make it three in a row. The task will not be easy, with Constantine, Iron Mountain, Oakridge, Montrose, Montague, and Morley Stanwood all having solid teams.
Pick to win: Oakridge
DIVISION 7
Nouvel Catholic Central ran away with the state title last year by defeating Pewamo-Westphalia in the title game. This year, look for northern Michigan powerhouse Traverse City St. Francis to be the team to beat. Led by junior standouts Byron Bullough and Jake Khoury, the Gladiators have plenty of talent. Detroit Loyola may have the state;s most imposing juniors in linemen Malik McDowll and Ka’John Armstrong.
Pick to win: Traverse City St. Francis
DIVISION 8
Mendon proved to be unstopable last fall, as it rolled to the state title. While the Hornets suffered heavy graduation losses, enough talent returns for the Hornets to make another title run. St. Ignace has a solid team led by linebacker Joe Ostman, a Central Michigan University recruit. Fowler returns plenty of talent from a team that reached the state title game last year. New Lothrop, Forest Park, and Summerfield have solid teams once again, while Muskegon Catholic Central has one of the premier ground games in the state.
Pick to win: Muskegon Catholic Central