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
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