Walled Lake Central vs. Lake Orion
The best match-up of the first round just might be Walled Lake Central vs. Lake Orion. Last year, Central was in the final four of Division 2 and Lake Orion, was the Division 1 champion. Both teams have 6-3 records, but are both capable of doing a lot of damage in the playoffs this year.
Rochester Adams at Oxford
A rematch of the overtime thriller from three weeks ago. Oxford is the favorite to win in this game because of its impressive running attack behind Prescott Line and their big offensive line. But don’t overlook Adams, quarterback Tony Anesse has made big play after big play this season for the Highlanders.
Pontiac at Clarkston
Clarkston won this match-up the first time around, but round two could be a bit different. Pontiac is one of the state’s hottest teams right now, and with their electric rushing attack, Pontiac could be primed for an upset. Clarkston has balance across the board, which is a big reason as to why the Wolves only lost one game on the field before forfeiting two of their wins. The Wolves better beware though.
Most Intriguing match-ups
South Lyon at Holly
Speaking of hot teams, Holly started the season at 0-2, and haven’t lost since. Quarterback Johnny Williams and Co. have looked unbeatable at times, but South Lyon has surprised a lot of teams this season, and Holly just might be the next that South Lyon sneaks up on. Very interested to see how this one plays out.
Brother Rice at North Farmington
The Warriors snuck into the playoffs at 5-4, but the record doesn’t even begin to tell the story. The Warriors have the pieces on offense (particularly at running back) as well as defense (mainly in the secondary) to cause fits for other teams. North Farmington has been yet another hot team to make the playoffs, thanks in large part to an explosive rushing attack that has torn apart opposing defenses.
Northville at Novi Detroit Catholic Central
Last season, Catholic Central took care of Northville relatively easily in the first round of the playoffs, both teams enter with an 8-1 record this time around. The winner of this game will get earn a match-up between the winner of Plymouth and Plymouth Canton, for what could lead to a trip to Ford Field a few weeks from now. Catholic Central should come out on top this time around as well.
Tough Draws
Marysville at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Talk about a tough break. Notre Dame Prep finishes the year with an unblemished record. Their reward? A match-up with 8-1 Marysville. I still expect it to be business as usual for the Fighting Irish, but round one won’t be as easy as many thought it could be.
Grosse Pointe Woods University of Liggett at Royal Oak Shrine
Much like Notre Dame Prep, Shrin is dealt a pretty rough draw in Division 7. After finishing the regular season with an 8-1 record, Shrine will be playing host to 9-0 Liggett. Shrine should still come out on top, but it didn’t get any favors with their first round draw.
Birmingham Seaholm at Farmington Hills Harrison
Congrats to Seaholm on a great and memorable season. Your reward? A first rough pairing with... Farmington Hills Harrison. The defending Division 2 state champion is playing some of the best football the county has seen in decades. While this has been a memorable season for Seaholm on a number of levels, they didn't catch any breaks in the selection process.
Keep an Eye on:
Milford at Walled Lake Western
Walled Lake Western should move on to round 2, but they cannot overlook Milford. The Mavericks have had one of the most underrated rushing attacks in the state, and if they get out to a lead, they have the ability to run the clock down and keep the ball out of the Warrior’s hands for long lengths of time.
Romeo at Troy Athens
Both teams have had impressive seasons, but the difference for Athens will be their run game. Running back Sam Haskell will be the X-Factor for the Red Hawks, look for Athens to get it done with the ground game along with a little help from the defense.
Southfield at Birmingham Groves
I’d expect Southfield to come out on top in this one, but with Groves making their first playoff appearance since 2004 and having the home field advantage in this game it could be a close one. Groves will have to do everything in their power to keep the ball out of Southfield hands. Southfield’s firepower on offense can put up some points in a hurry.
Birmingham Detroit Country Day at Detroit Crockett
If Country Day is going to win, it might have to be the John Hill show. If the Yellowjackets can get the job done on the ground, they have a better than good chance in coming out on top. Keeping the Crockett offense at bay is a must for Country Day in this one.
Getting in with 5 wins:
Farmington, Auburn Hills Avondale, Brother Rice, Ortonville Brandon
All three will have a shot at moving on in the playoffs, but it's going to be a challenge for them to do so, all playing 7-2 teams that have proven plenty all season long. Avondale has a shot as long as quarterback Mitch Robinson is under center, and Farmington is no stranger in upsetting teams. Brandon will need some big time play from quarterback Shane Mahaffy if they are going to pull an upset over 8-1 Port Huron, and Brother Rice, is no stranger at all to the playoffs.
In But flying under the radar:
Madison Heights Madison, Bloomfield Hills Lahser
Madison should be able to take down Detroit PEC, who is making their first ever playoff appearance, behind their high flying offense and a little bit of defense to help out. Lahser, will have a tougher test against a very talented Redford Thurston team, but if the Knight's defense comes up big like they've done before, they might be able to pull off the upset.
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