Football State Finals Predictions

Friday at 1:00
Birmingham Brother Rice vs. Lowell
Not many thought Birmingham Brother Rice would be here after they started the season at 5-4 and yet, they’re one win away from picking up their first state title since 2005. Lowell, snuck into this game as they avoided the upset in overtime with a win over Walled Lake Western. Brother Rice has been one of the best running teams in the state this year, behind Northern Illinois commit Devin Church and sophomore sensation Brian Walker as well as DeShun Brown. Defensively, the Warriors have quietly put together quite a run, only allowing 47 points in the playoffs including just seven to the defending state champion Farmington Hills Harrison.
X-Factor: Quarterbacks Nick Rao and Cheyne Lacanaria. Walled Lake Western was able to throw for almost 350 yards and four touchdowns last week against Lowell. If the Warriors can take a few shots to the passing game with Rao and Lacanaria, that may prove to be the difference in this one. Look for receiver Travis Ferguson to have a huge game if the Warriors go to the air on Friday.
Key for Brother Rice: It’s the same for anyone who played Lowell this year. Stop senior quarterback Gabe Dean. He’s capable of moving the ball with his legs or his arm, which has made him arguably the most dangerous player in the state over the past three seasons. If Brother Rice can slow him down, they’ll likely be raising the state title on Friday.
Prediction: Brother Rice 28 Lowell 24


Saturday at 1:00
Novi Detroit Catholic Central vs. Cass Tech
It’s been all about defense this year for the Shamrocks the run defense is second to none, and the pass defense has been as good as any all season long. This game is going to be a slugfest on defense, as the Technicians have only allowed 16 points in their four playoff games, and the Shamrock’s have allowed just 40 points. The Shamrock’s have gotten it done with the running game, but the threat of the passing game has been there this year, as it clinched the Shamrock’s return to Ford Field last week as Kyle Cooper hooked up with Anthony Darkangelo in overtime to beat Rockford. You might see that connection again on Saturday as the Shamrocks look to bring home state title #12.
X-Factor: David Houle, who has been seeing some more time on the field with Wyatt Shallman out of the lineup and has been sneaky good all season long. The Shamrocks have very good offensive threats in Cooper, Darkangelo and tight end Matt Doneth as well, but if they can get Houle going early and often, eventually Catholic Central will be able to hit a big play.
Key for Catholic Central: Keep the Cass Tech defense guessing. Mix up the run game with some short passes and keep the Technicians off balance, they are as good as any on defense, but if the Shamrocks can catch them off guard a time or two, it could be the difference in this one.
Prediction: Catholic Central 14 Cass Tech 8

Saturday at 7:30
Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s vs. Mount Pleasant
Well, this is probably not the match-up that every one at Saint Mary’s was hoping for, as many likely wanted one last shot at knocking off East Grand Rapids. But Mount Pleasant, down 24-0 to EGR early used their high octane offense to get back in the game and then pull off the shocker. Has been able to get the job done behind some old-school football, running the ball and play great defense, Mount Pleasant has done it with its quick strike offense which is averaging nearly 40 points per game this season. But the Saint Mary’s defense has dominated all season long, and I expect the Eaglets to lift the state title behind another solid defensive performance.
X-Factor: It’s going to be the offensive line for the Eaglets who have dominant for much of the season, paving the way for running backs Grant Niemiec and Spencer McInnis all year long. The Saint Mary’s offense has scored 181 points in the playoffs, behind the O-Line.
Key for Saint Mary’s: Slow down the Mount Pleasant offense by limiting the big plays on defense, Mount Pleasant can score in the blink of an eye with the big plays.
Prediction: OLSM 28, Mt. Pleasant 21