Football State Semifinals Predictions

Novi Detroit Catholic Central vs. Rockford
A match-up of the 2008 state champs (Rockford) and the 2009 state title holder (Catholic Central), which should make for the best game of the weekend. Both offenses like to line up and run the ball, and both do an excellent job at stopping the run. The tiebreaker here is going to be the passing game, and if that’s the case, I give the edge to Catholic Central and quarterback Kyle Cooper, who is capable of dumping the ball off short or throwing the long ball. If Catholic Central can slow the high powered Rockford offense, it’s going to be the Shamrocks heading back to Ford Field.
Catholic Central 14 Rockford 10

Birmingham Brother Rice vs. Detroit Martin Luther King
A game that features two of the top running backs that the state of Michigan has to offer in Brother Rice’s Devin Church and King’s Dennis Norfleet. If Brother Rice is going to win this game, they will need to give King a big dose Church and sophomore sensation Brian Walker. On the flip side, it’s unlikely that Rice will completely shutdown Norfleet, but the Warriors will need to limit him in both the run game as well as in the receiving game if they are going to punch their ticket to Ford Field.
Brother Rice 31 King 21


Walled Lake Western vs. Lowell
The Warriors have been playing some of the best defense in the state during their playoff run which includes allowing just 10 points in regulation over the past two weeks, but the Warriors will face by far their toughest challenge on Saturday. Arguably the best offense in the state versus arguably the hottest defense in the playoffs to this point? It’s going to be an interesting battle to see who comes out on top. This is the third consecutive year that the Red Arrows have been to the state semifinals, including a state title in 2009, so that gives Lowell the slight edge on Saturday.
Lowell 17 Western 14 in OT


Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s vs. Battle Creek Harper Creek
Harper Creek has a perfect 12-0 record for good reason, but they’re just not on the same level as the Eaglets. If Saint Mary’s can keep to the game plan of giving the ball to running backs Spencer McInnis and Grant Niemeic, a return to Ford Field is all but certain. Offensively, the Eaglets have been unstoppable in just about everyway possible as they have racked up 167 points in three games in the postseason, but one thing that has been overlooked throughout the postseason has been the Eaglet defense which has allowed just 33 points in the playoffs.
OLSM 42, Harper Creek 21