Walled Lake Central at Utica Eisenhower
Key for Central:
The Vikings need to get their three headed monster of Zac Leimbach, K.J. Schultz and Curtis Booth going early and often as they have in their first two playoff games to this point. If Central can have success on offense, there defense is more than capable of stopping Eisenhower.
Breakdown:
If the Vikings can play the way they have to this point of the playoffs, there are very few teams that can beat them. The Eisenhower defense is one of the best in the state, but Central has had a ton of success running their triple option. The difference in this game will come down to the Vikings defense.
Central 17 Eisenhower 14
Walled Lake Western at Port Huron
Key for Western:
After Port Huron snuck out a win over Rochester Adams last week after Adams shot itself in the foot because of turnovers and penalties, it’s obvious what Western has to do to pick up the win. Control the ball and avoid turnovers.
Breakdown:
Western sophomore quarterback Kyle Bambard has grown into the starting quarterback role very nicely over the past couple of weeks and he’s making the Western offense even more dangerous. But the if the Warriors defense can dominate much like they did against South Lyon last week, Western should make it into the state semifinals.
Western 24 Port Huron 17
Linden at Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s
Key for OLSM:
Just continue to play as they have all season long. The Eaglets defense has been flat out dominant all year long and should continue to do so for the rest of the season.
Breakdown:
With each passing week, the Eaglets are looking more and more unbeatable and I think they are as good of a bet as any to be in the state finals in three weeks. The OLSM rushing attack has looked rock solid behind its bruising offensive line. There isn’t much not to like about the Eaglets at this point.
OLSM 42 Linden 21
Birmingham Brother Rice at Southfield
Key for Brother Rice:
Pound the rock. It’s that simple, the Warriors’ O-Line dominated the line of scrimmage against Farmington Hills Harrison. Pair that with the stellar play from running backs Devin Church (Northern Illinois) and Brian Walker, the Warriors had the look of a state title team.
Key for Southfield:
Allow the offensive playmakers to make plays. With recent Syracuse commit Ron Thompson, Brandon Watkins, and Leviticus Payne (Cincinnati) all capable of scoring on any given play, if quarterback Justin Danzy can get the ball in their hands, this game will be close. Danzy has been the X-factor for the Warriors all season long, with very good decision making and athleticism.
Breakdown:
Brother Rice is coming off an emotional win, and at times teams can stumble a bit after games such as that. But I think at this point of the season, the Warriors know just how close they are to making it to Ford Field and they just won’t let that slip away from them.
Brother Rice 28 Southfield 24
Ann Arbor Pioneer at Novi Detroit Catholic Central
Key for Catholic Central:
Stop Pioneer running back and U-M commit Drake Johnson. Johnson will get the vast majority of the carries and is a home run hitter when the ball is in his hands. If they can shut down Johnson and the Pioneer offense, Catholic Central will be on to the state semifinals once again.
Breakdown:
Catholic Central quarterback Kyle Cooper has given the Shamrock offense a new element, which in turn has opened things up for the offense throughout this season. Defensively, with Michigan commit Matt Godin the Shamrock’s shouldn’t have much trouble controlling the line of scrimmage which will, in turn, throw a wrench in the plans for Pioneers
Catholic Central 35 Pioneer 17
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