The Shamrocks have been arguably the hottest team in the state since the start of the playoffs, and don't expect that to change after this week. The Catholic Central defense, behind ends Wyatt Shallman and Dylan Roney and linebacker Brandon Malinowski has been punishing, while holding teams to just over 10 points per game in the postseason. Look for the defense to continue its dominating ways and the offense, behind running backs Anthony Darkangelo and David Houle, to drain the clock and keep the ball away from the Rams.
Catholic Central 17, Rockford 10
Lake Orion vs. Cass Tech
I've been saying throughout the playoffs that the Dragons have more speed than most can handle, but if anyone can keep up with the high powered Lake Orion offense, it's Cass Tech. The game plan for the Dragons will be simple, slow down quarterback Jayru Campbell and a name that should help get the job done will be defensive back Nick Booker, who has helped shut down several aerial attacks this year. The Lake Orion offense should do its fair share of scoring on Saturday with Jacob Miller, Zak Arnold and Co., but can the defense, behind Derric Williams and Booker slow down the Technicians just enough?
Lake Orion 38, Cass Tech 35
Birmingham Brother Rice vs. Wyandotte Roosevelt
This might be the most lopsided semifinal in the state, plain and simple. If Roosevelt can only score 10 points this week, like they did against Oak Park, there's a chance that Brother Rice wins by 40. There's a good chance that the Brother Rice defense holds Roosevelt to 10 points or less behind the dominating defense and the simply punishing run game behind Brian Walker and Shon Powell should continue to wear down the Roosevelt defense as the game goes on.
Brother Rice 31, Roosevelt 10
Orchard Lake St. Mary's vs. Battle Creek Harper Creek
Another rematch from a thrilling semifinal game from 2011 where the Eaglets barely topped Harper Creek last season en route to winning a state title. This year, the game may not be as close, but Harper Creek could be the best challenge for St. Mary's in its search for a back-to-back state titles. Look for the dominating defense, and the offense, behind the two-headed monster of Grant Niemiec and Parker McInnis as well as the punishing offensive line to send the Eaglets back to Ford Field.
OLSM 35, Harper Creek 28
Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs. Saginaw Swan Valley
The Yellowjackets will look to slow down a high-powered offense for the second straight week. Last week Country Day limited a Grosse Ile team, which scored 70 points in a district final to just 14 and now will try to slow down Swan Valley, who has averaged 40 points per contest so far in the playoffs. Look for another strong showing from the Country Day defense and defensive tackle Poet Thomas as Richie Wilson and Tyler Weigers and the Yellowjacket offense looks to continue to score at will for the second straight week.
Country Day 42, Swan Valley 28
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